My references are people I like and respect, and I'm not going to impose on them any more than absolutely necessary. I don't even give out their numbers until I

My references are people I like and respect, and I'm not going to impose on them any more than absolutely necessary. I don't even give out their numbers until I have a firm expectation of receiving an acceptable offer. (I make an exception for HR staff, because confirming employment and such is part of their day job rather than a personal favor.) Besides, if you have the slightest clue, your references will all speak favorably of you. It's a test with very poor specificity.