It's actually relatively funny but, half a dozen times at least, I have been asked to be a reference for an individual who I have flat out told I would not be a

It's actually relatively funny but, half a dozen times at least, I have been asked to be a reference for an individual who I have flat out told I would not be a good reference for. They put me down anyway and I answer the interviewers questions honestly and respectfully. I do believe in every case the person was not given the job after the interviewer spoke with me. I have also called other peoples references and had them not go well. So I guess, on occasion, references are not cherry picked to be perfect. Funny side note, one individual has used me many times over many years as a reference and has received the same feedback each time. I have even told him in person and in writing not to use me as a reference. Some people just don't learn.