No doubt some of us have done recruited staff and have had guidance from our HR advisors for our respective companies that we work for. Also some of us have had to apply for jobs over the past few years.

Reputable employers who understand appropriate hiring practices, don't ask for references in advance, until initial screening/interviews. Educational transcripts from seasoned/experienced applicants tend to requested if you are selected for interviews. Alot of employers just don't want to deal with a glut of additional information from all applicants if they will eliminate some applicants from the interview screening list.

I have been advised within the past 3 yrs. by employment advisors in Canada who have been hired by the Canadian federal govn't on providing advice to unemployed professionals. It is great (free) advice available in the big Canadian cities.

I have noticed outside of North America, there are different hiring practices.