Former Coworker puts you down as professional reference, but they werent very good

Self explained title there. If a former coworker that you actually really really like as a person put you down as a reference, but they were actually pretty awful at their job, would you still go to bat for them and say they were the next coming of jesus?

Do you gas up a former coworker that doesnt really deserve the gas?

Attached poll
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๐Ÿ‘ฅ Hiring
7
Avon
Politicker
3
Senior Account Executive
If we were friends, yes. If I never especially loved them but they were always atleast polite, probably still yes. If they were an asshat, no.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
๐ŸฆŠ
Yes. If they asked my permission first and gave me the heads up? Even better.
MadamWhiplash
Valued Contributor
1
Sales Manager
Agreed, last thing I want is to be blindsided by it and say the wrong thing. Gimme the deets and I've got your back. (If you were a dick, the answer is gunna be a hard no)
Gyro25
Notorious Answer
1
Account Executive
Yup. I'd only not to do that if they were an ass. If they were overall pleasant to work with regardless of performance, I'd be a reference for sure.ย 
funcoupons
WR Officer
0
๐Ÿ‘‘
I ain't a snitch so yes. I think employment references are pretty much BS unless it's a high level position tho so...
Beans
Big Shot
0
Enterprise Account Executive
Yes as long as they're not joining my company - won't have my rep tarnished.ย 
WomenWantMeFishFearMe
Politicker
0
AM
Help a brother out. Good karma.

Edit: That said, do no lie/ Talk about their positive abilities and traits, just gas up what you know about them that is good. Downplay/ play dumb on the bad. No need to hurt them when they're trying to get a new gig.
3

Tell me about a good boss

Discussion
4
42
Members only

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Question
72