When I was first was shown this method for getting first hand references on how well an applying tech preformed at their current or past shop job ,I was resistant to also using it as a second option to hiring the "reference" tech. Since then I have been able to see how effective it can be when the person applying for the experienced tech position is not at all qualified for the advertised position. Now to take it a step further it can be an additional source by asking the reference tech who was the best tech they have ever worked with to be able to expand the tech search reach when neither the original applying tech or the reference tech is a good fit for the position.