Member Avatar for DavidB

Some of my connections on LinkedIn have been sending me requests to also connect with them on ReferHire and Dock (if you're on LinkedIn, you probably know what I am talking about.)

So far, I have resisted. My first impression is something like, "Great. More social media networks. Isn't there enough already!"

But I am wondering if any DaniWeb members have experience with either of these communities.
If so, what is your impression?

Edited by DavidB
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  • Latest Post Latest Post by rproffitt

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Short answer: both deserve caution, but for different reasons. ’s instinct that “do I need another network?” is valid; correctly flagged spam/contact-harvest concerns for ReferHire, and Dock began life as a token-backed/blockchain project before repositioning toward verifiable credentials and enterprise identity.

What to watch for with any LinkedIn-linked referral site:

  • Does the sign-in flow ask to import your contacts or “invite on your behalf”? That is the main red flag.
  • Read the privacy policy for how contacts are used and whether the site can send emails on your behalf.
  • If already connected, revoke the app, enable two-factor auth, change passwords, and search your inbox for bulk invites to confirm whether your network has been messaged. Practical controls and checklists for removing third-party app access and limiting contact sharing are widely recommended.

If a service uses blockchain (Dock originally did): the technology makes true deletion difficult, so prefer projects that keep personal data off-chain, store only hashes on-chain, and publish clear data-controller contact details and deletion flows. European guidance adopted in 2025 emphasizes avoiding PII on public chains and using off-chain techniques to satisfy GDPR rights. That is why a blockchain-based resume/referral product needs extra scrutiny.

Quick practical checklist before you click “Connect”:

  1. Scan requested permissions and refuse contact-import or send-on-your-behalf scopes.
  2. Confirm where personal data is stored (on-chain vs off-chain).
  3. Check refund/subscription terms for paid tiers.
  4. Revoke access and rotate credentials if something looks off.
  5. When in doubt, ask the referrer to message you directly or use the company’s official careers page instead.
Member Avatar for rproffitt

I have thoughts but first I read https://www.trustpilot.com/review/referhire.com and have to write if that's true you and I should never go there. Spamming, harvesting your contacts? Bad company IMO. Also "Spam which breaches GDPR laws." means, well, they are probably old school spammers.

Dock? As in Dock.io? kicks it around. I see no reason to go there as well. I haven't researched this one much but it sounds like one of those blockchain ideas. And that's a problem. Such can make data "Hard To Kill."

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