How important are references to your job search? Even the experts disagree.

Some in the job placement field say references are still a key part of getting a new position, while others say their importance is waning.

“I know very few companies, I really can't think of any, that don't check references,” said Tyra Tutor, senior vice president at MPS Group, a Jacksonville, Fla.-based staffing and consulting company.

But Don Straits, CEO of executive career services firm Corporate Warriors, maintains references are playing a lesser role in hiring for many companies. Instead they are increasigly turning to online searches to learn about a candidate.

Just plugging a candidate's name into a search engine can reveal useful information. Companies might look for a Web site or blog, or for news articles revealing prominence in their field.

Job hunters should also expect searches of social networking sites, where potential employers might look for information about personal habits or associations that could derail your search.

If a potential boss knows someone at the company where you used to work, he or she might also ask for that person's opinion.

Vicky Oliver, a career development speaker and author, said references are more important for people who were laid off or let go.

“If you have a stellar track record and you have no glaring obvious holes on your résumé, the references aren't that important,” she said.

“But if you do have some black mark on you, then the references are more important.”