My friend is working in one organisation for some time and wants to change a job. Problem is that motivation is money related (management is refusing to raise salary without any explanation despite 1) they don't have any questions nor problems related to his work 2) they promised raise long ago) and they won't find anyone to replace him. So they not just won't recommend him, but surely will say he is bad specialist and person as he leaves. Don't put that work in CV is not an option, so he thinks the possible solution is to reference his co-workers and teammates. He didn't work for them as employee, but he worked with them, so their (100% positive) feedback looks like fair compensation of what management will say. Is that correct? Looking for interviewers/employers opinion.