AusFlygal: Touche'
Lets face it peoples, if you want to get anywhere in aviation you need to network! Testing officers normally have a wealth of experience under their belts. They've done the rounds and know a lot of people in the industry. If you can prove to them that you’re a serious 'package' (not just a good pilot) it may just help you with a reference in the future. It’s the little things that help us move forward and out of GA.
No offence Locknut, but: ATO's might know a lot of people in GA, but airlines? I don't think so, unless they've been there and gone back. Not many would do that..... And the recommendation of an ATO means little in the overall picture of pilot recruiting for airlines.
Most Testing Officers fly with the candidate for the first time at the actual test. I'd suggest it would be foolhardy for an ATO to "network", or recommend a person having flown with them only once.
I've seen quite a few CV's over the past 6 years, and have not yet seen an ATO's name as a referee.