Current employer doesn’t allow reference checks

Hi all,

I’m an analyst in the final rounds with a PE shop for the associate role. At the end of my last interview the individual asked me if I could provide references (since he had asked if my current firm knew I was recruiting and I said yes). However my current firm has a very strict no reference policy in that all requests must be forwarded to HR and they aren’t allowed to provide any info other than dates of employment.
 

I am wondering if anyone else has been in this position and what you’ve done. I know it sounds simple, like I should just tell the future employer about my current employer’s policy, but just want to make sure it won’t look like I’m covering something up. 
 

thanks! 

4 Comments
 

Our government affairs team has the same policy, no references. Same on deals with SWFs, infrastructure, defense and some impact investments.
Technically, only your title and dates can be obtained in most cases anyway, besides your name.

I think you could find someone you can trust and hope they will take a phone call. eMail is a bit tricky because that could harm your reference down the road if this is not permitted.

 

Cum et nesciunt illo dolor consequatur dolorum qui. Ut ab corrupti amet molestiae blanditiis at. Sit est quaerat rerum aperiam voluptas qui. Sunt unde consectetur nam et modi facere eos. Nulla voluptas a neque voluptate odit eum rerum. Temporibus consequatur sint fugiat. Ex neque libero pariatur ipsum reiciendis non.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2026 Private Equity

  • The Riverside Company 99.6%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Warburg Pincus 98.5%
  • Bain Capital 98.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2026 Private Equity

  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Ardian 98.9%
  • Blackstone Group 98.5%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2026 Private Equity

  • Bain Capital 99.6%
  • The Riverside Company 99.2%
  • Blackstone Group 98.9%
  • Starwood Capital Group 98.5%
  • KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts) 98.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2026 Private Equity

  • Principal (9) $653
  • Director/MD (24) $547
  • Vice President (97) $363
  • 3rd+ Year Associate (104) $281
  • 2nd Year Associate (234) $272
  • 1st Year Associate (411) $229
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (33) $157
  • 2nd Year Analyst (95) $134
  • 1st Year Analyst (271) $124
  • Intern/Summer Associate (37) $80
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (351) $61
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”