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.

 

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