Being asked to share document with outside party - unethical?

[HundredMilesAnHour]

Hi all, I'd really appreciate your perspective on this as I am somewhat horrified at a request that has been made of me but I'm wondering if I'm over-reacting or not?

I've simplified this where possible to make it less identifying. I work in project management in a highly regulated industry. I was made redundant from my last role so am currently job-hunting.

I applied to management consultancy X that specialises in providing project managers and X have invited me for a first interview. However, prior to the interview, X are asking that I send them an example of my past work i.e. an artefact for a completed deliverable. They say this will remain confidential.

I am VERY unhappy about this. This would be a massive breach of my former employer's confidentiality and if I was still employed by them, it would be grounds for dismissal.

This is even if I did keep a copy of documents that I produced at work. Which I didn't. Every employer I have worked for is extremely strict about this. I know people who have been fired for less (such as emailing something work-related from their work email to their personal email etc).

I am quite appalled at being asked this. Particularly by X who make a lot of claims on their website about their high levels of integrity.

I am going to tell X that I wish to withdraw from their interview process and why, but before I do that I thought it would be helpful to get some perspective on this. Is it just me that is shocked at this (I'm aware that my industry is highly regulated and I also come from a strong control background as an ex-auditor) or do some of you also think this is wrong?

Maybe it's a test to check on your ethics! I would be very clear and say that you can't do it for the above reasons, but you will happily discuss your procedures etc.

The only thing that would be permissable would be something in the public domain - a link to the website you created, a publication etc. Absolutely nothing that isn't freely available. My company very firmly says this

Thank you both! That makes me feel better. I was starting to wonder if I was losing the plot. I am definitely declining their interview and telling them exactly why their request is unacceptable.

Don't withdraw your application; tell them what you've said here. You've nothing to lose..

I think you need to speak with the regulator first. It may be possible to change enough details to maintain confidentiality, whilst still showing off you skills.

Might they just be assuming you would redact it first?

It may be possible to change enough details to maintain confidentiality, whilst still showing off you skills.

Might they just be assuming you would redact it first?

Unfortunately this isn't an option. Sharing a document outside an employer is an absolute no-no. Redacted or not. As an earlier poster rightly said, if it's not a document that is freely available in the public domain then it's classed as confidential and for internal use only. Even internally some of it may be restricted. None of my work can be shared and this is very much the norm in my field. Which is why I am shocked, and to some extent baffled, as to why a potential employer would make a request like this. I was already having doubts about the role with them as my experience with them so far does not align with their values on their website. But this is a showstopper for me. I don't think they're testing my ethics/integrity. I think it's a serious request. Definitely a red flag. Even if we could find a way round it (i.e. they drop the request) before the interview, I think I'm done with them.