HR Question

[Snailtail]

Hi all, looking for HR advice.

I’ve been in corporate sales for many years. I am now applying to a new company ( also Sales position), and wondering what information can my potential new employer ask from my previous employer. I am claiming that I have reached my target for 2023, where in fact I didn’t ( no judgement please, I have my reasons). Can the new employer ask for target numbers and achievements of my last employer ? Thank you.

New employer can ask whatever they want.

Employers receiving a reference request should take care to only disclose factual info and nothing subjective - or risk a claim or complaint from the departing employee.

Lots of employers - like mine- give a standard reference of only job title and dates worked. But in my experience some employers will disclose things like absence dates and performance info if asked.

They can ask for anythinmg they like, and your current employer can answer it or not as they like.

People always have "reasons" for lying. They are still lies.

Most large corporates only give confirmation of job title and employment dates for fear of ramifications. We don't allow our line managers to give 'references' on paper they are managed centrally. But doesn't stop verbal chat especially if they know each other through the industry they work in.

I've always worked in big corporate companies and I find the references given are usually "tombstone" references

Xxx worked here from x date to x date

I did know one place who would confirm if the person was a loss to the company or regrettable leaver. But never into the detail such as that.

Thank you, that’s really helpful!

Sales is one of those industries where people talk.

I'd be very careful about lying if I were you and if I were the new company and found out, you definitely wouldn't be working there.

There must be a different way of presenting the information without actually lying.

I know it sounds odd but try chat gpt. Put in the info and ask it to create some wording. You can then put it into your own words.

Why would you set yourself up for a future misconduct dismissal?