Providing Client References

Prospective employer asking, not sure of protocol

[kohala]

I work for an SEM agency, and am in discussions with another company for a related position. As a followup, they are asking for a couple of client references. I'm not certain:
a. that I can provide due to any NDA (guess I'd have to review mine)
b. of any protocol around such a request

In this scenario, where one is an employee of a firm, is this a standard request? I've not run into this before. Pending answers to the contrary, I'm prepared to decline this request. Anyone?

[etechsupport]

Probably you might have NDA or such agreement with your current firm as well, tell them you can not disclose the name and reference of your present clients as it can violate the agreement.

[jessejump]

>>>>> is this a standard request?

Sure it is for all kind of jobs. This is on every application I've ever filled out.

About not revealing former jobs due to NDAs - this is a great (sarcasm)way to fill out all those big gaps in employment history.