Interviewing company asked me for past performance reviews - seems odd to me

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here with more to add.

I have been able to dodge the request so far because they are expecting the performance reviews at my in-person interview which isn't until next week. However today I got an interview confirmation email that reminded me about my performance reviews and:

"2. Supporting documentation for your previous compensation, which should include a W-2, 1099 or similar document."

They want to see my W-2s?! And it's not like this job is high-security or anything. Am I crazy for thinking they are crazy?

It's a pretty intrusive company....Are you sure you want the job?

[Anonymous]

I'm in sales and I'm ALWAYS asked for my employee reviews and W-2's to verify income. ALWAYS.

[Anonymous]

Never been asked for performance reviews or actual salary verificaiton, ever.

[Anonymous]

I'm HR. Not an unheard of request. If you don't have them, say so, just offer to produce references. Tell them you will request the reviews if you feel OK doing that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it is too intrusive. I get excellent reviews, but I would never do that.

I find it too intrusive, to invasive of my personal space. I think companies are also daring to do this since the economy sucks. But hey, I've got some news for you job seekers. A recruiter told me that good talent was hard to find, despite the high unemployment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here with more to add.

I have been able to dodge the request so far because they are expecting the performance reviews at my in-person interview which isn't until next week. However today I got an interview confirmation email that reminded me about my performance reviews and:

"2. Supporting documentation for your previous compensation, which should include a W-2, 1099 or similar document."

They want to see my W-2s?! And it's not like this job is high-security or anything. Am I crazy for thinking they are crazy?

It's a pretty intrusive company....Are you sure you want the job?

I think the W2 should wait until the offer, not during the interview process. I'd feel like they saw too much of me and I would feel very vulnerable. Something doesn't sound right.

[Anonymous]

Problem with the reviews is that every company has a different culture and what looks like a good review on its face might not actually be good, and vice versa. I wouldn't want to share my reviews for fear that they be misunderstood.

I heard that Feds ask for the last two (Fed) reviews.

[Anonymous]

It's not about being offended or feeling intruded upon. They're not forcing you to give this information. If you don't feel like giving it, don't. They may hire you anyway. (But I wouldn't count on it.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Problem with the reviews is that every company has a different culture and what looks like a good review on its face might not actually be good, and vice versa. I wouldn't want to share my reviews for fear that they be misunderstood.

I heard that Feds ask for the last two (Fed) reviews.

I figure Feds asking for Fed reviews is internal.

[Anonymous]

I've had excellent evaluations but I too would feel uncomfortable if someone asked for this before they were seriously thinking of making an offer. and hiring me for the position. I would also not provide an electronic copy but would give them a paper copy if after the interview, I wanted the job. The other option is take the performance evaluation with you and let them see it but then explain that you'd rather not give them a copy until you know that they were seriously thinking of hiring you.

[Anonymous]

reviews are private communications. that request is intrusive. don't provide them, but don't talk about the fact that you're not providing them.

[Anonymous]

is the w-2 request even legal? This is for a job you have yet to complete interviewing for? I feel for you, OP. I agree that this is madness, but if you're interested in the job you have to somehow refuse without coming off as hostile--the other thing that sucks is HR is often his ridiculous gatekeeper who understands NOTHING of the position but has the power to dismiss you as a candidate based on bogus stuff like failing to provide CONFIDENTIAL performance reviews.