The company requested references from clients I supported at my previous employer, which is not something I can legally provide. I explained to the interviewer that sharing client information would violate confidentiality agreements, and he was understanding. However, the request itself suggested a lack of familiarity with standard U.S. hiring practices and confidentiality requirements. Because the company is still in the startup phase, some of their processes appear to be evolving, but the interviewer did not seem well-versed in the proper procedures for onboarding a new employee or understanding the limitations around discussing previous client relationships. Overall, the experience came across as unconventional and somewhat disorganized.