Asking Your Current Employer for References

Dear Deb:

I’ve been interviewing with a nonprofit whose work I really admire. They recently told me that I am a finalist for the position, and as part of their vetting process, they want to conduct a reference and background check. I had no problem with that at all, until they told me that they needed a reference from my current employer! I told them in no uncertain terms that they could not contact my current employer, as they do not know that I am interviewing. Their suggestion? That I talk to my manager and tell her that I’m looking for other opportunities so she won’t be surprised when they call!

 I really would love to work for this organization, as its mission and work align with my goals and education. But I don’t know how to handle this request. Help!

 —Janelle

 Dear Janelle:

This is a very unusual request on the part of the employer. More typically, a prospective employer will ask for a reference from a current employer after an offer has been extended. That is not the case here. They want to talk to your manager without an offer, and they want you to accept that risk with zero guarantees from them. What’s really concerning is that the prospective employer doesn’t understand (or care) that this request puts you in an untenable position.

You need to push back again and state that you are not comfortable having them speak with your current manager unless you have an offer in hand. It is completely reasonable that you do not want to jeopardize your current employment. If they remain inflexible, you should decline to continue pursuing this job. It is not worth it. This policy and their adherence to it indicates two things—1) this is not a forward-thinking organization, and 2) this is not an organization that respects its employees.  Good luck.

—Deb