Providing References While Still Employed: A Delicate Balancing Act

Searching for a new job while still employed can be a tricky situation. As a job seeker, you know that potential employers will likely ask for professional references during the hiring process. However you don’t want to alert your current boss that you plan to leave the company. This leaves you with a dilemma – how do you provide strong references without tipping off your employer?

I’ve been in this situation myself in the past, and I want to share the approach that worked for me. With some strategic thinking and careful communication, you can maintain your current job while lining up your next opportunity Here are my tips on giving references when still employed

Why References Matter in a Job Search

First, it’s important to understand why references are so crucial for landing a job. Hiring managers want to minimize risk when bringing on new employees. They know that interviews only reveal so much about a candidate. Speaking with your professional connections helps them confirm that you have the right skills and experience for the role.

References also give hiring managers insight into your work style and personality. They want to ensure you will fit well within their organizational culture. In short, references help seal the deal so an employer can feel 100% confident in their hiring decision.

Pick Your References Strategically

Not all references are created equal. You want to choose people who will speak glowingly about your accomplishments and work ethic.

The best references are often:

• Former managers or direct supervisors: They observed your work firsthand and can attest to skills relevant for the new job.

• Colleagues you worked closely with: They can describe specific projects and your role on a team.

• Contacts from networking events: If you made a strong professional connection, they can vouch for your personality and passions even without working together directly.

Steer clear of using family, friends or acquaintances as references. Stick to people who worked with you in a professional capacity.

Notify Your References

Once you select your references, reach out to give them a heads up. Let them know:

• You’re exploring new job options but keeping it confidential

• You’d like to list them as a reference when the time comes

• Briefly mention the types of roles you’re interested in

• Offer to send them an updated resume so they’re aware of your most recent experience

This gives your references time to think about what they’ll say. It also ensures no one is caught off guard when they do get contacted by another employer.

Be Cautious With Current Colleagues

Use extreme care when deciding whether to list coworkers from your current job as references. Make sure they are people you trust 100%. Explain that you want to keep your job search discrete for now.

Gauge their willingness to provide a reference without informing your boss or others. If they seem hesitant at all, leave them off the reference list. You don’t want to risk word getting back to your employer prematurely.

If you don’t have many former colleagues who are now at different companies, you may need to politely decline giving any references from your current job until you have an offer in hand.

What If Your Manager Wants to be a Reference?

Sometimes managers will ask employees if they can give a reference or be listed as an emergency contact. If your boss makes this offer, think carefully before accepting.

Will your manager react poorly if they find out you’re leaving? Are they the type to take it personally? If there’s any chance it could jeopardize your current position, tell them you appreciate the gesture but don’t list them as a reference.

You can say you prefer keeping your professional and personal life separate. Or that you already have several references in mind but will keep them in the loop if that changes.

Gather Permission From All References

Before giving out anyone’s contact information, explicitly ask their permission to list them as a reference. Share the person’s name, company and role at the company who might reach out to them.

Send them a copy of your current resume and the job description so they can prepare responses relevant to that particular position. Let them know you appreciate their willingness to help you land this exciting opportunity.

Following this courtesy helps references feel prepared and willing to sing your praises.

Set Up Reference Checks Tactfully

Once you have all your ducks in a row, you can provide references to potential new employers. But do so tactfully, especially if you haven’t yet resigned from your current role.

Some tips to keep the process discrete:

• Note on your reference list that they should not be contacted without your prior approval. This gives you a chance to give your references a heads up an inquiry is coming.

• For positions you’re really interested in, state that you would prefer the reference check only after receiving an official offer letter. This delays the process until you’ve formally secured new employment.

• If asked for references early in the hiring process, send only your resignation letter and say you can provide personal references upon request later on. Then submit professional ones closer to an actual offer.

Keep Your Job Search Confidential

While going through the interview process and lining up references, be very careful not to let your boss or coworkers find out.

• Conduct phone interviews in your car or somewhere private outside the office.

• Schedule in-person interviews by asking for PTO or sick days rather than saying you have appointments.

• Be vague if questioned about your absences, and keep job search materials off work computers and email.

The costs of your employer discovering your plans too early can be massive. Protect yourself until all the dominoes are lined up to transition to your new role smoothly.

Notify Your Manager After Accepting a Position

Once you receive and accept a written offer from your new employer, steel yourself for the big reveal. Request a meeting with your manager to announce your resignation:

• Thank them for the opportunities you were given and skills you gained at the company.

• Keep the tone polite, positive and complimentary – don’t air any grievances now.

• Make the news conversation brief and direct by submitting a formal resignation letter.

• Offer to help transition your responsibilities before your departure date.

Your manager may pressure you to stay or even become angry. But stand firm – once you’ve landed your new gig, the awkwardness will be temporary.

Don’t Burn Bridges

After you give notice, fulfill your commitments by working hard up until the transition. This is still your employer, and you want to maintain the good relationships you built.

You never know when you might cross professional paths with former coworkers and managers down the road. Do your best to leave on a gracious note.

Even if your company policies dictate that you cannot use your direct supervisor as a reference, keep communicating with them. Let them know you appreciate the time you spent working together.

Check in With Your References

Your references provided you a tremendous favor by bolstering your candidacy during the interview process.

Be sure to thank them for taking the time to speak on your behalf. Fill them in on your new job and let them know how much you appreciate their help landing you the perfect role.

Maintaining your professional network is mutually beneficial. You never know when you might need to call upon former colleagues for references again later in your career.

Now Enjoy Your New Opportunity!

Landing a new job while employed requires strategy and care. But with the right approach, you can make it through a discreet job search and transition smoothly onto your next opportunity.

The effort is well worth it when you’ve secured a position aligned with your passion. I hope these tips make it easier to navigate giving references when still employed. You’ve got this!

Here’s to new professional adventures ahead!