Stuck on reference question in job application

[Anonymous]

I want to list my current employer, but he doesn't know I am looking. It's a red flag not to list him at all though. What would you do? I am at the second round interview phase. I am supposed to fill out a formal job application including the references. Adding to the issue, I am looking because there is some internal tension.

[Anonymous]

Are you certain it's a red flag not to list him? I think it's more common than not that people looking for jobs don't want their present boss to find out until it's confirmed you're leaving.

Do you have anyone else who knows you well in such a capacity?

[Anonymous]

Yes, just not from the current position, and not quite as senior. My last boss, who would have given a nice reference, actually died.

[Anonymous]

Oh, op again here: what do I say on the application to ask them to hold off on calling current boss? Do I list his name with a plea not to call him yet? How does one handle the situation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you certain it's a red flag not to list him? I think it's more common than not that people looking for jobs don't want their present boss to find out until it's confirmed you're leaving.

Do you have anyone else who knows you well in such a capacity?

OP I agree with the above. It is very common not to have the present boss listed. If you HAVE to put something in that festering structured application, just put "Current Employer". Don't put a name. They will get it. Same with the phone number. Put the main switchboard. Sometimes you just have to fill up those spaces, but it is common nicety that you don't need them calling your boss.

[Anonymous]

Every hiring manager understands that you don't tell the current manager when you are looking. It is not a big deal to not list them.

[Anonymous]

Thank you. So I don't need to explicitly ask them not to call the current employer?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you. So I don't need to explicitly ask them not to call the current employer?

On your references sheet, you can include a note - please do not call my current employer.

But you still need to provider current references they can call. Is there anyone else in your current organization you've worked with who you trust not to disclose your ongoing search? I had a short term assignment overseen by some one other than my regular supervisor - he had great things to say about me and wanted me to get promoted. I trusted him, and knew that he wasn't a regular buddy of my current supervisor anyway, so I list him whenever I need/want to list some one from my current organization.

Alternatively, you could list a current peer you trust who's worked with you on a couple things, but list that person after prior supervisors.

[Anonymous]

Having made it to the 2nd round, you would be working closely with the company recruiter. Call him/her and discuss your concern.

[Anonymous]

I was the first PP. I was just hired in the past few weeks and used a former colleague I worked on a few special projects with and my graduate school advisor/committee chair because I had just completed my MS and it is directly related to the position.

Just give solid references.