Have anyone felt like if they apply for another job their supervisor will give you a bad reference?

Question

Is it be a bad idea to tell another employer that they cannot contact your present employer? Have anyone ever gotten hired although they told a future employer that they cannot contact your present employer? I feel this way because I have had supervisors treat me different after they find out I am applying for other jobs?

Answer 1

Most companies know that they won't be able to contact someone's current employer and it usually isn't that big a deal.  

Do you work in a large company that has a Human Resources department?  You'll need to check to find out if HR is allowed to tell your supervisor (or anyone else) that they've had a request for a reference on you.  In many companies, the HR department is the only department that can give an official reference, and they are absolutely forbidden from telling anyone that they've done so.  In other companies, HR is allowed to tell your supervisor and so they do and as you've seen, that can cause problems.

Another solution, if you apply at a company that just HAS to talk to someone at your current company, is to get a coworker who is a friend to talk to them.  You can't say this person was your boss - because they aren't.  What's important is that they can talk to someone who works closely enough with you on a daily basis to know what your work ethic is like, how you get along with people, how you handle stress, etc.  Sometimes a conversation like this is sufficient to get you the job and then the new company will call back for an official reference after you've given notice.

Good luck!

Answer 2

normally you can tell them not to contact your current employer. most of the companies will agree.