my interviewer wants a reference from my current boss

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager.

A reader writes:

I recently interviewed for a new job that I was really excited: it’s exactly what I want to be doing next in my career, at a company I’ve heard good things about, and with a salary range that would be a significant boost from what I earn currently.

After the second interview, the hiring manager asked me for my references. I sent her contact info for my manager from the two previous jobs before my current one, as well as a senior colleague who I’ve worked closely with. I didn’t offer my current manager since she does not know that I’m looking, and I would rather she not know until I’m ready to move on. I don’t think she would be angry, exactly, and we have a good relationship, but I’ve always heard it’s not wise to tip off your boss that you’re actively working on leaving until you’re ready to actually give notice. If this job doesn’t pan out for some reason, I don’t want her to worry that I have one foot out the door, since I could imagine that could affect what kinds of projects I’m put on and what opportunities she considers me for.

However, after I sent my reference list, the hiring manager at this other job came back and asked if she could contact my current boss as well. I explained that my boss doesn’t know I’m interviewing and that I didn’t feel comfortable alerting her until I’d accepted another offer. The hiring manager said that because I’ve been at my current company for the last seven years, she would want to talk with them before making me a formal offer; I guess she felt the references I did provide were not recent enough. I asked if there were any alternatives I could provide instead, like a coworker from my current job (but not my boss) or even a copy of my recent performance evaluation. She said no, and that their policy is always to speak to someone who has managed the candidate in the last three years. I wasn’t comfortable doing this, so I ended up withdrawing from their hiring process.

I’ve never encountered this before and always thought it was normal not to use your current boss as a reference. Am I being too cautious or was this an unfair requirement on their part? If I run into this again, is there a better way to navigate it?

You can read my answer to this letter at New York Magazine today. Head over there to read it.