Q&A: How Can I Get References for a Confidential Job Search?

I need strong references for my job search, but I don’t want my coworkers to find out I’m job hunting. My current employer is also the first company I’ve worked for and the only relevant experience to my job search. Who can I use as a professional reference?

Securing solid references is crucial to finalizing a job offer, but this can be tricky when you’re not ready for anyone at work to know you’re job hunting. Below are a few suggestions to leverage your broader network (even if your current employer is your only source of relevant experience) and solidify your new job offer.

1. Vendors and Clients

If your role involves working with external vendors, clients, or partners, these individuals can be excellent references. They can speak to your professionalism, expertise, and impact without raising red flags within your current organization.

As a bonus, these folks might even be able to connect you with specific job opportunities in their network if they know what kinds of roles you’re looking for.

💡 Tip: let people know your search is confidential. When reaching out to ask if they feel comfortable acting as a reference, let them know you have not shared news about your offer at work so they are aware of your need for discretion.

2. Former Coworkers

Do you have any former colleagues who have moved on from your current company? If so, they can serve as references without risking your confidentiality. Like vendors and clients, these folks might also be able to alert you to open positions at their new companies and refer you.

💡Tip: make it easy to say yes. If it’s been a while since you worked together, share why you think they would make a good reference by highlighting a few projects you worked on together. This will jog their memory about working with you and make them feel more confident about saying yes to your request.

3. Current Coworkers

If you’re confident that a trusted colleague can keep your job search confidential, consider asking them—but only as a last resort and as close to the offer stage as possible.

💡Tip: Think twice before asking your manager. Even if you have the best relationship in the world and they would make a phenomenal reference, tipping your manager off to your job hunt could have inadvertent consequences. If they think you have one foot out the door, they may shy away from giving you prime projects, stretch opportunities, or promotions to focus on developing the employees they are more likely to retain.

4. Non-Traditional References

If you’re still struggling to find references, consider people outside your professional network. Professors, mentors, or leaders of volunteer organizations where you’ve been active can provide valuable insights into your character and skills.

💡Tip: Keep it relevant. Even if you’re casting a wider net, make sure these references can speak to skills that apply to the job you’re pursuing, such as leadership, communication, or problem-solving.

It’s a good idea to have a list of at least five people you could ask to be a reference when you get to the final offer stage of the interview process. With a confidential job search, you likely won’t want to confirm references until you need them to minimize the risk that someone will share something they shouldn’t.

When a prospective employer asks, you can say, “I’ll get back to you on [x day] with references. I have a few people in mind and want to confirm that they’re okay with me sharing their contact information.”