Navigating workplace diplomacy? Dive in and share how you balance reference requests with job security.
Here is the advice I give all my teacher career change clients: 1) Don't provide references unless hiring teams explicitly ask you. 2) Always double-check with the people you provide on your reference list that they feel confident about speaking to your skills and abilities. 3) For teachers specifically, you don't need to ask your principal to be a reference. You can ask professional colleagues, people you've volunteered with outside the school setting or people you've worked with at other jobs.
First rule: don’t give out references until you’ve got an offer in hand that you’re ready to accept. Why? Because your references are valuable assets, not an endless resource to be tapped every time you’re in the final round. Let them know in advance that someone may reach out, so they’re prepared to speak to your strengths. Treat them like the career allies they are. And if you’re trying to keep your job secure, be discreet—wait until you’re sure the opportunity is solid before involving others. No need to rock the boat prematurely!
Managing reference requests while keeping your job secure requires discretion. Choose references not tied to your current employer and let potential employers know your search is private. If you trust your employer, consider an open conversation about your career goals, as they may support your search. Otherwise, offer references from past roles to show experience while keeping your job secure. Clear communication helps maintain this balance without risking your current position.
Reference requests often arise at the end of the interview, giving you a sense of how well it went. If you’re feeling positive, proceed confidently. Have a list of past employers ready—ensure they can vouch for your skills and experiences. Let them know they might be contacted. When asked for references, you can politely request to defer providing your current employer's info until later. This is a common practice that helps you maintain discretion. Additionally, enhance your credibility by requesting LinkedIn recommendations from former colleagues and supervisors—this is my favorite strategy!
Para los trabajadores que están en proceso de transición entre una organización y otra, existe esa preocupación de que, al momento de solicitarles una referencia, exista alguna manera de que el empleador actual se entere. Una solución práctica es utilizar la sección de recomendaciones de LinkedIn, en donde podemos plasmar comentarios profesionales, y se especifica incluso el tipo de relación existente. Por ello, sugiero que cada cierto tiempo se solicite a compa?eros de trabajo o estudio, colegas de profesión o conocidos, que coloquen o actualicen recomendaciones en nuestro perfil, destacando habilidades y logros.