Yikes! Contacting Refs at Current Job

[Eek]

I could really use some good advice. I have a job as an asst. prof., but am looking for jobs elsewhere. Recently, I heard back about an application. They want to schedule a phone interview and contact my references. They specifically asked to contact references aside from those I listed.

I'm freaking out. I'm worried about my dept. finding out and then not even getting a campus interview. Is it appropriate to ask them to wait until we know if I make the next cut before contacting my boss? I also thought about giving them about five people they could contact in my multidiscipline dept. One of the refs would be someone in my program. Or do I just need to bite the bullet. Ugh, it would be so awkward if I didn't get it and then had to face my coworkers.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[yes]

That is a completely reasonable request and any department should recognize that.

[yes]

(same poster from above)
In case it wasn't clear which request I was referring to - I meant that your request that they not contact any of your current colleagues is perfectly reasonable.

[anon111]

For what it's worth, very few things are confidential in academia--perhaps nothing. It is likely that your department already knows or will find out once they start contacting references (even outside references). People talk. Nevertheless, it is not unreasonable to request a department NOT contact your current department. They will understand. Likewise, you should be prepared to deal with it when people in your own department find out. They almost always do.

[tt]

I agree. It is a small world; they will find out. I suggest nipping it in the bud and asking one of your supporters to act as a reference. It does NOT have to be the chair.

[agree small world]

I agree. It's a small academic world. I was also on the market as an asst prof - and the universities contacted "informally" in my department without even asking me. Many in my department were friends or colleagues in the departments that I applied. I was first upset but then realized I would do the same thing - I would want to know how the candidate would be as an colleague. The other side was that I worked my informal networks hard - even beyond who were on my reference list. So, academia is a small world! To that end, it is not unreasonable to ask not to contact your colleagues in the department; but, who knows how they would interpret.

[phone interview]

Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate all of your great advice. I'll repost to let you know how things worked out.

[phone interview]

I guess they didn't mind my request because they invited me to a campus interview. Phew!

[phone interview]

Update for future job seekers:

They offered me the job and I accepted. Guess it's okay to ask search committees not to contact refs until after the phone interview.

Good luck to all.

[reply]

Congrats!