New job reference contact question

[Exterous]

I need some advice. I applied for a new job and the interview went very well. They emailed me asking for my direct supervisors contact information as well as two additional contacts.

The only issue is that my direct supervisor does not know I am looking for another job and I do not want him to know unless:
1) They offer the job
and more important
2) We agree on compensation (Just because they offer doesn't mean they will accept)

I do think this would cause friction at work if this job offer does not work out.

I do have several other people to offer as professional references

What should I do?

 

[Farang]

Not acceptable. Your direct supervisor would be going against his own best interest to give you a positive recommendation. Also, many organizations have policies against giving positive recommendations for current employees. This is a completely unacceptable request, and if I were you I would reject it in the nicest possible terms.

 

[Bignate603]

Do you have past supervisors you can provide them or former coworkers? If you don't want them to talk to your current supervisor yet it would probably go over better if you can give them a list of other people they can check with instead.

 

[guyver01]

i never provide 'current' supervisors... always get a friend who knows what you do to play supervisor.