When you interview future employees

I think every application I have completed has a check box for may or may not contact current employer. Most places understand that an employee may not want their current employer aware that they are shopping around. If you have several other good references including coworkers at current job and supervisors at previous jobs, that seems like it would generally be acceptable.

Also, if they insist on contacting your employer, you can choose HR. HR can verify employment and legally cannot disclose much else. Some internal positions find ways around not contacting your current employer. Your boss has friends and former co-workers. Other Department leaders may know of your reputation via your current boss without your knowledge. It is not fair or right, but it happens. So, unless you are in a union positions where your seniority will protect you to transfer, you may need to look outside of your current place of employment for another position. GL!