Prospective employer is demanding to speak to current supervisor for a reference despite me telling them I don’t want current supervisor to know I am job searching.

After over a decade with my current employer I decided that I want to switch careers. I just started applying to new jobs as I am about to finish a degree related to the industry I am wanting to move into.

A prospective employer has had me in for 2 in-person interviews and one phone interview. In the first interview they asked if they could contact my current employer. I said yes and told them it would be an 800 number for employment and salary verification because we are a large fortune 100 company. They said they wanted to actually get a reference or speak to a direct supervisor. I told them I didn’t feel comfortable with my direct supervisor knowing I am actively job searching because 1. I don’t know if they will even offer me a position which will put me in an awkward position going forward with current supervisor 2. I don’t even know if I would accept the offer as pay hadn’t even been discussed yet. They continued to press and said they need a current reference from a supervisor. I am not sure what to do. My current supervisor controls my schedule, promotions, and is kind of an ass. So despite me getting a long with him and being a good employee, I can see him being petty and using my job search against me in some way.

Has anyone else been in this position?

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