A question for those with Human Resource/interviewing experience

How do you apply for a new job without having your current employer as a reference?

I'm actually asking for another person-she joined my previous lab two months before I left. I had a bad experience there, but didn't want to predjudice her with my feelings.

I ran into her today at the grocery store, a year after I had left. When we got to talking, I found she had had many of the negative experiences I had gone through. At the moment, she wants to look for a new job, but is hesitant about listing her boss (my ex-boss) as a reference. She's afraid if he finds out that she's looking, he will make her life a living he!!. Also, she is not an American citizen, but is here (with her middle school-aged daughter) on a work visa.

Is there any "politically-correct" way she can leave off her present boss as a reference? I feel really bad that I didn't open up to her more when she joined, but I'd like to help her as much as I can now that she has decided for herself to leave. Thanks so much in advance for any advice.

Christy

ps-As far as I know, she did not sign any contract agreeing to any specified length of employment.

Most applications have a box that you have the choice of checking if you do not want your employer contacted. If the box is not there you can list the job but not list it as a refrence. You can also let the prospective employer know you do not want your employer contacted. And you do not have to list the phone number.
Denise

I think it's illegal for an employer to give a bad reference. Unless you acted stupid at that job, which I doubt she was. I hope that helps.

It's totally acceptable not to have your current boss as a reference.

In my last job, I used a co-worker (instead of my boss)who was a manager of another department as a reference. I dealt with her on a daily basis so she knew my work and performance.

Thanks for the advice. We're getting together next week for dinner, so I can pass on what you told me here.