recommendations from current employer

I'm only working part-time now, but i'm currently looking for a full-time job. I'm not sure what to do as far as reccommendations go. Should I let my current employer know that i'm looking for another job so that he can give me a letter of recommendation? I don't want him to let me go before I find something, but if I don't tell him, how can I get a reference. I've been here for 2 years and this is my first official job, besides past internships. I think his reccommendation is important, but not if it means that he will replace me before i'm ready to go. What have others done in this situation?

Thanks!

Olivia

Re: recommendations from current employer

I wouldn't tell my boss I'm looking for another job. You don't want to advertise that fact or alert him by asking him to serve as a reference..

However, if you know someone will be calling your current boss for a reference, then I would def alert him. Ex: if you interview at Company A and Company A tells you job offers are conditional upon satisfactory references. THEN, at that point you tell them "my current boss isn't aware I am here but please let me know if you are intent on calling my references so I can forward you his contact info.." This shows potential employers you respect your boss and you are serious about not jeopardizing your current job should a job offer not materialize.

In the past, I've never divulged my references' contact info unless I am pretty sure a job offer is forthcoming.