Mfrhtyj

I once applied to a job (in the US) where the search committee unexpectedly contacted one of my colleagues to ask about my job performance. This individual was not one of my references.

I had never heard of this practice before, and now that I'm considering applying elsewhere (outside of the US), I'm wondering if this is something that I can expect from search committees in Europe.

My question is similar to How do I keep my tenure track job search confidential?, but there's one main addition I'm seeking: how do I ask for confidentiality in the cover letter without sounding as if my colleagues would give them bad news? I worry that asking for confidentiality might give the impression that I'm trying to hide something about my job performance. On the contrary, I know my colleagues would say great things about me; I'm just not ready to let everyone know that I'm applying for jobs outside of the US.

I used the following language, and I think it had the desired effect.

Because I am hoping to keep this search confidential, I request that
you contact my references rather than my current colleagues at this
time. If I were to become a finalist, I would of course expect and
invite you to speak to my current department.

I have seen cover letters like that, here honesty is key. Remember that people on the committee would like to have the best candidate get the job, and that sometimes requires some "poaching".

To paraphrase a good sentence I have previously seen used to that effect:
"I am currently employed at institution X. I am happy with my employment here, but ready to seek new challenges at institution Y. As my employment at institution X is still ongoing, I would appreciate your discretion when inquiring references. Should you need references from my current colleagues at X, please contact me in advance."

I would just write that you are applying in confidence as there are other searches in progress or the like. (If they still blow it off, what can you do. Other than cross them of your list of course.) Unfortunately academics tend to be less professional than industry about things like this. And of course your position is weaker if you are applying out of the blind versus being approached by them, already have tenure, etc.

I don't think there is a way to guarantee it, but I also think the practice is pretty rare. It might occur when someone at the new place knows someone where you currently are, of course.

You also can't expect them to never ask but can request that any contact not come immediately because you don't want to prejudice your current administration against you thinking you are about to leave.

I suspect that it is pretty common to be in your situation, so people receiving the request wouldn't see it as unusual.

If people have the impression that you are happy where you are but exploring possibilities elsewhere and that you'd like things to stay confidential for a while, I think most people would accept that and rely initially on the materials you send them. Later in the process they might want to talk to your current boss, of course.

But you can't actually guarantee that it will stay quiet.