Professional references - What do I do?

Well, you have to give references. And you have to give current references. The upside is that they won't usually bother calling your references if they aren't seriously considering hiring you for the position. If you think you're a serious contender for this new job, you should let your current employer know. You don't want him or her to here it from some third party.

I'm curious about why no other employee will do. It's better than no reference at all if you feel you absolutely can't put your managers' names down. Also, think about positive working relationships you've had in the past that you can call on. They are important too!

one tip I read somewhere is to explain that your reason for not wanting them to call there and to offer that they may check after you have received the job offer to verify that you weren't lying about having that job. But personally, I would probably advise that you do come clean about looking for another job. Come up with some sweet-talk reason and get them on your side. They'll appreciate the heads-up and honesty if they're not asses. If they lay you off or fired you after you told them, you could get unemployment. (which is about 1/2 your wage usually, and actually you can only get if you worked enough last year) Even if you're fired, you would probably be successfull getting it by explaining why you really got fired. There unfortunately aren't any easy answers and it depends on a lot of factors what you should do. I myself am trying to get a job with only personnal references. Here's a good resource for you, though: extensive and generally fantastic articles and advice on every aspect of the job search:

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Custom/MSN/CareerAdvi...

If you go the route the other girl suggested and hope they don't call unless they're serious and not tell your current managers and supervisors then they most likely won't give what sounds like a good reference because they'll be busy being surprised.