Hi, Primm, it's very common to ask that your current employer not be contacted by the prospective employer since most people don't want their current employer to know about their job search. In some cases, if your current employer becomes aware that you are looking for a new job, then your current employment is put at risk, as they could decide to fire you for that reason (assuming you're an employee at-will, which is most common in the US). Of course, there can be circumstances that make it reasonable for your current manager to know of your job search, but that's more the exception than the norm. Ideal references in the US would be people who previously managed your work and who would speak very positively about your performance.