Is it a Red Flag that an Interviewer Back-Channeled Me?

I enjoyed this Inc. Q&A column about an interviewer back-channeling an interviewee. The question was whether a prospective employer’s contacting someone not offered as a reference is a common practice or a red flag. The answer according to the columnist is it’s common practice. I agree; I see it all the time. Inc. explained “off-list references” are “very normal” and “work like this: If I get an application from a candidate and realize that someone I know and trust has worked with her, I’m likely to check with them to get their impressions — because they might tell me things that will prompt me to fast-track the candidate, or reject them outright, or probe more deeply into specific areas than I otherwise might.” 

I get that job-seeking can put you in a perilous situation if by merely sending in your resume, you can get back-channeled, and word can get out at work. What can you do to manage the situation? First, you can expressly ask the employer at the outset to keep your interest completely confidential. Some candidates ask me to pass this request along to the employer and to explain the damage to their career if their current employer finds out. Obviously this request can be ignored, but I think it’s worthwhile to ask if you are very concerned. It can’t hurt to make clear the stakes to the employer. Second, you need to keep a good reputation everywhere. (I know, harder said than done.)