I'm currently seeking employment in another state due to personal family issues, and have been applying to jobs in the state. Right now, I am still employed by a state governing body and am on fairly good terms with all of my co-workers.
But, I haven't told them yet that I'm trying to find employment in another state.
They will most likely find out once the jobs I've been applying to start to call and ask them about my work experience, and I want them to be able to talk about me because I believe they have generally favorable things to say about my work.
But, how do I break it to them that I'm looking for work elsewhere? Keeping in mind I have no issues with my current job, but want to move out of state very badly.
Update to explain my situation in a little more detail:
In terms of professional experience, I've only ever had the one job. I did a little bit of independent web coding outside of my current Java Programming position, but that was with relatives, and doesn't very accurately reflect my Java Programming experience.
In addition to this, a transfer from my current job is out of the question - I currently work for the state of New York, and am looking to move to Maryland in order to live closer to my in-laws and to escape New York winters - transferring to a different job in the same state wouldn't help anything.