Offering job help to a cousin

[Anonymous]

I have a cousin who is looking for work in a very specialized area. I have heard through the family grapevine that he will be interviewing at a certain company. As it turns out, I know someone in that company in the same division where my cousin would be interviewing. My friend says that the open position is extremely competetive but that he would be happy to talk to my cousin to tell him about the interview process or answer questions about the job. My friend would not be part of the job-making decision at all, he would just be a source of general information. I am friendly with my cousin but we are not close and we only see each other at occasional family gatherings. Should I call my cousin out of the blue (I don't have his email) and offer my friend's contact information or would that just be weird and awkward?

[Anonymous]

Sure, why not? Family is family. I am not very good at keeping up with my relatives (or even getting to know them) but when I have an opportunity to help one, I always try to do so.

[Anonymous]

Yes, unless you have reason to believe that the cousin would behave in a way that reflected poorly on you. Who knows, your friend could provide helpful information that would give the cousin an edge in the interview. I think it is a really nice thing to do.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely! It will be much appreciated

[Anonymous]

Make sure your cousin is a good fit - not just socially - but also regarding professional credentials.

Otherwise, work + family = disaster.

In other words, if cousin is not truly qualified, and cousin gets hired because cousin is your relative, it could be hell for you and heaven for your cousin.

Is cousin a good person?