If I laid you off, would you consider hiring someone I recommended at a new job?
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Anonymous
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My company did lay offs, about 15% of the workforce. I had to lay off one of my 6 senior managers. She was the weakest performer of the group, more having to do with her lack of experience, but there had been some performance issues we were working on (she needed to get into the details more to better manage her staff). I inherited her as a staffer when the company had reorged. When laying her off she wanted to know why her and I had to give the company line that the HR/legal folks were giving me. I took ownership for the decision of selecting her (I didn't say it was out of my hands because it was my call of which of my sr. mgrs had to go) but I couldn't give her the details she desired on why her. I did say it wasn't personal (and it wasn't) and that I would have kept her if I could (and I would have). We have seen each other socially several times with other groups of people. At first it was a little awkward but more recently it has been pretty normal.
O.k. long build up - here's the question. A good friend and former colleague of mine is interviewing for a position at the firm where my old employee now works. She is on the interview panel. If you were her, how would you take an email from me recommending this other individual for the open position? Don't want to hurt his prospects, but also know that getting a job is often about "who you know", particularly in my industry (fairly insular). |
Anonymous
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Honestly, knowing that you had picked her for layoff over five other people? I don't think you would be doing your friend any favors. Layoffs are hard enough when there is NO personal element at all. (I know you're saying it wasn't personal. But you did pick her.)
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Anonymous
I agree. It would bias me against the interviewee, much as I hate to admit it. |
Anonymous
| The layoff wasn't personal, and interviews shouldn't be personal either. I would stay out of it, and see how it plays out on its own. |
Anonymous
| I would consider any applicant that was qualified, regardless of who sent it. I'd curse you under my breath though (not saying you weren't justified in your management decision, but honestly, this is how she must feel). |
Anonymous
| There's really no way this could help I dont think. It could only hurt. |
Anonymous
| Please don't do this. And *definitely* don't do it without talking to the interviewee (once he learns the dynamics of the relationship, he'll probably say thanks, but no thanks!). |
Anonymous
| In this case, "who you know" would hurt your friend. You are probably not on her reference list- help your friend by staying out of it. |
Anonymous
| I think it can only hurt his chances. Don't do it. |