Wife wants to interview me

[Anonymous]

I applying for an executive assistant position and have made it through two interviews. The man I will be working for just let me know that his wife will also interview me. Is this common?

[Anonymous]

Wut? To see if you're going to be a threat to her? That's a huge red flag if I ever saw one...

[Anonymous]

Lol what?

[Anonymous]

UNLESS his wife also works for the company NO WAY! She has boundary issues and her husband is no help.

[Anonymous]

I am assuming you are a woman. Does the wife work with the husband? I had this happen early in my career when I applied to work as an assistant for a woman - her husband wanted to interview me but he was sort of her business manager and it was no big deal and not creepy in any way. I'd say it's a bit odd if the wife doesn't work with the husband but if you are going to be doing personal things that involve the family I don't think it's a big deal.

[Anonymous]

I would just ask " Could you tell me a little bit about her role in the company so I can better prepare for my interview?"

[Anonymous]

Because you'll be getting the dry-cleaning, taking their dog to the vet, as well as writing briefs?

Hmm. Enlighten us as to this job situation.

[Anonymous]

OP here. His wife worked at the company for a long time but doesn't currently. He said he really trusts her judgement.

[Anonymous]

Then he doesn't sound like the best boss in the world, but you knew that already.

[Anonymous]

unless you are interviewing for a personal executive assistant this is a red flag. do you want to work for her?

[Anonymous]

Wow that must be embarrassing....bet his mother will want to look you over also?

[Anonymous]

I don't necessarily see this as a red flag. It could mean she's look for you to be her errand girl OR it could mean exactly what he said - that he trusts her judgement. I worked with my husband pre-kids. If he were hiring an assistant I'd probably run the ads, screen resumes, etc. I guess it could be weird for me to help interview, but the whole process is something I've had more experience with than he has. I'm also typically better at getting a feel for someone's personality type from a quick meeting. Also, he's much less sensitive to his own shortcomings than I am! I'm sure my husband thinks he's the easiest boss in the world, whereas I'd want to make sure his assistant had excellent attention to detail and thick skin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. His wife worked at the company for a long time but doesn't currently. He said he really trusts her judgement.

It could be okay.
Pro-tip: ask EACH of them why the last person left the position. Listen VERY carefully.

[Anonymous]

I can't believe his company would allow this.

[Anonymous]

I don't know if you can say no to this interview, but it sounds pretty odd to me unless it's a small family business. I would not agree to it if she's no longer with the company. Does he want you to meet his uncle too? His best friend? He trusts their judgement too, I'll bet, but if neither one works for the company it's totally inappropriate, as is the interview with his wife. I'd skip it, OP, unless you are really desperate for this job, but even then, it won't last long, I guarantee it.