Need advice on how to deal with this request

[Moscyn]

Must have happened to many people before. One of my friends want me to pass on her CV for a job in my firm to the Head of a certain department. The thing is I don't think I want to recommend my friend to a job in my firm solely based on performance issues. She is a good friend but not necessarily a strong performer. Also, I know she can't work under pressure any job in my firm comes with pressure. I will most probably say no to her but don't know what reason to give. Or I could pass on her CV and if asked for a view, say I can't comment on performance but just that she is of good character? Sounds a bit lame. Any advice?

[REWahoo]

I'd pass along the CV saying only, "I promised a friend I would do this and I'm honoring my promise." Whenever I got a resume with a similar comment the message was very clear.

[Gotadimple]

Or take the CV and don't pass it on -- and don't tell!

-- Rita

[JOHNNIE36]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gotadimple Or take the CV and don't pass it on -- and don't tell! -- Rita

This idea could come back to haunt you. Whether that person gets the job or not, sometime/somehow/somewhere that conversation could come up and they could find out that the recommendation was never passed along.

I'd go with REWhoo's method.

[Carnage]

REWahoo's idea is brilliant. When I was asked by a friend, I made it sounds as if the hiring boss was difficult to work with.

[dex]

Quote:

Originally Posted by REWahoo I'd pass along the CV saying only, "I promised a friend I would do this and I'm honoring my promise." Whenever I got a resume with a similar comment the message was very clear.

How do you think that reflects on you?

If, I were on the receiving end of that CV I would think you can't handle confronting the friend and pushing off dealing with it to me - even if I never called the friend.

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dex How do you think that reflects on you? If, I were on the receiving end of that CV I would think you can't handle confronting the friend and pushing off dealing with it to me - even if I never called the friend.

I think it reflects that I'm keeping a promise to a friend and not attempting to deceive my employer. But that's just me.

[W2R]

Quote:

Originally Posted by REWahoo I'd pass along the CV saying only, "I promised a friend I would do this and I'm honoring my promise." Whenever I got a resume with a similar comment the message was very clear.

This is what I would do, too. Then if directly asked, I would be quite frank that I am not vouching for her performance and skills (I might claim ignorance, as a white lie) but that she is a good friend and we get along well.

[dex]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moscyn Must have happened to many people before. One of my friends want me to pass on her CV for a job in my firm to the Head of a certain department. The thing is I don't think I want to recommend my friend to a job in my firm solely based on performance issues. She is a good friend but not necessarily a strong performer. Also, I know she can't work under pressure any job in my firm comes with pressure. I will most probably say no to her but don't know what reason to give. Or I could pass on her CV and if asked for a view, say I can't comment on performance but just that she is of good character? Sounds a bit lame. Any advice?

Besides the issues you mention; does she have the qualifications needed to get a job with the manager?

Do you know the standards for the area e.g. they require a MBA and your friend does not have one?

The people you recommend are a reflection on you.

[dex]

Quote:

Originally Posted by REWahoo I think it reflects that I'm keeping a promise to a friend and not attempting to deceive my employer. But that's just me.

True, but why did you make the promise to the friend knowing you would not ultimately recommend her for a position?

[RunningBum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by REWahoo I'd pass along the CV saying only, "I promised a friend I would do this and I'm honoring my promise." Whenever I got a resume with a similar comment the message was very clear.

I agree with this. In fact a lot of us used to get resumes from former co-workers, some of whom we didn't think should be considered, so our HR dept even told us what lingo to use to flag it. I forget what that was. That way we didn't burn any bridges in our old jobs or harm any friendships, and if they called, HR could tell them their resume was on file for consideration. It took very little of anyone's time.

If you want to tell the person No directly, good for you, but I never saw any gain in doing so.

[REWahoo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunningBum If you want to tell the person No directly, good for you, but I never saw any gain in doing so.

I see it as a way to reduce the number of pesky friendships you have to maintain in retirement.

[RunningBum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by REWahoo I see it as a way to reduce the number of pesky friendships you have to maintain in retirement.

Well that is one benefit!

On a practical side, I don't want that person going back and badmouthing me and my company for not even taking the resume to a co-worker that I really would want to come work with me. That might discourage that person from approaching me or the company.

[CuppaJoe]

One method I've seen work is to tell her there is a similar opening at another company, (the one we no longer do joint projects with). She got that job and stayed out of our hair.

[donheff]

I think REWahoo has the right idea. I have friends I like who I wouldn't hire or recommend because I don't think they would give what it takes on a particular job. I still like them and wouldn't want to be brutally frank in an area I expect they would be in denial on. If the manager in question asked for more specific info I would explain my perceptions. On the other hand, if the friend asked my advice about their capacity to handle the job or something I would be frank (without being brutal) and point out things they have said and done that conflict with the demands of the work.

[Nords]

Quote:

Originally Posted by donheff I think REWahoo has the right idea. I have friends I like who I wouldn't hire or recommend because I don't think they would give what it takes on a particular job. I still like them and wouldn't want to be brutally frank in an area I expect they would be in denial on. If the manager in question asked for more specific info I would explain my perceptions. On the other hand, if the friend asked my advice about their capacity to handle the job or something I would be frank (without being brutal) and point out things they have said and done that conflict with the demands of the work.

If queried by the boss I'd further amplify my diplomatic opinion by saying "I can confirm that she's been my friend since 19xx and has performed satisfactorily at that task. Please refer all subsequent questions to our HR and legal departments."

Reminds me of tenant history checks. You don't want to talk to their current landlord-- you want to talk to one of their landlords who hopes he never has to deal with them again.

[donheff]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nords If queried by the boss I'd further amplify my diplomatic opinion by saying "I can confirm that she's been my friend since 19xx and has performed satisfactorily at that task. Please refer all subsequent questions to our HR and legal departments."

- perfect!

[jimnjana]

Too bad the friend didn't just tell you that she applied for a job at your company. Then if he/she was worth a darn, you could say the appropriate words to the right people. I think since you appear to be having misgivings about doing as she has requested, you should go with your gut. I think you know what you really want to do, and you should do it. Let the chips fall where they will.

[TooFrugal]

How about this - That department doesn't have any openings for someone with your skill set right now. If I hear about something opening up that is a good match I'll let you know and be sure and pass along your resume then.

[Moscyn]

Thanks, everyone. I think ReWahoo's approach is great. In fact, I've received a few CVs from others with language along the lines he recommended. Also, what Dex mentioned "The people you recommend are a reflection on you." is clearly what I think too. My friend has the educational qualifications and some related experience but yet she will not measure up in this situation. I also don't want to tell any lies because I meet with her regularly for dinner/drinks and wouldn't want anything to creep up to haunt me! Great advice, everyone.