AITA?

Question

Need some advice. I have a friend who saw an open role at my company and asked me to send them a referral link so they can apply.

Now. This is a mostly solid dude; great to grab a beer and have a laugh with. But he's not exactly the best worker, if you catch my drift. Been let go from multiple jobs before all inside a year, and no, not like the COVID layoffs. Just consistently an under performer and does the minimum of the bare minimum kind of guy.

I guess he thinks he'll have an easier time with me co-signing him. But honestly I don't think he's a good fit to work at my org and I'm actually kind of worried he'll make me look bad. I don't particularly want my name tied to him and I definitely don't want to actually work with him. I know it's not technically my fault or responsibility if he fails but it's just that I've worked hard to build a good reputation at work and solid relationships so I don't really wish to be associated with him in a working capacity.

Obviously I don't want to tell him I think he'll be a crap employee and I don't want to stick my neck out for him, but I suppose everyone deserves to make a living and I really don't want to lose this friendship.

Accepted Answer

For people like this I'll typically send a referral but let the recruiter know you feel they aren't the best fit. Usually recruiters are more than happy to play bad cop and not move them forward. You can plausible deniability.

Answer

Two different ways to handle this. 1.) Send him the referral code and tell your manager to hold off. Or 2.) tell him you’ve been burned in the past or know someone who was burned because of their referrals.

Answer

If he’s going to apply no matter what, at least get the referral bonus off him just in case he makes it in.

Answer

Depends how close you guys are as well, my buddy worked at a company and he slacked there, but when we started working together we both killed it bc him and I are very competitive with each other and so we held each other to higher standards vs when we were working at different companies

Answer

Tough spot. Can sense your heartstrings are tied up too. I’d echo BrainTank. Good luck friend.

Answer

That’s a pickle!  I totally understand the importance of your reputation.  I’d give the recruiter/HR a heads up, and the hiring manager.  Question:  is it possible he’s a better coworker/employee now?  Sometimes people change.  You can preface your heads up with:  “this is what he was like in the past, but that was x years ago, and maybe things have changed.”

Answer

I have referred them, then actually get the job and ended up making prez club

Answer

I would rather let him apply by himself tbh..my favor to him would be about letting him know the email he needs to reach out to apply or perhaps the name and the number of the recruiter.

snacks

AITA?

13 comments

snacks

AITA?

13 comments

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