| Topic Name: |
References issue |
| Message Name: |
Nepotism |
| Date Posted: |
04/22/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
Here is the question. A number of years ago You were at one time employed by a small consulting company that was partly owned by a parent. You did do excellent work for the company. The problem is that the senior consultants who you worked with are no longer there and one of the only people left who can speak to your work is the parent related to you (this is a small company, 10-12 people). If you use your parent as your reference for this company, should you advise the HR person that this is the case? (Assuming that your last names are different so it would not immediately be obvious.)
I have had some people tell me that I am overreacting and to say nothing, because it is legit - I did the work, this parent was the senior level person who oversaw the consultants I worked with and simply to admit it if it is asked but to not to volunteer the information....my concern is if it comes to light later on that it will look dishonest. That is not my intent. I am confident in the work I did with this company and I need to include this experience in my resume. Should I tell them when they offer me a position? Say nothing? Or wait till I have proven myself on the job and then drop it into conversation ?
Your opinions please! |
| Message: |
IMHO, you won't gain anything by volunteering a reference is also a parent. The initial reaction can be very negative: that you got the job because you're mommy's/daddy's little girl/boy. It's not fair, but it's life.
Instead, allow the process to develop naturally. Do not lie. And don't think your omission is a lie in this case since you are ready to supply a truthful and factual answer if the question ever comes up: regardless of the relation, you were the best qualified and you excelled in the job. Although this requires more work on your part, also consider including references from the other departed consultants with whom you worked. Anyone can have a opinion about someone else. Two separate opinions that corroborate each other is practically a fact.
No matter what, be sure to get permission from any and all prospective references you intend to list. Inform them who may be calling and when, and any particular concern you may have.
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