Should I refer a mediocre former coworker to my current company?

54 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 17,2022 at 5:52PM UTC

   That’s a tough one because I have been in a similar position. If you like the person and they don’t do the greatest job, maybe tell them him he would not be a good fit for the company and offer to keep an eye out for openings at another company that would be more suitable for him.

2. AnonymousNovember 17,2022 at 6:12PM UTC

   Your referral of him will be a reflection upon you. People don't get hired for being a "great guy" and really needing work. You admit he's not a good fit and is slow at getting things done. Prepare to be judged negatively for recommending somebody who can't keep up with the pace and needs to be "coddled."

3. Looking for a changeNovember 17,2022 at 6:28PM UTC

   I wouldn’t refer him- give him whatever excuse but don’t because if they hire him it will reflect on you

4. AnonymousNovember 17,2022 at 6:33PM UTC

   Knowing what you know about his work style, I'm not sure there's a fit there but I always go with my gut.

5. LynnNovember 17,2022 at 7:10PM UTC

   It doesn't sound like you think he wouldn't last long at this job, so I would simply tell him, "I don't think this would be a good fit for you" and leave it at that. It's better for him to find a more suitable role, than to land at your company, fail and be back in the market again.

6. Lynn KindlerNovember 17,2022 at 7:12PM UTC

   You can respond that you support his job search and wish him good luck. (you're not saying you'll refer him and you're letting him know that you care).

   Do not refer him.

7. Audrey KirschNovember 17,2022 at 7:24PM UTC

   Think about areas in the company where he might fit in. Don't just blanket refer him if you know he may be lacking. That will reflect badly on both of you. Let him know that you don't feel right about recommending him for this current position but that he is welcome to apply.

8. VerityNovember 17,2022 at 8:06PM UTC

   Personally?
   I would not refer him. This is because if he is mediocre and will struggle to keep up, it could be linked back to you because you boosted him up and so if you're backing him and he's awful, it reflects back on your judgement of character.

   I understand he's nice and you're such a sweet and caring person to want to help him like this but in this instance, I would say that it's in the best interest of both of you to not refer him.

   Maybe try breaking the news gently? Explain that it is fast paced again and you genuinely don't think it'd be good for his mental or physical health - try and support your answer with any actual scenarios of when he struggled at the old job and then compare as this can help people make the connection and understand a bit better.

   I really hope this goes well for you and good luck!

9. VerityNovember 17,2022 at 8:08PM UTC

   Maybe there's another company you know that might be a better fit for him? Try gently nudging him in that direction or even suggest you'll help him search when possible and just keep prompting the job :)

10. AnonymousNovember 19,2022 at 5:21PM UTC

    Yes, I have tried this approach before, several times, out of the goodness of my heart -- and it has never worked. Those asking were not going to take in that I was not going to give them a reference to get the job they needed RIGHT NOW. I then switched to saying I would confirm that they worked for me/with me -- which was clearly seen for what it was, my refusal to recommend the person. I think the better approach is in the early comments -- tell them to apply through the appropriate and that you don't think your referral will affect the process. If you are asked, be honest.

11. AnonymousNovember 17,2022 at 9:28PM UTC

    Are there any other roles he might be better suited for? It's possible that he has grown since you last worked with him.

12. AnonymousNovember 17,2022 at 10:54PM UTC

    I have a similar situation. A former coworker now friend is not fast paced at all. She is truly a wonderful person but I would never hire her. I am sharing contacts and making suggestions as she is starting a job search.

    Yes, your rep will be impacted by this person's actions. You can overcome it, like in school when your lazy older sibling has not blazed a path and then you do. Good luck!

13. AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 1:20PM UTC

    "The work environment here is fast paced and we deal with a lot of ambiguity. Based on what I've observed when we worked together before, I'm not sure this company is the best fit for your skills and work style." - if there is a "I can handle it" type of response, say something like "what has changed since we worked together that has prepared you to meet the challenges I mentioned?" If you like him and he's a good person but not up to the skill challenge, you have a few choices - you can give him helpful feedback because he's a human being and no one is perfect, or you can just say no and leave it. I always ask myself - how would I want to be treated if the situation was reversed? Good luck!

14. AYANNALYSENovember 18,2022 at 2:03PM UTC

    Why would you do that, that person will make you look bad.

15. Crystal HowellNovember 18,2022 at 2:06PM UTC

    Be honest, tell him why you are hesitant, maybe he didn't like his role at the last job and if he has the skills for the position he may excel. It will be up to the hiring manager and him to see if he passes. If you refer him, you can say he wasn't happy in that role, is a good guy and no one that I know of had anything bad to say.

16. ReachingGoalsNovember 18,2022 at 4:25PM UTC

    No. I once mentioned to an acquaintance that there was a position opened in my office, she applied, I was on the hiring committee but recused myself when the interviews were over on making the decision and said that I actually knew one of the candidates so would not make a final recommendation. I didn't say which one and we were small group so not a huge pool to draw on for committee. She was hired and within 4 months was a NIGHTMARE. I had no idea. I felt horrible. She backstabbed, lied, stole, and complained. I was so sorry I ever mentioned a job opportunity to her and it destroyed our friendship. I have not nor ever will mention a job opening where I work. Or where I once worked. You know this guy isn't "top notch", don't associate your name with his.

17. Dawn S. CrossNovember 18,2022 at 10:31PM UTC

    Is it possible to tell the former co-worker they can use your name, that you are not in a position of recommendation but if asked, you would pass on your thoughts?

18. Stacey KNovember 18,2022 at 10:57PM UTC

    Nope. This is your reputation on the line and bringing him and he not performing up to snuff, it going to reflect badly on you.

19. AnonymousNovember 19,2022 at 2:30PM UTC

    I agree. I referred someone to my current employer and she quit after 5 months! No notice or anything. I will NEVER refer her anywhere else again!

20. AnonymousNovember 19,2022 at 1:13PM UTC

    i wouldn’t give him a reference. I recommended an individual that I worked with previously who was a good employee and had the skill set to do the job. It had been about 5 years since I worked with him. I don’t know what transpired in that time but he was terrible and ended up getting fired. It has significantly impacted my reputation with my boss. I would definitely not refer someone that I know doesn’t have the skill set to be a good fit.

21. AnonymousNovember 19,2022 at 1:34PM UTC

    What I’ve done in the past is just tell sub-par ex-coworkers to apply via the “careers page” like everyone else. And if they ask me to refer them I just say that they can “name drop” me but I don’t think it will do any good.

    And leave it at that, honestly. By “I don’t think it would do any good” I’m being purposely vague. And I’m setting the expectation that even if I did refer them, the chances of them getting hired are low. Sorry not sorry.

    I’m a mentor and this is why I always tell my mentees that their personal brand matters. If you come across as a bad employee in any way to (not only your boss but) your fellow coworkers, you just closed a bunch of doors for yourself. Lesson learned for your previous coworker.

22. Looking for a changeNovember 19,2022 at 2:52PM UTC

    I like that idea of saying it wouldn’t do any good it’s vague but not rude

23. Gretchen SkalkaNovember 19,2022 at 1:36PM UTC

    Perhaps consider writing a LinkedIn recommendation based on the qualities that do bring value. Highlight those and he can share that on his profile for hiring managers looking for that kind of information.

24. AnonymousNovember 19,2022 at 2:01PM UTC

    Wow so many heartless people on this comment section. Look, people can be mediocre for many reasons at a job. Maybe they aren’t use to it, maybe they have person matters that impacted them, maybe the office has a toxic culture.I was being painted a mediocre worker by a few of my former companies because my managers were awful people who provided zero training and throw their staff under the bus.I am now a senior manager at a fast paced tech company. I have seen others who used to be mediocre and be able to have a long successful career.Also, there’s no referral, how sincere it is, can guarantee a good working relationship for that person with the new job. I have referred someone to my company and didn’t work out. Not one person blamed me and they still think highly of me as an individual.Give that person a chance to redeem himself. It’s tough enough to look for a job in this market.

25. Alicia BjornsonNovember 19,2022 at 2:23PM UTC

    I agree. You made excellent points.

    People need a chance to find their feet. Mentors and friends have provided support over the years and the opportunities and experiences have been incredible. Sometimes not the easiest. But the journey has been epic.

    Every person has their gifts. Let the interview team ask the questions. The fact the person asking is the question was contacted by their colleague shows they are respected by the candidate. That’s a win. Growing that work relationship seems positive to me.

26. AnonymousNovember 19,2022 at 5:30PM UTC

    Having a heart means being realistic. I have lived to regret putting forward candidates who just might have been in the wrong position; they went on to perform poorly in the next position for the same reasons. And yes, my recommendation of an employee who failed for foreseeable reasons did affect how I was viewed within the company, and for good reason. Sure it's tough looking for a job in this market -- but each of us is responsible for our knowledge and expertise for guiding people to jobs in which they will be successful, not ignore our gut and spend our personal capital to contribute to probable failure.

27. Heather BinghamNovember 19,2022 at 3:06PM UTC

    There are two types of referral; "we must employ this guy because he's amazing" and "here's another CV for the process". You don't have to give a ringing endorsement for your recruitment team to take a look. If I were you, I'd pass him onto your recruiters as a possible prospect - not one you're massively endorsing, but someone worth exploring. If their recruitment processes are any good, they will be able to test his suitability for themselves.

    The key focus of my work is on performance and I haven't chased a "miss hire" back to a referee for quite some time, not through laziness, but because I trust my recruitment process far better than I trust a co-worker's view of a colleague's performance.

28. Shelby CNovember 19,2022 at 3:43PM UTC

    He doesn't sound like a good fit and anyone you refer is a reflection upon you. I would not.

29. AnonymousNovember 19,2022 at 3:52PM UTC

    I would give them the referral, that doesn't mean they will pass the interview process.

30. AnonymousNovember 19,2022 at 4:15PM UTC

    I've been in this situation recently. I made the referral but told the hiring manager that I wouldn't be offended if the person wasn't chosen.

31. Julie WozniakNovember 19,2022 at 5:10PM UTC

    This is great advice!

32. AnonymousNovember 19,2022 at 6:22PM UTC

    I think you should refer him, say that you worked with him and that other than that they should use their typical discretion and process to identify the best fit for the role. If they ask you why I would suggest to them that if they need more detailed information about his work product they should ask his direct manager when they decide he is the one for the job. Then what you have done is refer him, and he can live or die through the process on his own sword. If they like and hire him its their decision.

33. AnonymousNovember 19,2022 at 6:38PM UTC

    Definitely would not refer him. Over time he will fall into his old lazy habits and it will reflect on you, especially if they are a company that doesn’t have a strong HR Dept and let’s people stay when they don’t deserve to stay. It will reflect poorly on you. Been there, had that happen twice.

34. MidwestMaven456November 19,2022 at 7:12PM UTC

    You do realize that the 80-20 rule applies everywhere? Most people are in the 80 percent that show up, do their job and get paid. They are the backbone of just about every office, from the top to the bottom. They run meetings, file their reports, answer phones, sell products, fix the copier and clean the restrooms. Just because someone is not in the hyper type A or bottom of the type Z doesn't mean they shouldn't get referred for a job.

    Just be honest when speaking with HR. He is a dependable worker and works best with supervision. It is up to him to get past the interviews and present himself well.

35. AnonymousNovember 19,2022 at 7:27PM UTC

    No, your reputation is at stake when you do. They can still apply for the job just know they will bring up your name. Then if, the hiring manager asks you questions about them, you can answer.

    I interviewed someone who had been recommended by someone I worked with. Interviewed well, hired them , and boy ohi boy did they not deliver. Call me harsh, but they were gone in their probationary period and had I spoke withe one who had referred the person. They were like she is really nice, but she did have to be carried. I never trusted that coworker again, nor did HR when it came to reccomendations. So don't do it, as it could come back to haunt you.

36. AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 1:45AM UTC

    Never trusting someone again for one miscall is not harsh, it's just not very prudent. Everyone makes errors!

37. AnonymousNovember 19,2022 at 9:18PM UTC

    I have had it go both ways. One person I referred bombed out, which reflected poorly on me, and another surprised everyone, including me, by turning out to be a rock star. People perform differently for different companies, especially if they find their niche and can be passionate about what they do. These are the ones that surprise you. Others have difficulty assimilating to a different role, culture, or company and underperform or do not work out.

38. Eloisa JacintoNovember 19,2022 at 10:56PM UTC

    Hi, it’s a good thing that you already advised him of your office’s work culture. When people ask for referrals esp those that I see will not be a fit, I give them heads up that I will highlight not only their strengths but also areas for improvement. And that I’m facilitating their CVs so the recruiter can assess them properly. No commitments and thankfully our process can usually spot a non-fit.

39. Rocky ZNovember 19,2022 at 11:19PM UTC

    You have already stated you are hesitant-There is your answer

40. AnonymousNovember 19,2022 at 11:59PM UTC

    I only refer great ex-coworker

41. Kate FletchallNovember 20,2022 at 12:15AM UTC

    Just be honest with the hiring manager and let them make the decision. Whenever someone asks for a referral, I just tell the hiring manager all of the person's strengths and weaknesses. If they decide to move forward, great.

42. AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 1:47AM UTC

    You are the one who doesn’t sound like a great coworker speaking of someone this way. I would take anyone teachable and friendly who needs a little assistance here and there anyday over a toxic coworker who thinks they know everything and doesn’t ask questions. If you train well and he’s capable I don’t see any other reason this person couldn’t do the work. Being overwhelmed is taken too far. We are all overwhelmed. If managers can’t train for the overwhelmed and don’t know how to train them step it up a notch and learn. A good tutor is a good tutor because they are able to see inside the mind of someone and train the way they know how to learn. You are only as good as your teachers! That’s the rule!

43. AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 8:44PM UTC

    this is a terrible response. there are so many companies/working environments where there is little to no training and these roles are intentionally meant to be filled with people who pick things up with no handholding. other than my first, entry level job, i have never had a job that offered me any training or handholding, and i don't think it's appropriate for people who are not self learners to expect self learners to spoon feed them everything. they need to take more responsibility for themselves.

44. AnonymousNovember 21,2022 at 12:06AM UTC

    You obviously do not have knowledge on how brains work. Everyone is different and your theory is wrong!

45. AnonymousNovember 21,2022 at 2:22PM UTC

    This a very harsh judgement. You don't personally know the person posting so it's always good to respond with an open mind. They don't provide much background nor enough information to call someone toxic or say that they think they know everything. I don't think it's being toxic at all. I have plenty of coworkers who are great people but I wouldn't want them working on my team nor would I recommend them. There are certain jobs based on industry that I wouldn't recommend certain personalities. Training is also as good as the person being trained, they need to be willing to learn. It goes both ways.

46. Annetta MosesNovember 20,2022 at 1:47AM UTC

    Your company expends resources evaluating candidates. Do you want you company to potential waste money evaluating a candidate that will likely not receive an offer.

    Another question to ask yourself is do you want to work with this person again. If the answer is no, don't give the person a referral.

47. AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 3:55AM UTC

    These are all great responses. I’ve been in this situation many times. The scenario I think through is if that person reported to me how would I behave as a manager in this new environment- can I coach them and hold them accountable or would it really not work. If I know they’d never report to me, I would be honest in the referral - a person’s greatest strength can also be their biggest weakness in the wrong working environment. Let the hire ring managers know. But also, if your new company is high strung, expects everyone to do it on their own with no guidance then your former coworker should be told the truth of the expectations. If they are fast pace but have systems built into manager trainings and technology to help staff excel at the expected pace well that might be a different scenario.

48. Bradford McCormickNovember 20,2022 at 9:05AM UTC

    I may be contrarian, bu t recommending someone mediocre (unless in the recommendation you affirm said person is mediocre) is saying something important about your own character and judgment.

    I only recomended 2 persons in my life. Both of them I would have staked my own honor and qualifications on, and had I been the hiring manager I would havve offered them a position on the spot because each of they would have been a great asset to their new employer even if the company did not have an open position but could carry the costs of acquiring such a prize who might pay off in future.

49. Lyn WelchNovember 21,2022 at 12:37PM UTC

    NO - you should NOT refer a mediocre former co-worker to your current employer. It will reflect badly on YOU. You'd do your former coworker a better favor if you gently gave him a little advice on improving his shortcomings, and if he works on those areas, you'd be proud to refer him to your current employer.

50. Lisa WilliamsNovember 21,2022 at 3:28PM UTC

    I would not refer him. Because you know him and his work habits, you know It might not work out for him or the company and it could put you in a bad light with both.

51. Lyn WelchNovember 21,2022 at 10:49PM UTC

    There are too many people posting on here Anonymously. If you don't want to have your name tied to your comments, use a fake name. It would be so much easier to understand who's responding to whose post.

52. Lynn KindlerNovember 22,2022 at 7:03PM UTC

    All the anonymity (including the author) is kind of funny when you think about it. I think the answer as to if one should or should not refer a request is pretty much loud and clear if just posting to this question "one" signs as anonymous...

53. AnonymousNovember 23,2022 at 8:13PM UTC

    That’s kind of the point of posting anonymously. So you don’t know who is responding to whose post. Lol. I log in with Google I believe my real name will be tied to the account even if I did change my name.

    But to avoid having to go through all that, I can simply check the box next to post anonymously. Problem solved.

    You obviously haven’t dealt with crazy bosses before that will literally sift through every inch of your online presence and use it for retaliation. Yay right to work states.

54. TheodoraNovember 29,2022 at 9:53PM UTC

    In my experience, it’s not a good idea to recommend the person if you suspect it will not work out.