Has anyone ever declined a job offer from the same company where their spouse is employed?

15 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 1:01PM UTC

   Did you interview there? Why if you didn't want to work there? I never have, but we have always been in different industries. Even if we were, I would hesitate to work at the same place unless it was in entirely different departments. Unless the company is financially solid, there is always the chance of both being laid off simultaneously. Even with more prominent companies, mergers and acquisitions can cause corporate change that negatively affects both partners. That's just me. I know many who have worked together, but it was their preference, and most made it work.

2. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 1:22PM UTC

   If you don't want the job, what difference does it make who works there?

3. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 1:25PM UTC

   Why did you interview for a role at your husband’s employer if you had no intention of taking the position? This is awkward.

4. Fathima JesmeeraOctober 25,2024 at 9:37PM UTC

   It was an unexpected offer , I went for an visit in his company and when I met HR casually started to talk and it leaded to an opportunity

5. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 1:39PM UTC

   I would not interview for a job in the first place at a place where my husband is employed. Now with that said, where I currently work, we have employed a few husband/wife duos. Doesn't work well.

6. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 2:22PM UTC

   I would not work with my spouse, I love him to the moon and back, but working together, hell no.

7. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 3:54PM UTC

   I agree LinkedIn as become very scummy.

   I went back to old school networking with only those I can call.

8. Kate RogersOctober 24,2024 at 4:25PM UTC

   I'm confused by the comments assuming that because their spouse works for the org, that they could not have possibly learned anything between the application and the offer that led them to realize that this is not the right position for them. Also there is so much blame being placed for interviewing in the first place. In my experience, devoid of context, this board tends to jump to a blame the poster approach and when info is not supplied it is filled in with the worst possible assumption. If we can't be supportive to each other in a space like this-literally designed around group support- what hope do we have for our offices, classrooms, etc? Not exclusive to this post, responses on posts in this group feel hostile much of the time. I know it's hard out there but is hard out there for all of us. Can we start from a place of love and acceptance?

9. Lori Laurito BetzOctober 24,2024 at 5:04PM UTC

   And all posted anonymously too…

10. AnonymousOctober 25,2024 at 1:08PM UTC

    The assumption is that the OP would have discussed the position with the spouse before applying and interviewing and got the inside "dirt" before doing so (including the spouse's acknowledgment that it was okay). No details were given, so we all had to make assumptions. Some of us asked clarifying questions as to why they applied and now don't want to accept.

11. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 4:45PM UTC

    I haven't but have worked in higher ed where spouses are in different departments. Some companies may have a rule against it or anyone related - which is also sometimes on applications (I've seen the question on state applications). Did you have a negative experience? Unsure if you received an offer from the company your spouse works, or is this someone you know? Just curious. But if it were me, I would not want to work at the same company as my spouse unless it was a very very large company and we do not interact. I think many spouses can work well together but I guess it's a personal choice.

12. AnonymousOctober 24,2024 at 10:02PM UTC

    Yes, and that's okay.

13. Melissa NobileOctober 25,2024 at 12:27PM UTC

    Yes.

14. OLIVIA JOHNSONOctober 25,2024 at 2:16PM UTC

    Hi there!

    Great comment/question. I would definitely still need to pry further into the circumstances as you could be referring to a company like Google where you can decline and no one would be the wiser that you are the spouse of an employee or you could be at a very small start up where your spouse hand delivered your resume directly.

    Either way, I would say to obviously talk with your spouse first. See if there are any thoughts on how you should go about doing this and/or any effect on them or their personal reference if they gave one for you. They know the culture and environment so leverage their knowledge.

    If they have a great relationship with the hiring manager and maybe whom they spoke with to bring you in for consideration, then they may want to do the same and head off the decline by speaking with them first.

    IF this is a large global organization and your spouse has no connection to the hiring manager or team then you decline as you would any other opportunity and be sure to be respectful and honorable, which I believe people should do anyway.

    Hope this helps!

    Coach Olivia

15. Fathima JesmeeraOctober 25,2024 at 9:34PM UTC

    Thats an great idea