I have a interesting job search situation...

Anonymous

September 22,2022 at 9:53PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

I have a interesting job search situation...

I have been at my current job for just under a year and am moderately happy. I have a really positive relationship with my boss (which isn't something I have previously had at other companies), but my work-life balance has suffered a lot since starting. This (alongside a couple of smaller issues) has led me to look at what other opportunities are out there and I have occasionally applied for a job if it feels like it aligns very well with my experience and goals.

A few weeks ago I applied for a position at a company that is the biggest name in my field for a role that feels like a really good match. And I recently heard back from a recruiter looking to schedule an initial interview. I should be excited, but there is one catch... the recruiter shares the same last name as my boss (which isn't a very common last name). I'm not sure if they are related, I haven't found a direct link between them on social media. I am unsure if I should move forward with this interview. Any advice?

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

5 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

5 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 10:12PM UTC
That is interesting. Its more common than you think to have spouses working at similar organizations. We have many people meet at work, get married and take a job at a competitor. If she has noticed where you work and mentioned it to her husband, he must have given her a positive response. I would continue with interviewing. You said its biggest name in your field so it should be a no-brainer why you applied and doesn't imply you are unhappy at your current job.
Heather CutlerSeptember 22,2022 at 11:59PM UTC
I agree with these comments. Also, this recruiter has a professional obligation to keep your info / job search private. If that happens in practice or not is a different story! I would also follow through on the interview. Best of luck!
AnonymousSeptember 22,2022 at 10:47PM UTC
OK, it might be a coincidence or not. But it's always a good idea to keep your options open so if, worse case scenario, it does reach your boss I think you say you are always open to new opportunities. And leave it at that.
JJSeptember 23,2022 at 12:17AM UTC
I would still go for it. Just to put you at ease my husband names that we have never heard and seem rare are actually more common than we think. I had a very rare married last name but there were 100 of us on FB of no relation, so it’s a small world but not that small.
AnonymousSeptember 23,2022 at 6:21PM UTC
Go to the interview. If it comes to your boss’s attention, tell him that you love him and your job, but are concerned about work-life balance.
Two other points:
1)Can you speak to your current boss about the work-life balance concern?
2)Check out the work-life balance issue at the other company to see if conditions are likely to be better there.