I was asked to help find a position at my company and provide a reference.

Anonymous

June 13,2022 at 5:27PM UTC

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I was asked to help find a position at my company and provide a reference.

The problem is that I have had almost no positive professional interaction with this person (he is a nice person though). We worked together (independently) for only a few months last year when I was at another firm. He struggled to understand the work, completely missed meetings/deadlines, billed substantial amounts of time to projects with no work to show for it. Then he quit with little notice. He has a current job but wants to join my company (he used to work here years ago).

He knows our referral process and that I could get his resume in front of a hiring manager before other external candidates. I can't get him the job so he will have to interview well on his own. He won't be on my team as we have different specialties. This is an F100 company.

Would you refer someone that you don't think is a strong professional? All I would be asked is how I know him. They don't ask for any additional details about personality or work ethic.

Maybe I could suggest a role that isn't project based or customer facing?

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Carmelita ErvinJune 13,2022 at 6:00PM UTC
Provide the reader with context that shows why you're qualified to provide a reference for the employee. Even a letter of recommendation for an average employee needs to show your working relationship to them. For example, you can state your position and how many years you collaborated with the employee. You don't need to provide any additional details about performance. You don’t want to say anything that could defame the person and they don’t get the job. I think it would be best to stick to the pertinent details such as their dates of employment and their job title.
AnonymousJune 13,2022 at 6:25PM UTC
Since my reputation would be on the line. I would only advocate for a strong professional that I know would be an asset.
You can let him know that if you hear of a good fit you will pass his resume along.
AnonymousJune 13,2022 at 7:12PM UTC
If you suspect potential blowback from referring someone who is not a good fit, I would be polite, upfront and honest.
If its just a matter of giving a name, end of story where the interviewers will do a thorough vetting as they should. I do not see the harm.
AnonymousJune 13,2022 at 8:44PM UTC
I would not recommend anyone that could potentially damage my reputation. You are not obligated. Companies will look at you if you referred someone that has potential of walking off the job. If you want to help,tell him you are honored he would think of you, but you're a bit concerned over how he left your previous employer.
AnonymousJune 13,2022 at 9:38PM UTC
I would suggest not assisting this person as it's only going to reflect, possibly badly, on you. If this person has proved by his actions prior that he cannot handle the job and he quit without notice, do you want to be the person that brought him into your office? You won't be making anyone's friend. Just simply say to him, I'm sorry but I'm unable to do that. No more explanation. You do not owe him this.
Heather CutlerJune 13,2022 at 9:50PM UTC
Totally agree, this sounds like a lot of risk for someone who has spotty performance. Decline the request.