Is it a good idea to accept a job at a small " mom and pop " business which does not have an HR representative or dept?

19 Comments

1. AmyMarch 28,2022 at 10:37PM UTC

   Interesting that their was an HR person and their name is still on emails. I've worked for very small organizations where it was myself and one other person. They were the HR person till I was promoted and that became part of my job. I learned a lot about HR. So much that I believe everyone working should know this stuff.

   But since they won't tell you what happened to that person I would be curious and cautious. When you say they won't allow you to ask, did they cut you off? Were you told not to ask the CEO?

   Small businesses are fine to work for. Some overload you, some do not. None of them seem to have an HR dept, in my experience. Which is good and bad. Depending on the person on the top position.

   I would follow your instincts... if you feel that it leaves the door open to possible problems that you will have to deal with in the future, than I would pause and follow those instincts in another direction away from this job.

2. AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 1:23AM UTC

   lol, Thanks, I mean that I sent an email to the recruiter who would also have been my supervisor and she just straight up didnt respond to my emails, she only responded today when I responded and said I would withdraw my candidacy.. because being a woman, and my boss Ceo is a male, I just dont want to risk a professional relationship with a guy I don't really know, to go south and then he is the only HR guy so if something were to go wrong, or if he was inappropriate in any way, well he's the Hr guy so it wouldn't work in my favor, if something like that were to happen.

   also, the lady who told me there wasn't an Hr person said it in a way that gave me pause, as if she wanted to say... it's not a good idea, she only works there twice a week and it didn't seem like she wanted to work more.

   Also, the CEO had called and texted me repeatedly since I rescinded my offer. So that tells me something.

3. AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 2:49AM UTC

   I spent time at a place that was similar to what you described and it was a disaster. A family business where I was not part of the family. I’m not saying every place is like that but if problems arise and there’s no department/ neutral person to turn to what do you do? I would proceed with caution ⚠️

4. AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 7:58PM UTC

   I agree, plus the fact that he called me after I already turned them down weirds me out completely inappropriate

5. AnonymousApril 2,2022 at 7:35PM UTC

   I agree if its "like a family" what would that mean if I didnt fit into the "family dynamics" its work not family I have a family lol

6. JahnaMarch 29,2022 at 3:18AM UTC

   I own a small-ish business, but we use a fractional HR consultant just in case. I can see how a teeny business or one with few employees can't make that happen easily as it's quite expensive. A rehab center has to answer to DORA I believe, which would be your "HR". If something goes wrong- that would be the reporting entity.

7. AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 7:57PM UTC

   This is good to know, they didn't tell me that.

8. Kristie WhiteMarch 29,2022 at 3:50PM UTC

   Based on your more detailed explanation below, I think your spidey-sense is telling you they are hiding something. And you're not comfortable with the lack of transparency. I can't imagine why the CEO would be so involved that he would be texting you repeatedly - that is a red flag to start with. He is too involved. And you have already voiced a concern about inappropriate behavior from him. So I would listen to your gut - it's telling you what to do. Unless you need the money too badly to turn it down, I would keep looking.

9. AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 7:57PM UTC

   Thanks girl! I am the sort of person who believes no amount of money is worth putting myself in harms way, unless I chose to join the military... thanks! I already have two other interviews at more reputable places.

10. Kristie WhiteMarch 29,2022 at 9:47PM UTC

    Congrats!

11. AnonymousApril 2,2022 at 7:34PM UTC

    Thanks! Nothing came of them but thanks to this forum and past experience Im setting my sites higher

12. Crystal HowellMarch 29,2022 at 10:26PM UTC

    Great,good luck

13. Crystal HowellMarch 29,2022 at 5:36PM UTC

    This is one company I wouldn't share with my next job!

    Time to look for a robust and stable company, like a hospital or medical center with your expertise. Good Luck!

    Always listen to your inner voice and gut!

14. AnonymousMarch 29,2022 at 7:55PM UTC

    Well hows that for timing, I did just apply to a hospital and just got through first interview, pay is much better and hospital is very reputable! yay me for listening to my instincts! thanks!

15. Crystal HowellMarch 29,2022 at 10:25PM UTC

    Great! Good to hear that smile.

16. Leslie MillsMarch 30,2022 at 9:51AM UTC

    During a job interview, you are also deciding whether the organization will be a good fit for you.

    When the interviewer does not answer your questions honestly, or acts evasive, raise the red flag!

    Any organization that seems deceptive during an interview,indicates management that cannot be trusted . Don’t give them the benefit of the doubt. You will regret it.

    Leslie

17. AnonymousApril 2,2022 at 7:34PM UTC

    I agree. I went through this already with another company

    Cant do it again.

18. CrystalMarch 31,2022 at 1:17AM UTC

    I think it depends on what your long term goal is. Yes not having a HR person does make it hard but if there is something you will gain from the experience it may be worth it. I have worked at large companies with HR departments that when you needed help took an act of congress to get what you needed and I have also worked at small " mom and pop" companies where HR was a dual CEO/HR or family member but that didn't mean they weren't able to make things happen. So look at what you ultimately will gain from the company as a whole before making your decision

19. AnonymousApril 2,2022 at 7:32PM UTC

    Thats a good point to consider. About what I can gain. I would like a place where Id get experience but this place only offers one specific task and so I didnt feel it was worth it. If I could get benefits and the experience together Id have taken it but from what I saw they seemed tired and I appreciate your response