Life Lessons

She Asked for a Job Referral — I Said No Because of Her Face Tattoo

I knew she would not get the job

Image by Shawn from Pixabay

A friend of mine’s grandchild graduated from engineering school a year ago, but couldn’t find a job. In desperation, Constance asked me to make a recommendation for the child at one of the manufacturing companies where I previously worked.

What 2024 and 2025 have taught me is not to make recommendations without first interviewing the person you are recommending. In the past, the assumption was that if the person you worked with was a great worker, then their other family members would also be capable workers.

I have recommended friends’ and family’s children based on a quick conversation and their resume. 98% of the time, it was a good recommendation; when it was not, the bridge that was burned was between me and my contact, not the one between me and the recommended person.

When I make these types of recommendations, I clearly state, “I worked with so and so. He was a good worker. This is his child, who meets your needs. I believe they could be a great worker. Please consider this a recommendation based on their family ties.” 40% of the time, the person got the job.