What to Do When a “Bad” Worker Asks for a Recommendation

Dear Deb:

I have a really good friend who has helped me in so many ways, but she is a horrible employee.  She’s basically a well-intentioned flake who skates from one job to another. Somehow, she survives.  She swears that she has turned a corner and is serious now. She wants me to vouch for her at the call center where I work.  I was just promoted to area manager, so I could help her get on board in an entry-level position. I just can’t risk that she will flake again.  But, she’s one of my best friends.

What should I do?

Thank you!

Correna

Dear Correna,

Don’t risk your career on someone who has proven to be a horrible employee!  There are many other ways that you can help her without bringing yourself down.  For example, can you connect her with one of your business contacts who might contract her for seasonal or temporary work in a customer service or call center role.  That may be a way that she can test her professional skills.  If she builds her skills and proves to be reliable, perhaps you can take a chance on her.   Talk to your company’s HR Manager and ask if she can point you to some employment agencies and help you get your friend in the door at one of those places.

It will be tough to tell her that you will not recommend her, but, perhaps you can tell her that it is your department’s policy to hire candidates with a steady work history.  It may also require some tough love to tell her that her past job-hopping has hurt her, but it is not too late to build a career.  Then let her know the ideas you have to help her get off the ground in her new career.

Wishing you and your friend much success!

Deb