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Have you ever had to interview a friend?

7 replies

jamaisjedors · 14/12/2010 12:28

Job coming up to work directly with me (team of two, same office etc.).

A friend is applying, on paper I'm fairly sure she's the best qualified for the job but am really nervous about interviewing her.

I will be on a panel with about 10 other people so can avoid asking questions directly to her but am worried about the discussion afterward.

I don't want to look like I'm pushing my friend, but I don't want to play her down either.

Argh! Anyone been in this position?

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llareggub · 14/12/2010 12:32

I've been in this position and I would suggest you declare it beforehand make sure that the panel are aware of the friendship. But seriously, ten people on the panel?!

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jacquiel · 14/12/2010 12:36

Definitely declare your interest. Then do not take part in her interview.
If you want to sway them towards her you can highlight what the other candidates dont have (that she does)in the discussion element after their interviews!

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ProfYaffle · 14/12/2010 12:38

I've been on both sides of this fence, I have interviewed a friend and been interviewed by a friend.

Obviously declare the situation to the panel but with 10 (!) other people there doesn't seem to be room for you to unduly influence their decision.

I would also have a word with your friend, people in this situation very often make the mistake of assuming they don't have to perform as well if a friend is on the panel. Tell her to pretend you're not there and assume no-one knows anything about her.

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jamaisjedors · 14/12/2010 12:41

Thanks. Yes 10 at least - when I was interviewed there were 30 people there - it was like a press conference!

I will say I know her (it's quite a small world here so I actually know several of the candidates but she is someone I see regularly outside work).

I'm hoping she's going to wow them herself so I don't need to intervene - I have warned her that the competition is stiff.

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jamaisjedors · 14/12/2010 12:42

I don't want to miss the interview because we will see maybe 8 candidates (we are short-listing them tonight) and they will be my future closest colleague so I don't want to be dumped with someone I don't like.

Am slightly nervous about how this will affect our friendship too.

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magicmummy1 · 14/12/2010 19:48

I have interviewed a friend before - I declared it before the interview, and it was fine. As things turned out, she didn't get the job, but we were both OK with that - she was great, but there was someone else who was slightly better qualified.

I have once sat on a panel where one of the other panelists interviewed her mum. Now that was weird!!!

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jamaisjedors · 15/12/2010 08:43

That would be hard alright!

We had the meeting for the shortlist last night, and luckily someone else chose to present my friend's application.

It seems like she has the best profile for (both) jobs - now I'm a little worried about what it would be like to work with a friend - hope it doesn't spoil the friendship...