AIBU?
To mention my mum at interview?
MrsPatrickDempsey · 01/05/2013 21:10
Background which is relevant - my mum works at clinic in our local town. She does two clinics per week there, has been there for years and is well known. She does a well woman clinic and a menopause clinic. She is well regarded (I think) and good at her job (many clients will only see her and give gifts etc).
I have an interview on Tuesday (really keen on the job) and it is based in the same location. It is a different role but she knows the two Interviewers well. One would be my boss if successful. On the phone to mum today discussing the job and I tell her the names of the panel. She pipes up 'oh you must mention that you know me'. I feel a bit eek about this and not sure what to do. Obviously want to get the job on my own merits but would feel a little awkward if they found out who I am without saying. Not sure what to do ......
LunaticFringe · 01/05/2013 21:13
This reply has been deleted
Message withdrawn at poster's request.
emsyj · 01/05/2013 21:18
I wouldn't mention it - you cannot possibly do so without it looking like you think it will help you get the job, and it shouldn't help you - you're not your mum and their opinion of her should have no relevance to their opinion of you.
The only time you should mention your mum at all is if they say, 'oh Mrs X is in charge of Y and blah blah blah' in which case you could say 'Yes, I know, Mrs X is my mother'. But even then only if they explicitly mention her by name and then go on to expand on what her job role is and how it affects the role you have applied for.
WickerKnickers · 01/05/2013 21:18
Anything that makes you memorable in a positive light can help, though it ought to boil down to your score against the job specification. If you can mention it at an appropriate point at the end, or an informal moment (like during a tour) then why not.
Although, would you want to be known as x's daughter before you've had chance to shine in your own right? And what if the panel aren't looking for someone like your mum (however great she is)?
KirjavaTheCat · 01/05/2013 21:21
They may know you.
OH applied for a job within my office and refused to mention me to the interviewer, who was a friend of mine. It was like an elephant in the room because he knew who my OH was (from his name). My friend just winked and said "I'll tell Kirjava it went well!" 
They may mention the connection before you do. I don't think it could harm, surely?
Shakey1500 · 01/05/2013 21:23
My sister never mentioned to her colleagues that our cousin works for the same company. Not only that, she was very high up in her role. Her colleagues used to slag her off something rotten and still my sister never let on. Cue many red faces when it was discovered
ImTooHecsyForYourParty · 01/05/2013 21:29
Actually, you should mention it prior to interview. The person who knows your mum should be aware of the connection so they can have someone else interview you in their place, if the company has a policy on it.
If someone tried to tell me about a personal connection in an interview, I wouldn't be impressed at all. It would feel like they thought that could influence my decision.
if anyone did ths.WhereYouLeftIt · 01/05/2013 21:32
"Attempted nepotism isn't the best idea. It may irritate the interviewers too."
I absolutely agree with this. You could really shoot yourself in the foot by mentioning her. If I were an interviewer and a candidate mentioned their mother, I would be thinking along the lines of "WTF? Riding on your mother's coat-tails?" and would look on that candidate less favourably.
Wotme · 01/05/2013 21:37
This reply has been deleted
Message withdrawn at poster's request.
Fairyliz · 01/05/2013 21:44
I work in the public sector and there is always a question on the application form asking if you are related to any other membet of the organisation, wasn't this the case on your form?
I actually think if you don't mention it, there may be problems if you get the job and it comes out later.
Iamsparklyknickers · 01/05/2013 21:50
I think the most diplomatic way to mention it is to do as ImtooHecsy suggested and give them a ring before hand with the intention of making sure there's no conflict of interest.
I've worked with family members before and the ones that have worked the best have been the ones that are open from the beginning. The stories I could tell you of people being 'outed' would get your nerves going - bearing in mind the way rumours build in any large organisation before it ever gets back to the ones being talked about.
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.