To feel a bit awkward about this interview?

[Ginmakesitallok]

I'm stepping into help a colleague with some interviews next week. I've just been sent the applications - and one of the interviewees is my next door neighbour. I've interviewed people I know before - but am feeling really uncomfortable about it. She won't be expecting me to be there. Do I warn her in advance? Or just be my normal professional self? Bugger

Is it because you think she wouldn't be good at the job?

If I'd been shortlisting I don't think I'd have shortlisted her - she doesn't have the experience needed. She's lovely though.

Talk to HR and find out what the protocol is. Probably best if you don’t take part in the process I’d have thought...

I'd pre warn her. It may totally throw her and make her fluff everything if she's shocked to see you. I think it's the fair thing to do. That's presuming you don't mind her getting the job.

Oooh difficult. But she might be better than the others.

In the rural area where I live it is virtually impossible not to finish up interviewing people you know.

I think you should talk to the rest of the panel and let them know she is your neighbour.

Speak to HR. If your colleague is also interviewing then your colleague should interview her.

I think you should say nothing to your neighbour but tell your colleague you can't participate in that interview.

It's not against protocol - interviewing people you know is pretty common. Don't know why this has thrown me - think it's because I never mix work with home life? I will tell other panel members though.

You need to let your colleagues know that she's your neighbour.

It wouldn't bother me one way or the other if she got the job - not in my team

I would try to get out of this one!

You could tell your employers that you feel it's too much of a conflict of interests. Maybe overstating your relationship with her if you have to.

I have been in this situation and decided to step away from the interview process.

Too much of a conflict of interest.

Talk to HR / colleagues. When someone I knew from a previous job and had kept in touch with socially applied for a job in the same team (junior to me) I was taken off the interview panel and swapped for another colleague. TBH I was glad as it meant I didn't have to bear the responsibility of not giving her the job (she didn't get it in the end) and the friendship didn't suffer.

Conflict of interest. You shouldn't be sitting in on that interview.