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Original poster

I think I've made a massive mistake contacting a manger to get DH into work

31 replies

isthiscanvassing · 28/04/2023 16:33

My husband was made redundant from a finance role months ago. He has had interviews since but nothing more. I'm massively stressed about finances in the current climate and have picked up extra work to make ends meet. I saw a job advertised online at the place where I work but a different department so I sent the manager there an email asking if the job is still available and would it be suitable for my husband who is available for immediate start? Have I made a mistake? Is this illegal? Could I get into trouble for it? I sent the email and instantly regretted it.

FWIW, I've made very clear who I am (signature) and the fact that I'm asking for my husband as opposed to a 'friend' who they later find out is my husband IYKWIM.

I'm an idiot. Can anyone provide any reassurance please. I can't afford to get into trouble.

OP posts:
fizznchips · 28/04/2023 16:35

I don't think you have anything to worry about, you've been clear about who you are and why you are asking. Why do you think you have done something wrong?

Randobelia · 28/04/2023 16:35

None of that sounds remotely a bad thing! Chill out.

FurAndFeathers · 28/04/2023 16:35

Totally fine to ask the question but your DH needs to apply through the proper channels

HeyDemonsItsYaGirl · 28/04/2023 16:35

This is absolutely fine and normal. Why do you think it might be an issue?

BlueRaincoat1 · 28/04/2023 16:36

I really can't imagine what could possibly be illegal about this. The manager may suggest that you refer your queries to HR but other than that I can't imagine it would be a big deal?

gold22 · 28/04/2023 16:36

I don't know your company but surely the worst that would happen is them either ignore or reply to say he would need to apply through whatever channel is being used for the application.

Also, not illegal.

Sittinginmysunnygarden · 28/04/2023 16:36

I don't know if you've done anything legally wrong, perhaps a GDPR breach but as he's your husband he's unlikely to report you!

As for the employer, I don't think they can take an application from a wife for their husband as a serious application. My first question would be why isn't he applying himself. I once had a call from a 21 year old's dad about a job. He was told that the 21 year old should apply himself.

lazarusb · 28/04/2023 16:37

Unless you have a policy against introducing people (unlikely I think), I don't think you've done anything wrong. Some places even offer a bonus for this sort of introduction. Your DH would still have to go through the application and interview process I imagine so they won't just say "Yes, see him 9am Monday". Don't worry yourself unnecessarily, I think you'll be fine.

Tookeffort81 · 28/04/2023 16:38

Nothing to worry about

but

did you ask your dh? And why not give him the heads up and then he contact / apply

CandlelightGlow · 28/04/2023 16:38

When I worked in the civil service there was an active "friends and family" recruitment campaign, with the aim of getting people to literally refer close friends and family as candidates for vacancies.

I sincerely doubt you've done anything illegal, however you might look like a bit of a tit depending on your recruitment process, because in some places they might have to come back and simply ask them to apply as normal.

I honestly don't know for sure about that but I'm sure you haven't done anything awful!

Spiderywriting · 28/04/2023 16:38

My friend did this for her husband. Nothing wrong with it as long as he goes through the standard recruitment process.

ShinyShinyShinyBootsOfLeather · 28/04/2023 16:39

Randobelia · 28/04/2023 16:35

None of that sounds remotely a bad thing! Chill out.

This!

Tookeffort81 · 28/04/2023 16:39

A bit wasteful of managers time though

a) it would have said closing date for applications
b) you don’t mention you provided any detail re your husband other than availability

So now he has to come back to you answering one question and asking another

Andanotherone01 · 28/04/2023 16:39

Of course it isn’t illegal. Lots of workplaces actively ask if you have family and friends Interested in a role. Presumably he would have to go down the correct route for interview

DemonicCaveMaggot · 28/04/2023 16:41

You haven't done anything awful. When I was working if someone had asked what a job posting in my department involved and whether their relative had the relevant experience to be considered as a candidate I wouldn't have minded at all about telling them about the job. If it was someone from outside the company then I would be taken aback, but that isn't what you did.

It's not like you applied for the job on your DH's behalf.

AtChoService · 28/04/2023 17:05

I wouldn't worry. Some places would pay you a finders fee.

FictionalCharacter · 28/04/2023 17:13

You did nothing wrong. If I received an email like that I'd just reply "yes it's still available, we're accepting applications until the xth of May."
It would have been unacceptable if you'd sung his praises or tried to persuade them to hire him, but you didn't.

Glitterandmud · 28/04/2023 17:16

Sort of thing that is done all the time, usually recruiting managers will keep an eye out for candidates recommend by existing staff. As long as you aren't pushy and accept their decision if they don't recruit him it won't be a problem.

CuriousMoo · 28/04/2023 17:32

What law do you think you might have broken?

Do you honestly think the police could arrest you for sending someone at work a basic, civil email about your own husband?

Baffled that an adult could think the police have powers like this.

Camablanca · 28/04/2023 17:53

Where I work a lot of positions are advertised for show... in reality earmarked for internal candidates so yes, asking whether they're accepting applications isn't wrong. Neither is the start date.

Only asking for special consideration is wrong. Your husband will either have to go through an employee referral program (if you have one!) or apply like everyone else.

Camablanca · 28/04/2023 17:53

Sorry OP I'm not implying you asked for special consideration. I mean to say if you didn't, you've done nothing wrong.

AgnesX · 28/04/2023 17:57

Unlikely to get into trouble. If you don't ask you don't get.

Don't set your expectations too high though. It's not a guarantee he'll get even an interview.

Lemondrizzlerain · 28/04/2023 17:59

Gosh I wish I was brave enough to do this. I too have gone through redundancy and I just WISH I could ask an ex colleague about a job he's advertising. (It's my old job pre covid!)

But I just feel like a time waster and a bit embarrassed about it all! It's my old job and I remember how to do it.

😂 I feel all kinds of silly.

Camablanca · 28/04/2023 18:01

Lemondrizzlerain · 28/04/2023 17:59

Gosh I wish I was brave enough to do this. I too have gone through redundancy and I just WISH I could ask an ex colleague about a job he's advertising. (It's my old job pre covid!)

But I just feel like a time waster and a bit embarrassed about it all! It's my old job and I remember how to do it.

😂 I feel all kinds of silly.

80% of jobs are filled by known entities.
Even then companies pay head-hunters for lots of roles, they won't begrudge you taking the initiative and making the hunt a bit easier!

Lemondrizzlerain · 28/04/2023 18:04

@Camablanca God damn I need to just message them. <stares at Whatsapp>

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