Parents.....and their children's job interviews

[chrono1081]

I used to run into this before in my teens when I worked as a manager at an Auntie Annes. (Believe it or not it was the most fun job I ever had and it was a pretzel store!)

Parents would call me sometimes angry because I didn't hire their kid. I'd politely explain that they had absolutely no say in the hiring process and I couldn't discuss why their kid was not chosen for employment at this time.

(Sure its a pretzel store but I didn't want crappy employees!)

Then, one day one of MY parents called my boss asking to give me "more time off because they miss me". It almost cost me my job (and eventually lead to tension between me and my boss). I was livid and didn't speak to them except to yell at them to never ever call my workplace ever again. Sure I was only a teenager but I was making very good money for a teenager and didn't need my job compromised since I was saving for a computer and college. (This was back when computers were $2500+ for a desktop).

Needless to say parents have absolutely no right to but in to their kids work. Its rude, unprofessional, and shows that the parents don't know when to cut the cord.

 

[ender land]

From the perspective of a younger person about to enter the big scary world of work I can say I'd be horrified if my parents had directly interferred with my job applications. All I asked is for them to proof read my CV etc (I think it's quite normal and sensible to get someone to do that).

Same.

I cannot fathom what it'd be like to be a kid whose parents interfere that blatantly in a post college job search.

 

[velocityg4]

I don't see it as being too much different than parents pulling strings to get children employed at a company they work for or used to work for. That or pulling strings with contacts they have in a field where a child is looking for a job. As companies have changed where a parents legacy with them does not matter as much to the companies anymore, if at all, it seems natural that parents would take this approach as the only viable option to help ensure a head start.

It wasn't too long ago that a child's future career was determined by their parents. It was expected a son would follow in his fathers footsteps and have a guaranteed position at a company. It would even be beneficial as the child could start at a higher position and salary than other employees because of the parents sway.

 

[fireshot91]

I don't have a problem with parents getting an interview for their kids. Or even submitting their resume to different locations looking to hire. To me, that's just helping the child out. If I was running late or even going in the opposite direction, sure I'd ask my mom or dad to drop off my resume/application (That /I/ filled out) at the place.



Now, coming into the interview with the child - that's pushing it too far. The parent's job stops at dropping the application off, in my books.

My dad got me an interview last summer, but he didn't bother going into the interview with me. All he did was ask somebody to interview me. Then, I had to do the rest.

 

[Demosthenes X]

Parents "helping out" with getting their kids a job isn't new. How many people have been hired because their parents knew someone and suggested they hire their kid? Nothing new or exciting there.

But actually calling a company they have no other connection to? Or showing up with their kid for a job interview?



If I were the hiring manager, I'd be running the other way...

 

[samiwas]

Parents "helping out" with getting their kids a job isn't new. How many people have been hired because their parents knew someone and suggested they hire their kid? Nothing new or exciting there.

But actually calling a company they have no other connection to? Or showing up with their kid for a job interview?



If I were the hiring manager, I'd be running the other way...

Yeah, my dad ran into an old college friend many years ago, and found out that guy worked for an entertainment company. I had JUST gotten my degree in an entertainment field, but had not yet started the job hunt, outside of a few really crappy jobs. He only went as far as telling his friend about me, then suggesting I send a resume to the people in charge of hiring for my position. He didn't go as far as getting me an interview, and certainly didn't do an interview for me, but I did get that job.

That was as much as he was involved in that process, and I think that is perfectly acceptable. There's no reason that a parent shouldn't say something to a prospective employer if they happen to meet or know them, but to go out of their way to send resumes or attend interviews on behalf of the kid is out of line.

 

[Schtumple]

Christ, don't parents understand by doing this you REALLY psychologically mess up your child???

 

[Zombie Acorn]

The kid doesn't have a job, why would their parents need to do the legwork for them? I notice kids around here staying at their parents house until they are almost 30.

Btw if I even heard from a parent that would automatically disqualify the candidate. Change out of your pull ups and join the real world.

 

[Firestar]

I don't think the child should automatically be dismissed because of their parent intervening. That's the parent's fault, not the child's. They should be given a change to redo the interview (or whatever else) if they feel like they want to, without the participation of a parent.

Just because the parents are trying to do everything for the child doesn't mean he/she can't do it him/her self.

 

[ucfgrad93]

I don't think the child should automatically be dismissed because of their parent intervening. That's the parent's fault, not the child's. They should be given a change to redo the interview (or whatever else) if they feel like they want to, without the participation of a parent.

Just because the parents are trying to do everything for the child doesn't mean he/she can't do it him/her self.

I completely disagree, the kid should be shown the door as quickly as possible.

 

[malman89]

Sort of related and equally ridiculous to me -

At work a guy's fiance had a bad fever/was sick, but was still going into work and for some reason he was flipping out. He called two of her co-workers (one that I'm pretty sure didn't even know him at all/well - he introduced himself) telling them to send her home. He then left a message for what sounded like her father to guilt her into going home because she was sick.

I was laughing out loud the entire time. Just quiet enough to keep out of range.