Don't want to help relative

CrumpetCombe

There's a relative who's trying to help his son get into an industry that I work in, so he naturally decided to go probing me for information regarding my workplace. I frankly don't want to recommend any friend or family to my workplace in case of potential problems it can cause myself, and I also dislike disclosing information about my workplace such as funding on courses etc that's not publicly stated on their website.


This relative has just said he's got a spare BMW lying around and offered it to me. I'm going to say I prefer public transport and a car is too much a hassle driving and parking in London, but how do I fob him off about my workplace without sounding rude?

McKneff

Just tell him you cant tell him anything more that what is freely available on the internet.
Its a simple as this, only tell him as much as you want to, thats it.....

Just also tell him having a car is too much hassle to drive in London (the truth)

theoretica

Assuming you are not in a position to recruit people on the basis of friendship (no one is in many workplaces!) just point that out. I am sure there is a lot you can talk about that isn't at all confidential - what the working day is like, valued skills, interesting or boring bits of the job, what promotion prospects are in reality, how often jobs are advertised and which are good entry roles... I have a number of times met with students to talk about what it is like in my industry.

jonnygee2

Assuming you are not in a position to recruit people on the basis of friendship (no one is in many workplaces!) just point that out. I am sure there is a lot you can talk about that isn't at all confidential - what the working day is like, valued skills, interesting or boring bits of the job, what promotion prospects are in reality, how often jobs are advertised and which are good entry roles... I have a number of times met with students to talk about what it is like in my industry.

Don't forget to ask him for the car keys after you've done all this though.

elsien

A spare BMW lying around.......as you do.
Wonder who I could recommend my workplace to.

dawyldthing

Just say you’ve passed his details on and they’ll be in contact if there’s an opening.

A white lie won’t hurt, just don’t pass the details on

Mr.Generous

elsien wrote: »

A spare BMW lying around.......as you do.
Wonder who I could recommend my workplace to.

I believe there are one or two mse regulars seeking employment having difficulty securing paid employment.:beer:

theoretica

dawyldthing wrote: »

Just say you’ve passed his details on and they’ll be in contact if there’s an opening.

A white lie won’t hurt, just don’t pass the details on

I think that could be hurtful if the son believes this and expects them to be in contact rather than checking for openings and applying like anyone else. Or for the OPs reputation if there is an opening and the company don't get in touch. Why lie unnecessarily?

dawyldthing

theoretica wrote: »

I think that could be hurtful if the son believes this and expects them to be in contact rather than checking for openings and applying like anyone else. Or for the OPs reputation if there is an opening and the company don't get in touch. Why lie unnecessarily?

As reading between the lines there being quite pushy

*probing about his workplace

*offering a bmw

There not doing it out the goodness of their heart. There a relative too so rather than have the family fall out over it a white lie won’t hurt. Avoids him sounding rude too, he’s just saying he’s passed it on. Keeps the peace.


If there that interested in applying they would apply direct

theoretica

Reads to me like a pushy dad though and the risk is of taking it out on the son.

Les79

CrumpetCombe wrote: »

There's a relative who's trying to help his son get into an industry that I work in, so he naturally decided to go probing me for information regarding my workplace. I frankly don't want to recommend any friend or family to my workplace in case of potential problems it can cause myself, and I also dislike disclosing information about my workplace such as funding on courses etc that's not publicly stated on their website.


This relative has just said he's got a spare BMW lying around and offered it to me. I'm going to say I prefer public transport and a car is too much a hassle driving and parking in London, but how do I fob him off about my workplace without sounding rude?

Just to state, I think your morality is commendable here. Huge fan here.


That being said, I personally would probably play on the point that you aren't in the know with regards to stuff like this and merely refer them to the normal point of entry for new applicants. Or the "white lie" specified by others.