Hiring Friends? 3 Tips to Consider.

Sometimes it’s easier to hire someone you know rather than search for the right person to be hired. True statement, right?

While there are always exceptions to the rule, in general hiring friends is not a good idea. The simple reason? Mixing personal and professional can get tricky, and finding good friends isn’t always easy. As a result, why would you want to risk either?

Before you consider hiring a friend, consider asking yourself the following questions:

1. Are you perceived as the same person at work as you are in your personal life?

   No matter what your answer is here, it’s neither right or wrong. But be sure to consider how your friend may react to you in a professional environment versus during your personal time.  If you don’t want to have to true your true, “professional” self to a friend to avoid conflict or for any other reason, hiring a friend may not be for you.

2. What is your general track record with employees?

   If you are known to love them and leave them, then hiring a friend may not be for you. After all, it’s assumed you like your friend and want them to be a part of your life – which may mean not making them part of your work life. Then again, if you’re known to hire employees and have then stick around forever, a friend may be the right fit. Unless, of course, they quit. Then how would you feel?

3. Do you get easily distracted at work, often putting off responsibilities?

   A friend may not help you here, since it’s possible you will want to have fun versus work. Then again, a friend could be the perfect excuse to work while having fun. Depending on your friend may depend on which scenario you would fall into. The takeaway here is to be sure that friend you want to hire is also someone who is compatible with your professional self.

Finally, consider the effort it takes to train an employee. Are you willing to put forth the effort to train your friend? And if so, are they willing to put forth this effort, as well? While the idea of working with friends sounds good… it’s important to really consider if it’s worth it. Take a chance or don’t, but at the end of the work day – be sure you hire the right person versus the most convenient person to best support your business. 

Photo Credit: Clip Art Panda