Someone you didn’t like working with in the past asks you for a referral at your current workplace. How do you handle it? Ignore, don’t do it and pretend you did, or be straight up and say no.

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Unless you hate them and they wronged you in a significant way, never get in the way of somebody securing a livelihood, especially if you don’t have the gumption to be honest with them about why. It’s super petty.

if you feel that strongly against it and they reached out for your blessing, be honest and let them know you won’t be able to. At least it’s a teachable moment for them then.

Or ignore it, I suppose.

likesmart

Be kind. People change and grow. Sometimes quite a lot.

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The pandemic changed everyone

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I take personal recommendations VERY seriously, so I have said in the past: “I’m not comfortable doing that right now.” No one has ever pushed back. It sends a very clear message.

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I pass their name to the recruiter or whoever and then tell them face to face, zoom, messenger pigeon or what have you that leaves little to no trail you “this person is likely going to reach out to you, I do not recommend them for the job.”

If they ask for reasons they better be good.

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Maybe the lawsuit is over my messenger pigeons?

Seriously, what law would this be breaking AD1?

It’s been years now. We wouldn’t work directly together if they get the job. Also I would get a referral bonus, but deep down it feels like a karmic “no” is the righteous path.

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What level of dislike?

How many years ago?

Do subconscious biases need to be considered?

Have they grown from the pandemic? What does their Instagram look like? Is it possible you do actually resonate w them?

I’d have a video call w them and see if their demeanor has changed or I’d keep my mouth shut on all fronts.

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Demote your influence

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Unless they are actual shitheads (racist, misogynist etc.) or just complete and utter assholes in another way just help them get a job.

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Be like, "You are the reason I would never refer you!" and then ghost them forever Halloween style.

funny

Depends on why you don’t like working with them. If it’s just a personal chemistry thing but they have solid skills to contribute to the team, you have your answer, especially if you would not be working together. It’s nice, but you don’t have to really like who you work with, but there has to be respect. If they shirk off responsibility, have horrible work ethic, are disrespectful, don’t put in the time for creative ideas, no one should refer this person. In this case the kindest thing you could do is be honest with your no and explain why. Maybe no one has bothered before and this could be a turning point for them.

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I usually pass it along with something like “this is someone I used to work with who asked me to pass this along.” If they’re good, I will add an endorsement. If they’re bad, I will say that outright.

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Do it anyway, you’re not a recruiter, you’re not even a CD. not really up to you to decide who is good and who isn’t especially if you haven’t worked with them in years

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Don’t.

Pretend you did. Cause they might be at a place you want to be at (not working with them necessarily) so you may need them one day

Total ahole move right?!

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I’d say that I think someone else might be better and plead that “we didn’t really work that closely”

Were they a bad art director, or did you just happen to not work well together? Even if they didn't have chemistry with you, they could with somebody else.

Sounds like we had the same AD. Recently worked with an extremely abrasive AD nobody could stand

If they would have a negative effect on your company do not give a referral.

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