My wife is interested in a job with a different office of my employer’s. I’ve received approval from our ethics officer to advocate on my wife’s behalf. I know and am on good terms with the individual who is the head of that office. If this individual wishes to fill an opening with a specific person, that person will be hired. If she wishes to, however, she could delegate the decision-making process to her subordinates.
I believe my wife is very qualified for this position, both on paper and based on my knowledge of what that office does. I seriously believe she will be a strong addition to that office. I have worked for this organization over 20 years and am pretty well respected within my office and by this individual, such that I believe my recommendation ought to be of some value. I also acknowledge, of course, that I would love the additional income it would bring into my family. If it helps any, I, my wife, and the head of the office are all lawyers and the opening is for an attorney.
A month or 2 ago I phoned that person, told them of my wife’s interest, inquired about possible openings, etc. Had a very pleasant conversation also discussing our kids’ college choices and such. The person said there were no current openings, but recommended that my wife send in a resume, which she did. She did not receive any acknowledgement (nor did we expect any).
This past week my wife ran across a posting for the type of job she wants in that office. The posting closes this Friday. She complied with the application instructions, sending in a cover letter and resume to the specified personnel individual.
My question is whether or not it would be appropriate for me to do anything else at this time to try to enhance my wife’s chances? Ought I call the office head again? Write or e-mail her? We worked together for maybe 10 years before she left to her current office maybe 10 years ago. We have always been very friendly and respected each other professionally, but we are not and were never close social “friends” (if that makes sense.)
There are individuals in our office whom I know are very close social friends with the individual in charge of that office. But I feel it would be weird for me to approach them and ask them to approach this individual. While they know my wife somewhat, they are not familiar enough with her to recommend her professionally.
Similarly, I know several people who work in the office where my wife wishes to work. But I can’t think of any way to approach them.
I also am on quite good terms with the head of this office’s boss. But I believe to approach him would seem like I was “going over her head.”
What say you? It is a REALLY tough job market out there, and I wish to do whatever I can to increase my wife’s chances.
- I called the woman. Figured what did I/we have to lose. She was very pleasant, and said she hoped my wife made the “best-qualified” list, as she is limited to interview and hire from that list. I told her that if my wife could put up with me for 25 years, she could certainly put up with the folk in that office, and the woman acknowledged that that was “a powerful recommendation.” 