You have a big decision to make. You have a friend who is looking for work. You have an option position at your company. You could invite them to interview and/or join your team, but you know it might put a strain on your relationship. Use this guide to help you decide if you should hire your friend.

Should You Hire Your Friend?

Make it official. As with any business relationship, a contract can ensure there is no room for argument should things not go as planned.

Voice and document your expectations. Make your expectations clear in the beginning so there is no misunderstanding about what it means to hire your friends. Be sure to have this conversation ahead of the first day on the job.

If possible, have them report to someone else. There shouldn’t be any special treatment for friends and family, so having your relative report to someone else can help prevent you from treating them differently. It also might make your other employees feel more comfortable with the equality of opportunity within the company.

Consider if it’s really the right opportunity. For example, it might be okay if:

• You have worked together successfully in the past.
• They are open to direction from you.
• They are reliable.
• They have a stable work history.
• You have seen their work ethic, and it matches your expectations for other employees.

And it might not be a mutually beneficial opportunity if:

• This person has a rocky work history.
• You aren’t on good terms or haven’t been in the recent past.
• They are known for being unreliable.
• They are sensitive to criticism from you.
• You do a gut check and it doesn’t feel like the right decision.
• You are considering out of obligation rather than desire to work with them.

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We offer franchising opportunities for Veterans and their family members who we find share our values of Respect, Integrity, and Trust—the same values we lived by during our time serving our country. Call us today at 484-324-6444 to learn more about our franchising opportunities and to open your location in as little as eight weeks.