Submitted by mmcleod741 on
in
Forums
I'm an IT project manager. Recently, a developer manager with whom I've worked at two different former employers asked if I could recommend them on LinkedIn. The context - they are working to leave their current employer, which I think is a good move, and this developer is a fan of my work, but I am not a fan of their work. I'd prefer *not* to have this person work on my teams,
I'm torn - On a personal level, they are a great human being and I would like to help them find new employment in a more positive environment.I enjoy their company outside of our work together and know them to be an ethical person of good character. And they have endorsed me (not on LinkedIn, but in other ways) to others over the years.
As a professional software developer, and develop management - I do not like they way they approach their work. In the end, their work product is acceptable, not excellent, but acceptable, and working with them is usually a bit of a hassle, not the collaborative, enjoyable experience that I endorse and work to instill in the teams on which I'm a part.
Thoughts?
A recommendation reflects on you
If you can't honestly recommend them, you shouldn't do it. You may have trouble diplomatically explaining why to the other person, but if you recommend someone and they turn out poorly, it reflects on your judgment and your reputation, which is far more of a problem than potentially damaging your relationship with one person.
However, is there really *nothing* positive you can say about them? You might not endorse any of their skills, but you've identified positive traits ("ethical person of good character"), so you could make a recommendation highlighting those positives, without going into areas in which you are less enthusiastic.
agreed
I would ditto what Matt said. If you can honestly say anything good about the person, I would do that. It doesn't need to be long. A sentence or two is enough.
John
Ditto the two above
I agree with Matt and John - if this person has skills or attributes that are commendable, then comment on those and leave out the rest.
But do it from an honest place - just because this person isn't right for you, doesn't mean s/he won't shine somewhere else. If you think this person would be a valuable member of a team in the right job, then you can make a recommendation around their positive attributes. However, if you can't envision a job where this person would be a good professional, then don't make the recommendation.