Was I Wrong? Work-related?

Question

A shift supervisor from my work (she's 22) called me today to ask me what I thought about an applicant. I've never had this done before but she told me to be really honest because this girl was going to be running register, interacting with customers, and that's important for the store's rating.

I told her the the girl was a little strange (she's actually really callow for being 16, she has the mentality of a 10 year old and acts like she's from Compton). She asked me if I thought she was strange like in her style or her personality. I said it was her personality and that she was a little off and kind of odd. I told her I didn't want to negative and she said that I really needed to be 100% honest. I told her that personally, I think she's shady, but I can't really explain it so I'd interview her so you can see for yourself.

Now I feel stupid, was I wrong? I mean I know I wouldn't want a shady person interacting with customers and a drawer full of money.

Answer 1

I would have put it in other words.  The words that you used are negative, and sound like you have a personal issue with her.  Focus on if she can do the job, and if you don't think she can, than you point out the skills she doesn't have to do the job.

Answer 2

Next time this occurs, just inform your supervisor that you dont feel comfortable giving recommendations regarding people you arent that familiar with and that you dont want to be judgemental regarding some one you dont really know. And ask that they call the persons references.

You werent wrong, your supervisor was wrong for asking you. That was very unprofessional. They were asking you for a personal opinion (basically a reference) for a girl that you otherwise dont know very well. You were speculating that you felt she was 'shady'. And though you know from experience that she may not act mature, you didnt know how she would be in a professional environment. You were making an judgement based on a personal, non work, association with this girl. I know a lot of people who at work take their jobs very seriously, but after work 'cut up' and act 'goofy'. Your supervisor put you on the spot. So its not really your 'fault', but next time refrain from talking about people you dont know on a personal one-on-one level.

Answer 3

Do you know the applicant personally? If not, I think it's kind of wrong to sit there and judge people like that when you don't even know them.

Answer 4

If you don't think this person is right for the job, you were right in expressing your concerns--that is why the manager asked you for your opinion.

It would have been worse if you had lied and vouched for this girl, only to have her not work out in the end.  That would have reflected poorly on you if you had said she would be a good fit for the position.  As long as you were honest, you did the right thing in expressing your concerns to your manager.

Answer 5

I think you explained your opinion of the girl very well. She asked you to be honest so you did perfect.

Answer 6

I dont see a problem with it. I was the asstant GM for a hotel once and had to conduct interviews. There were some people i just wasn't comfortable with. Thats ok. She asked your opinion, and thats your opinion, something felt off about the person.

Answer 7

dont judge people you b!

Answer 8

well first off you shouldn't have really gave your honest opinion about it, you don't know that girl and what she's about. not saying that she can't be shady but you don't know. you never judge a book by its cover. just because she may look shady doesn't mean that she is, she may turn out to be a very good worker and friend. and as far as the shift supervisor she shouldn't have asked you she should have seen for herself or not have hired the girl at all.