Weird....or not?

[Nancy]

All I can picture is when Marie Barone called the FBI when Robert was going to interview. So funny.

yes, it's very odd, I could hear the blades from here.

I thought the same thing.


I also would let the girl know what happened, maybe she doesn't know the mom called?

 

[princesshannahsmom]

The only thing I can think of is that maybe the girl became nervous about calling. She is new to the area, maybe her DH is deployed, perhaps she wasn't sure if it was a "real" job opportunity or if Ted Bundy just gave her his number.

Just trying to add another perspective.

That thought crossed my mind, BUT, she would only needed to make the phone call (hear me answer "***** Law Office"), or better yet, look Mr. ***** up on the Florida Bar website and BAM! You have your answer!!!!

But, I totally see where you are coming from and I was looking for other perspectives, so perhaps you are right!

 

[princesshannahsmom]

I thought the same thing.


I also would let the girl know what happened, maybe she doesn't know the mom called?

Yeah, I think I should do that, she may not know! I will call her in the morning! Hopefully, her mom won't answer the phone!!!

 

[krcit]

All I can picture is when Marie Barone called the FBI when Robert was going to interview. So funny.

yes, it's very odd, I could hear the blades from here.

That was my first thought as well. Funny episode!

 

[tvguy]

One of the THREE I mentioned, actually TOLD me that she would be making less working here than she does on unemployment, so she couldn't take the job. This was on the morning of her first day, after she asked exactly how many hours she would be working (37.5). I told her when I offered the position that the hours were 8:30-5:00 M-F with a one hour lunch. I was flabbergasted.

One of the others quit after three days, she said she was quote "bored" and didn't realize she wouldn't be doing much. It was her THIRD day for crying out loud, and I AM A BUSY LADY! I was TRYING to give her more things to do, but I have to teach you first and I just didn't have the time... right then. Again, flabbergasted!

Finally, one girl ran an errand to the Courthouse (we covered the errand running, in the interview and the job offer conversation), she NEVER came back. Her mother called about noon (she had left at 9) to tell her that her son was sick, but not to worry as she had picked him up. When I told her mom she left for an errand and we hadn't seen her, she didn't even know what to say! Again, you guessed it, flabbergasted.

I mean in this God forsaken economy, you should take a job that is offered you (in MOST cases), especially if you have been on unemployment, it WON'T last forever. And being bored, for goodness sake, at least you are making money, read some of the legal books in the office (we have Legal Secretary training manuals), you can find something to keep you busy. And just walking away (during an errand) and never returning. I just don't even know what to say to that one!

We've lost a few folks after a few days because their idea of what work should be, and how our office works didn's mesh.. Mine is an odd business, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so you can be scheduled to work days, nights, overnights, early mornings, weekends, holidays or any combination of the above.
One person was SHOCKED that on the Thursday before Christmas week, that she couldn't get approval to take that week off. All available vacations slots for that week has been filled by the first week of January, 11 3/4 months before.
Another gal can't figure out if you've used all your sick days....you don't get paid if you call in sick.....and you can't use vacation time instead if you've already used all your vacation time.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Out of curiosity, if you do tell her about the call and she knew nothing about it and is absolutely mortified and apologizes up one side and down the other, would you consider giving her a chance?

My mother wouldn't ever have done anything like that but if I found out that she had I would be offering to work for free to prove that I was the right person (and that I had threatened to bury my mother if she ever called again) if it was really a perfect job for me. If she really didn't have any idea that mom called I would hate to see her lose a great job and you a great secretary.

The only thing I can think of is that maybe the girl became nervous about calling. She is new to the area, maybe her DH is deployed, perhaps she wasn't sure if it was a "real" job opportunity or if Ted Bundy just gave her his number

I had that thought too. Although there are probably much better ways to find out if the information you were given is legit than to have mommy call for you!

 

[aaarcher86]

If you've been through some bad experiences with people recently, and she's a good fit for the job, why not give her a shot? All you have to do is advise her that her mother called the day she faxed her resume, explain that it is unprofessional and state that you don't want it happening again. I'd hate to pass up a chance on a really excellent employee for something they may not have had anything to do with.

 

[princesshannahsmom]

We've lost a few folks after a few days because their idea of what work should be, and how our office works didn's mesh.. Mine is an odd business, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, so you can be scheduled to work days, nights, overnights, early mornings, weekends, holidays or any combination of the above.
One person was SHOCKED that on the Thursday before Christmas week, that she couldn't get approval to take that week off. All available vacations slots for that week has been filled by the first week of January, 11 3/4 months before.
Another gal can't figure out if you've used all your sick days....you don't get paid if you call in sick.....and you can't use vacation time instead if you've already used all your vacation time.

I just find it so odd. These people surely know these things BEFORE they take the position, right? I guess, I look at it as, money is money, as long as I am not being used and abused (I was at one point!!) I think I will just take and KEEP the job!!!

 

[princesshannahsmom]

Out of curiosity, if you do tell her about the call and she knew nothing about it and is absolutely mortified and apologizes up one side and down the other, would you consider giving her a chance?

My mother wouldn't ever have done anything like that but if I found out that she had I would be offering to work for free to prove that I was the right person (and that I had threatened to bury my mother if she ever called again) if it was really a perfect job for me. If she really didn't have any idea that mom called I would hate to see her lose a great job and you a great secretary.

Yeah, I really didn't think that far into it, but you are right, she might very well be the ideal candidate for the position and me not at least advising her and interviewing her would be sad, for both her and me!

 

[Piglets Mommy]

Yeah...I'd definately let her know her Mom called....it could very well be the reason she has had such a hard time finding a job, and if she isn't aware that Mom is sabatoging her, I'm sure she would want to.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Yeah, I really didn't think that far into it, but you are right, she might very well be the ideal candidate for the position and me not at least advising her and interviewing her would be sad, for both her and me!

IMO, if you don't talk to her about it, you might be the one blowing this. She might be the perfect employee. Heck, even in this economy, I wouldn't pass up a great hire.

As a side bar, not sure why you spent more than a few seconds talking to the mother in the first place. I have had a few parents call about an entry level position that their child was interviewing for, but I have never even confirmed the interview. I just say that I am not free to discuss it. If you want to know, ask your child when you talk to them. I then thank them for the call and hang up. I don't have the time or the inclination to field a call from an employee's parent, much less a person interviewing for a position.

 

[phorsenuf]

The only thing I can think of is that maybe the girl became nervous about calling. She is new to the area, maybe her DH is deployed, perhaps she wasn't sure if it was a "real" job opportunity or if Ted Bundy just gave her his number.

Just trying to add another perspective.

Even still, she's an adult. A married adult at that. Guess that's what happens when parents don't let kids figure out how to do things on their own, you know, as a part of growing up.

 

[NewCrew42]

I'm thinking that she told her mom about it and has no clue her mom called.

She may have expressed some concern to mommy and mommy freaked because her baby chick is far from home.

Just sayin....

 

[ChrizJen]

Yeah...I'd definately let her know her Mom called....it could very well be the reason she has had such a hard time finding a job, and if she isn't aware that Mom is sabatoging her, I'm sure she would want to.

This is what I was going to say! She specifically said that she's having the hardest time finding a job. For all we know, she could have no clue that her own mother is the reason she's having no luck! I'll be anxious to see how she reacts when she finds out that her mother did that!

 

[NotUrsula]

Well, as annoying as "adult children of overinvolved parents" might be, they are absolutely NOT a Federal protected class. There is no way that anyone would entertain a discrimination claim on these grounds.

You liked the young woman until her mother got involved. Even if you don't wish to hire her, it would be a very kind thing to let her know that her mother's call was inappropriate and hurt her chances. If she didn't know Mom did it, then you'll find that out, and if she did know, then you will be teaching her a hard lesson that perhaps will help her.

It's possible that she told her mother about the story and her mother said something like "what's the number -- I'll check it out" and the daughter thought that she meant to do something more along the lines of an internet search. Giving Mom the number wasn't wise, of course, but perhaps she was blindsided by what Mom actually did with it.

 

[Andtototoo]

This behavior is exactly the kind of stunt my late MIL would pull, but not only for jobs, for other "important" issues as well.

When we bought our first house, she called the builder to complain that we were not taking her advice about double sinks in the bathroom (I chose to have a vanity installed in the 2nd sink spot). When the builder basically said, "What the heck is your problem, lady? This is not your house, it's theirs and the wife knows she wants a vanity--" She interrupted him and told him that I clearly didn't know what I was talking about and how much could she pay him to "make a mistake" and install two sinks? He hung up on her and called me.

In the ensuing fight, we discovered that she had called dh's potential employers on more than one occasion. I TRULY wish someone had told him that she was doing that.

From that fight, we learned not to tell her ANYTHING important and sadly, not to tell anyone in the family anything important bec in all innocence, they would tell her and off to the races she'd go.

So, I'd tell this young woman what her mother is doing. If she doesn't know, then give her a break with a stern warning. If she does know, then she's not smart and/or strong enough to cut her mother out of the information loop and you don't want an idiot working for you.

 

[princesshannahsmom]

Well, after the many responses I received, and after sleeping on it, I decided to call the young lady this morning to "discuss her resume." I began the conversation with, I received your resume, reviewed it, and although I haven't had time to speak with Mr. ***** (again, it really isn't necessary, if I want to hire her, I can!), I would like to ask her a few questions. I started with one teeny tine gap in employment and asked her about that, and then....I dropped the bomb! I said, I just wondered if you were aware that your mother called our office yesterday morning inquiring as to the position and many other things........GUESS WHAT?! SHE KNEW! She said that she was "a little wary" about the "job offer" and wanted to make sure it was legit.

After I regained my composure (I was shocked to say the very least). I let her know that it was rather unorthodox for a potential employee's mother to call our office to inquire as to an opening. I also informed her that with a quick Google search, or Florida Bar search, she could have seen that our office is quite legit and the questions that her mother had asked me could have been answered. She said that her husband had already done that for her (Google search) and found that the company was real, and was comfortable with his findings, but she still didn't feel comfortable so she called her mom. I then told her that I still needed to speak to Mr. ***** and would get back with her.

So, there ya go. She knew. I STILL don't have a receptionist and I am not entirely sure what to say when I call her back. I know what I would like to say, but I am more professional than that!

 

[kwelch10377]

Well, after the many responses I received, and after sleeping on it, I decided to call the young lady this morning to "discuss her resume." I began the conversation with, I received your resume, reviewed it, and although I haven't had time to speak with Mr. ***** (again, it really isn't necessary, if I want to hire her, I can!), I would like to ask her a few questions. I started with one teeny tine gap in employment and asked her about that, and then....I dropped the bomb! I said, I just wondered if you were aware that your mother called our office yesterday morning inquiring as to the position and many other things........GUESS WHAT?! SHE KNEW! She said that she was "a little wary" about the "job offer" and wanted to make sure it was legit.

After I regained my composure (I was shocked to say the very least). I let her know that it was rather unorthodox for a potential employee's mother to call our office to inquire as to an opening. I also informed her that with a quick Google search, or Florida Bar search, she could have seen that our office is quite legit and the questions that her mother had asked me could have been answered. She said that her husband had already done that for her (Google search) and found that the company was real, and was comfortable with his findings, but she still didn't feel comfortable so she called her mom. I then told her that I still needed to speak to Mr. ***** and would get back with her.

So, there ya go. She knew. I STILL don't have a receptionist and I am not entirely sure what to say when I call her back. I know what I would like to say, but I am more professional than that!

On one hand I understand where she is coming from with her being leary, I would be too if some guy that I just met gave me a name and phone number to call about a job. I know that they were talking about it, but I might feel a little uneasy. On the other hand she could have just called, heard the greeting and hung up.

Did you like what she had to say when you talked to her, before you asked about her mother? If so do you have any references from her, maybe you could call some past employers and talk to them to see what they thought of her.

If you didn't get a good vibe from her otherwise I would just call her and explain that you want to look at a few more people before making a decision. I would also maybe just tell her that you want to offer her a bit of advice and that while you understand that she may have been uneasy, having your mother call is not the best way to handle things.

 

[taximomfor4]

Well, after the many responses I received, and after sleeping on it, I decided to call the young lady this morning to "discuss her resume." I began the conversation with, I received your resume, reviewed it, and although I haven't had time to speak with Mr. ***** (again, it really isn't necessary, if I want to hire her, I can!), I would like to ask her a few questions. I started with one teeny tine gap in employment and asked her about that, and then....I dropped the bomb! I said, I just wondered if you were aware that your mother called our office yesterday morning inquiring as to the position and many other things........GUESS WHAT?! SHE KNEW! She said that she was "a little wary" about the "job offer" and wanted to make sure it was legit.

After I regained my composure (I was shocked to say the very least). I let her know that it was rather unorthodox for a potential employee's mother to call our office to inquire as to an opening. I also informed her that with a quick Google search, or Florida Bar search, she could have seen that our office is quite legit and the questions that her mother had asked me could have been answered. She said that her husband had already done that for her (Google search) and found that the company was real, and was comfortable with his findings, but she still didn't feel comfortable so she called her mom. I then told her that I still needed to speak to Mr. ***** and would get back with her.

So, there ya go. She knew. I STILL don't have a receptionist and I am not entirely sure what to say when I call her back. I know what I would like to say, but I am more professional than that!

Maybe let her know that while she had many potential positives in her resume, professionalism is tantamount in your office. Therefore you feel that as good a candidate as she is, she is unfortunately the right fit for your office.

Honestly, part of me thinks that having her mom check it out for her is a faux pas...but that she MIGHT still be an excellent employee (thorough, and not an impulsive person, lol). HOWEVER, if she is that unsure, and apparently a bit immature, I think I'd be concerned that she'd end up being quite high maintenance. A needs-her-hand-held-and-someone-to-help-her-choose-what-to-do type of person. I wonder how many times her mom contacted her college during her education.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

...So, there ya go. She knew. I STILL don't have a receptionist and I am not entirely sure what to say when I call her back. I know what I would like to say, but I am more professional than that!

Were you as honest with her as she was with you about misgivings associated with her asking her mother to call? Did you explain to her the type of inappropriate questions that her mother asked?

She is either a good candidate for the job or she isn't. Her mother has nothing to do with it. I would never make a hire decision based on that call. It wouldn't even enter my mind.