By Kathleen Furore
How can spouses balance their careers? It’s a topic that came to mind when a friend’s successful, recently married daughter started looking for a new job. If she is offered a position somewhere far from the couple’s current home, would it be appropriate for her to mention her husband (who is equally successful and in a similar profession) and ask if there are any openings for him, as well?
Even the recruiting pros I contacted were a little stumped by that question!
As executive recruiter Chris Gardner, co-founder and CEO of Artemis Consultants says, “This is an interesting topic. It makes me pause and think.”
And Nancy Halpern, a New York City-based career and executive coach with 20 years’ experience working with leaders at all levels and across industries says, simply, “It depends.
“Is she senior enough to feel comfortable asking that question? Is the company large enough that they would have multiple openings or perhaps they’re in a growth mode where they’re aggressively hiring?” Halpern asks. “It’s better not to pitch yourself as a ‘package deal,’ but rather inquire what the local job market is like and see if the employer is willing to offer job search services to him as part of her relocation package.”
Bringing up a spouse’s job hunt isn’t unheard of, but Gardner stresses that is does pose risks – including appearing as if you’re looking for that “package deal” Halpern mentions.
“Depending on how you broach the subject, it could be an effective way to help your spouse network. However, it’s doubtful I would recommend this approach,” says Gardner. “Maybe the employer would find you less attractive of a candidate because your interest in them could be directly related to your spouse’s ability to find new employment in the same city. It complicates things for the company; if they have two equally qualified candidates, they’ll most likely choose the one that has the fewest contingencies tied to them.
He also points out that many large companies have nepotism clauses that prohibit them from employing spouses and family members.
“I think most people in loving relationships are willing to do anything they can to help their loved one find a job they’re passionate about. ‘Help’ being the operative word,” he continues. “Personally, I would appreciate the help and support, but it would be important to me that I not ride my spouse’s coattail.”
If the ultimate decision is to try to negotiate a position for your spouse during an out-of-area job search, Gardner says clarifying that your interest in the position is independent of the company’s ability to help your spouse find a position is key.
Kathleen Furore is a Chicago-based writer and editor who has covered personal finance and other business-related topics for a variety of trade and consumer publications. You can email her your career questions at kfurore@yahoo.com.
What’s next?
Internships are an opportunity to network with great people and sharpen your skills before entering the workforce. They also help tremendously with figuring out your true passion.
The Importance Of Internships And The Relationships They Bring
Internships are an opportunity to network with great people and sharpen your skills before entering the workforce. They also help tremendously with figuring out your true passion.
4 Tips For Writing A Resume That Will Get You The Interview
If you’re tired of meticulously writing, editing and rewriting your resume, only to send it off and never hear about it again, you’re not alone.
5 Ways to Celebrate Your Career This Valentine’s Day
Here are 5 ways to show your career some love this Valentine’s Day.
The Ten Best New Year’s Resolutions For Your Career
Progress is incremental, so start small and build on what you achieve as you improve yourself and your quality of work over the course of the year.
Why the Holidays May Be the Best Time to Jump Start a Career Change
If you have been considering a career change, the holiday season might be the best time to get started. Here’s why.
Keeping Employees Motivated During the Holidays
The holidays can be stressful but if you follow very closely you will help motivate your employees this holiday season.
6 IRL Networking Tips for Introverts
Here are six strategies that make attending in-person networking events easier for even the most introverted of people.
Do these 3 simple things, and you are on your way to a successful career!
Author: John Krieg 1. Don't make excuses. EVER. Although in the short term they make you feel better, all they do is hold you back. When you recognize excuses are the root of all failure, you can quickly push yourself to achieve your goals and lead a more honest,...
How To Identify And Prevent Employee Burnout
According to Gallup research, before the pandemic, 76% of workers reported feeling burned out sometimes, while 28% of workers said they were burned out “very often” or “always” at work.
