The sticky issue of referring somebody who quits

I’m feeling a little professionally bruised this month. I have personally recommended and referred two Military Spouses for positions (fortunately with two separate employers!), and both have left for greener pastures in less than six months. I am happy for them. Both have taken positions with greater pay and opportunities for advancement, and I know this can be a cut-throat employment market - we need to take these opportunities when they present themselves. I think I am feeling bruised as I am concerned my professional judgement on potential employees is now a little tainted with those I know in hiring positions.

Within the Military Spouse community we know how important it is to “get a lead.” Connections and referrals can make a huge difference to our chances of gaining employment in a new location in a timely manner. The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys indicate employers intend to hire around 83% of their future employees through either Social Media or Direct Referrals. As Military Spouses our “network” and our ability to get those referrals is even more important. We regularly find ourselves in new locations with few, if any, job contacts. So how can we encourage other Military Spouses to actively refer us?

Reflecting on my bruised ego this month - I think there are two things we can do.

Firstly - I think that when we refer others, we need to make sure we also protect ourselves. I knew both candidates were great candidates for the positions. I knew they would do amazing things for their respective companies. What I didn’t really consider was what their longer term career ambitions were. As a Military Spouse I wanted to do everything I could to help a fellow, highly qualified Military Spouse leave the unemployment ranks. On reflection - I need to recognize that when I am putting my name to a referral, I need to make sure I ask the right questions and that I refer people with a good understanding of what their longer term intentions are. After all - I have used my professional reputation to assist their application and my reputation can be a little scarred when the employer is left in the lurch.

Secondly - I think we need to keep in mind the people that do refer us for a position. As I reflected on this situation, I thought about Jill, the lady who referred me for my current position. She did go out on a limb. She was a Military Spouse. She knew me by professional reputation, had met me at a 2 day conference, but had never directly worked with me. I wrote a thank you email after I was hired but have not contacted her since then. I think that as a professional courtesy, I should get back in touch with her. I need to tell her that 2 years later - I still love my job and wouldn’t be here without her help. When I reluctantly submit my resignation due to a PCS, I will give my employer notice, but she should be the next person I let know.

As Military Spouses, the Direct Referral system is critical to enhancing our ability to get hired into professional positions in a speedy manner. Let’s remember those who help us out and maintain the professional courtesy past the initial thank you note! Let’s also make sure we keep it active and effective by referring whenever we can, but also making sure that we continue to look after our own professional reputation in the process.