Navigating Professional References: Using Your Husband in a Family Business

When applying for a corporate job and your resume lists a family business, you might be asked to provide a professional reference. This can be a bit tricky, especially if you have worked closely with your spouse in the family business. In this article, we will explore the considerations and best practices when using your husband as a professional reference, especially when you are applying for a corporate job.

Relevance of Your Reference

When you have a family business, your spouse can indeed be a valuable reference. However, it is crucial to ensure that your husband can provide relevant insights about your professional skills, work ethic, and contributions to the family business. The reference should be able to speak to aspects that are pertinent to the corporate job you are applying for.

Professionalism Matters

When applying for corporate jobs, it is often beneficial to include references that can provide a more traditional perspective on your work experience. This might include a previous employer or a colleague who can speak to your experience in a corporate environment. Having such references can add weight to your application and showcase your professional background more comprehensively.

Transparency and Disclosure

If you decide to use your husband as a reference, it is important to be transparent with the potential employer about your relationship. This transparency can help avoid any perception of bias and ensures that your application is viewed as professionally as possible.

While using your husband as a reference is acceptable, consider supplementing or prioritizing other professional references. This can include clients, colleagues, or individuals who have worked with you in a corporate setting. Such references can provide valuable insights into your skills and performance in a professional environment.

Company Reference Guidelines

Many companies have strict guidelines on who they can and cannot contact for references. If your last manager or supervisor is your husband, wife, mother, father, or any other relative, the company will likely follow their protocols. While they may find it amusing, as long as they receive at least one other good reference, even one that is non-professional or non-supervisory, the issue can be resolved favorably.

It is also worth noting that family members are generally not considered valid references. In such cases, if you are the manager and have no direct manager to reference you, consider asking a client for a reference. This can provide a more professional perspective and strengthen your application.

Highlighting Your Skills and Achievements

While your experience in a family business is valuable, it is essential to highlight the skills and achievements you gained that are transferable to a corporate setting. For example, if you found a cost-saving idea that increased the bottom line, emphasize this achievement as it provides concrete evidence of your abilities in a professional environment.

When providing a reference, it is crucial to give them the proof they are looking for to qualify for the company. This could include specific details about your contributions, achievements, and the impact you had on the business. Providing such information can make a significant difference in the interviewer's perception of your professional capabilities.

Conclusion

Using your husband as a professional reference from your family business is often acceptable, especially if he can provide relevant insights. However, it is wise to also consider supplementing or prioritizing other professional references to add a more comprehensive perspective to your application. By being transparent and highlighting your skills and achievements, you can enhance your chances of securing the corporate job you are applying for.