Conflict of Interest???

1785 Views 8 Replies 8 Participants Last post by breadster, Feb 22, 2003

ritafajita

Discussion Starter · Jan 25, 2003

Be as candid as you want with this, because I'm really looking for some input.

I'm not sure about which way to go with someone I am considering hiring, and I am a little bit gun shy lately. Individual seems qualified and is available for the part time hours I am looking for. Personality seems fine, and all that - not knock your socks off, but acceptable. But, person has another job at a restaurant that has similar menu to mine, although they do not deliver (Yet????). The plan is to work both places. Now, this other restaurant has been open a lot longer than I have, and the owner has just gobs more experience than I do. It's hard for me to imagine that anyone over there could possibly have anything to learn from me - except maybe the delivery end of the business. Even though what I do could be considered "fast-casual" ( a term I am already getting tired of hearing!) and they are more along the lines of a Chili's type place, we are both Southwestern, and our market consists of the same folks. So, they are kind of a competitor, I guess, even though they are sit down & drink and I'm delivery/take-out. I'm not sure how comfortable I feel having someone work for me who also works for a competitor, no matter how many miles ahead of me that competitor may be. Am I just being weird?

Another thing that causes me a little concern, and I'm wondering if anyone else ever runs acsross this, is that I practically had to beg him to completely fill out the application. I actually see this a lot on the level I'm at - what seem to me to be cooks sort of working the local circuit, making a lot of lateral moves. Many of them hand me half filled out applications, like they are so sure they can just get a job anywhere, any time, that it doesn't matter. Maybe I make to much of it, read too much into it, I don't know. Another applicant came by with a meticulously filled out application. Student in the honors program. Responsible work history. Outstanding demeanor. Zero restaurant experience. I'm thinking of hiring that one instead. Thoughts?

I should point out as well that my shareholders are not too crazy about the idea of me hiring someone who works for a competitor. They first brought it to my attention when I mentioned the applicant. I have the final say, but there are concerns.

RF

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ritafajita

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jan 26, 2003

Thanks for the input! I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who sees so much in that initial application. I have been told that I make too big a deal of it. But, twice I've hired a sloppy applicant, and twice I've been sorry. I think I'll not make the same mistake again. At first, part of me wanted to convince myself that the first applicant's experience might make for easier training, but, as you all pointed out, that experience might have ended up being more of a pain than anything.

I called the second applicant (actually, she called me to politely follow-up on the application), later this afternoon. I have to say, I was even further impressed by the sincerely enthusiastic response I received when I made the offer. It was refreshing. Like I said, I'm a little gun shy lately. I've had a series of duds. I believe things are looking up, though. And if I can remember what I liked and didn't like (and trust my own hunches!) when comparing these two applicants, perhaps the hiring process will be even smoother next time!

Thanks again. Youv'e been a great help

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