Would you lie and act as a "professional employment reference" for a friend? (degree, references)

[Dingler]

A friend of mine told me he is impressed with how well I speak. He says I have great public speaking skills and fine diction. He said I come across as very polished and professional. While I liked all the good compliments he had about me, I was curious why they were being given. I pressed and he said he would like to have me as a professional reference to help him in his job search.

Though instead of acting as myself (a friend), which would not impress the employer, I would lie and say I was an old boss of his and help talk him up and maybe get him hired. It sounded like an interesting con (an acting challenge) and I love the guy, but who knows. Next he offered me alot of money. Now I know how eager he is to find a better job.

His last two bosses have moved out of the area and he has lost touch with them. It was a formal relationship, so tracking them down with switchboard would be difficult.

I think I could pull it off with some role playing and practice, but should I?

Have you ever acted as a professional job reference for a friend or relative?

[Ronzou]

Never done this before, but I've helped my friends in High School with their papers, and being in college, it's fun to hear all the compliments MY papers are getting for them!

[BrianH]

Depends. If it was PC work and i know what they can do id definately say they worked for me and were good.

[Karla with a K]

The lying thing aside(it is not acting it is lying)

The first question you have to ask is "Why can't he get a reference from his old boss?"
I am not sure about where you are but here in my industry(finance) it seems that everyone "knows" each other. So if your area is the same, there is a chance that someone in the new company will know his old boss.

I am very careful about giving references and also recommending people for jobs. I have worked to hard to establish my reputation in my field to put it at risk if the person I recommend "messes up"

Karla

[I LOVE NORTH CAROLINA]

I would say don't do it, one lie always leads to another and you have to remember all of them to keep the story correct, not worth the stress. And I don't think real friends ask friends to lie.

[MoMark]

Your vanity reveals you vasinger...I mean Dingler. And, lying is lying. Where's the debate?

[jhlcomp]

No!! It's lying and dishonest. And according to your profile you are in HR and have a Master's Degree which makes this even worse.

[nomoresnow]

Personal reference? In a heartbeat. Professional reference, not a chance. If your friend ever got found out, he could be fired for fraudulent information. Illegal? I doubt it. Unethical? Definitely.

[Racelady88]

Not for all of the tea in China.

[Rapture]

Originally Posted by MoMark

Your vanity reveals you vasinger...I mean Dingler. And, lying is lying. Where's the debate?

hahahahahaha, I can't take it