It’s easy for people to assume you got the job because your father is the boss. Photo: Getty
Q: I recently got a management position in my family company, where my dad is the CEO. I have a business degree from UCD, and a lot of experience, amounting to what I think is a really impressive CV. I fully deserve the role, and got it after a rigorous process, which didn’t involve my father. I think I’ve done well after six months in the job, but the problem is everyone seems to think I got the job because of nepotism and there’s a lot of resentment and lack of co-operation as a result. I don’t want to go running to my dad with this problem, and would prefer to sort it out myself. What should I do? I’m starting to think I should start looking for another job in a company that has no family connections and just strike out on my own. I’ll always be seen as Daddy’s Boy in here.
A: It’s human nature for people in your father’s company to assume that you got the job because of him – guilt by association, if you like. Even if he had no involvement in the hiring process, most people still won’t believe that. They haven’t seen your CV, your track record, or the effort you put in to get where you are. They simply see the CEO’s son sitting in a management role and jump to conclusions, assuming you had an easier path than others.
source