Is it a sin to help one person beat out another person for a job?

Question:

Is it a sin to help out a friend by helping him beat out another person whose interviewing for the same job spot? For example, you have a friend in the company who gives you tips to do better in the interview, is that wrong?

The employer decides whom to hire

When we are talking about a job, it is the employer who does the hiring. He knows the tasks he is hiring for and the criteria needed.  That is why he must thoroughly interview the candidates so he can choose the best one for the job. This is why the employer is free to choose whom he desires and thinks is best for the job. In fact, it would not be a bad idea to hire a relative, if he or she is qualified, because the Bible teaches us that we are to take care of our household. Take a look at what is written in the Word:

8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (I Timothy 5)

If you own a business and are looking to hire, it is normal to want to hire a brother or sister in Christ first and foremost if possible if he or she is qualified, as well as close friends, family members (brothers and sisters) as long as they are capable and qualified. Just be careful that you are not manipulated by someone who is less qualified but knows how to pressure you until you give in.

Do not hold the employer in contempt

There is something else that I would like to mention here. I have seen how some relatives, when working for another relative, begin to relax when it comes to their responsibilities and do not perform them as they should, because they are “family” or “brothers in Christ”. They expect their lack of responsibility to be overlooked and forgiven. They even know how to turn a complaint against them or a disciplinary action for their lack of responsibility into a sermon on the importance of forgiveness as Christians. Even if the following words were written to slaves, they are applicable for employees as well.

1 All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. 2 Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles. (I Timothy 6)

Again, when it comes to hiring, the employer has the right to choose whom he wants for the job. He knows the qualities of the best person for the job and the other interviewees must respect the employer’s decision of whom to hire. But there are other situations worth mentioning  . . .

When the employer uses a hiring agency

What does this mean? This happens when the company is large and the employer does not have the ability to interview a lot of people so he hires out an agency to conduct the interview process and give him the top candidates for the job. If you work for a service like this then you will probably, quickly see relatives and friends coming to you to get hired. How do you respond to such situations? On one hand, you have the criteria for the job given by the employer, but on the other hand you have friends and relatives coming to you begging you for a good word. You must be fair in the interview process and choose the best qualified for the job even if they are not part of the group of relatives and friends who want the position. Once again I want to turn to the Word of God, through Paul, even if these words are addressed to slave they are perfect for the employer/employee relationship. Look at what the Word says:

5 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ ; 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. 7 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. (Ephesians 6)

Be careful to work hard according to the rules set down by your employer when it comes to choosing candidates for a position. You may be asking yourself  but . . .

To whom do I give priority if there is more than one candidate who meets the qualifications?

If the situation is like that (be sure that the situation is like that and you are not cutting corners and making it seem as your friends or relatives are qualified), then be honest with yourself and with God; give the friends and relatives a chance if they are qualified for the job. Just be careful not to bring any suspicion upon yourself from your boss because the Scriptures say:

18 He who tends the fig tree will eat its fruit, And he who cares for his master will be honored. 19 As in water face reflects face, So the heart of man reflects man. (Proverbs 27)

Translation by: Erik Brewer