Times are changing and so are the guidelines surrounding what is considered acceptable in the hiring process. One of those changes involves job seekers and whether they should bring their spouses to job interviews. Is it acceptable? ... When should you consider bringing your spouse and when should you go on your own? What are the benefits of doing so and what are the downfalls?

When You Should Consider Bringing Your Spouse to a Job Interview

While bringing your spouse to a job interview may seem unconventional, it is not only appropriate, but highly recommended for job seekers, particularly those who are applying for an executive position. This will vary from situation to situation, however.

For example, a dentist should consider bringing his or her spouse to a job interview, whereas as an individual applying for a lower-level administrative position would not likely need to do so. A Rehab Director or Physical Therapy Director may want to bring his or her spouse along, however a PT Assistant probably would not. 

If your new job will involve you and your family relocating, including your spouse in the job interview process would be completely acceptable. A change of career could be another reason to think about bringing your spouse with you on a job interview.

Be Considerate and Ask First

Regardless of your situation, you should always be considerate and coordinate with your potential employer first. You wouldn’t want to bring your spouse and have the employer be caught off guard when you do. This could create a confusion come interview time and a potentially awkward situation, which might have been easily avoided.

Simply talk to the individual conducting your interview and ask them if it’s okay to bring your spouse along with you. If you take the time to ensure they understand why that’s important to you, most employers will not take issue with your request. Remember, the fact you want to include your spouse in the decision-making process is a positive quality, not a negative one.

Including Your Spouse Is a Sign of Respect, Not Indecisiveness

Bringing your spouse is not a sign of weakness or indecisiveness. Including your spouse in the interview process doesn’t mean he or she is necessarily “the decision maker” in the marriage. Having your spouse attend your job interview is actually a sign of respect. It means you value your spouse’s opinion and know your decision will have a significant impact not only on your life, but on your spouse’s and family’s as well.

A Smart Employer Will Welcome the Inclusion of Your Spouse in the Interview Process

As I mentioned, while some employers may not be familiar with the idea of an individual bringing his or her spouse along on a job interview, most will welcome the inclusion of your spouse in the interview process. This is because these employers know a marriage is a joint effort and, unless both parties are on the same page, the likelihood of them being able to entice you to join (and become a long-term member of) their team is very slim.

If you do come across a potential employer who doesn’t want you to bring your spouse, you either need to explain your request and reasoning a little more thoroughly or you might want to consider pursuing a position at a different company. It is not only the employees that make a company successful, but the families of those employees too, as those are the individuals providing the support from behind the scenes.

Why It's Important to Include Your Spouse in Life-Changing Decisions

As any married couple will tell you, including your spouse in life-changing decisions is essential. Let’s say you decide you want to take a job at a Dental Office in Austin, TX. While you currently live in North Carolina, the job seems like a perfect fit and you really don’t think you could pass up on such a great offer. Well, it isn’t just you who is moving. It’s you, your spouse, any kids you may have, etc. It’s a major life-changing decision. How is your spouse going to feel about? Would he/she be willing to make such a major move? Are there similar positions nearby? These are questions you need to ask and a discussion you should have long before you begin pursuing the position.

Then, once your spouse is willing to consider the idea, bringing him or her along can help seal the deal. You and your spouse can see the company first-hand, speak with its executives, you can check out the city, find out more about the housing situation, research schools for your kids and more. Deciding to pursue this type of position isn’t just about you, your spouse will have to live with this decision too. Make it a decision of which you both approve.

Your Spouse May Be Able to Provide a Fresh Perspective

One thing not all job seekers might consider, when wondering whether to have their spouse join them on a job interview, is your spouse may be able to provide a fresh perspective on the position.

Let’s face it, it’s like buying a new car. When you find the “ideal car”, you don’t necessarily think about anything else. You want the car. You are willing to do what’s necessary to get the car. And that’s it. However, if you show the car to your spouse, he or she might be able to remind you of the last time you had a car like this. Your spouse might realize you would have better buying options if you made the purchase through your credit union rather than trying to get approved through the dealership’s lenders. He or she could even remind you of the number of miles you drive to and from work, so considering an electric or hybrid vehicle may be a smarter option.

The point is, bringing your spouse along could provide a fresh perspective on the position itself. If your spouse notices working conditions he or she knows you wouldn’t do well in, it’s better to recognize that now than have you coming home complaining and miserable every night. Maybe your spouse will see a few aspects of the job even you didn’t notice, and this fresh perspective could be all you need to sign on.

If the Job Is Right, You’ll Both Know It

It’s important to remember your spouse knows you very well. He or she wants you to succeed and wants you to be happy. If the job is right, you’ll both know it. The company looking to hire you should know that fact too. Changing jobs or careers is a significant life event. It’s going to have an impact on you, your spouse and your family.

So, when applying for an executive position or considering making a major career move, bring your spouse along. Show him or her everything that drew you to the position in the first place. If he or she sees what you see, accept the offer and move forward on this new chapter in your life.

If you need help finding the ideal job, in either the Allied Healthcare or Dental industries, The People Link is here for you. Start by going online and taking a look at our current job listings or call Mya today at 818-890-9998 to discuss your options. You’ll be glad you did!