Job Application: Why do potential employers ask if family members have worked there?

[Jimellow]

I filled out a job application just now, and one of the questions asked if any of my family members had ever worked for the company I was applying to.

Why would they ask this, and if the answer was, "Yes, a family member has worked there," would it potentially affect my chances of getting the job negatively? Could it affect it positively? Could it affect the wage I start at? Why would they ask this at all?

I honestly am not sure if a family member has worked at this company, but depending on the reasons behind their asking I could start calling relatives and asking.. But I don't know if a relative being employed at a particular business in the past is a generally a good thing or not, and thus was hoping you all could give me some feedback/information.

Thanks!

[la petite moi]

I'm not sure about hiring stuff, but I know that it could be considered a conflict of interest if both siblings, realtives, etc. work at the same establishment. Just like if a boyfriend and girlfriend worked together, the employer is afraid the two could get caught up in their own problems at work.

[Jimellow]

Originally Posted by la petite moi

I'm not sure about hiring stuff, but I know that it could be considered a conflict of interest if both siblings, realtives, etc. work at the same establishment. Just like if a boyfriend and girlfriend worked together, the employer is afraid the two could get caught up in their own problems at work.

Very good point, I didn't think of that at all..

In my situation, if anyone had worked there, they wouldn't anymore.. Would that affect my chances of getting the job and the starting salary at all?

If the relative was a poor employee (even got fired, for instance), could that negatively affect my chances of getting the job?

Would you generally recommend I go out of the way to find a relative (even if distant) that has worked there so that I can answer "yes" to the question?

[maleficent]

Many companies have nepotism policies, that is favoritism shown to relatives, as in business, this could mean working together, or even getting contract work. if your family member works there, you won't get a job, just to avoid any appearance of wrong doing.

Some might also work under the philosophy, that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, that if your brother worked there, and he was a major slacker and screw up, chances are - -you are too. Other side of the coin there, if your brother is a good hard worker, odds are good you might be too.

Just answer the question honestly, lying on an application is grounds for termination, don't read into why they are asking the question.

Usually when they refer to family members, it's immediate family, your mother's uncle's son's wife doesn't really count.