CheekyChicago

A: Whether she wants to apply should depend on her skills, the job she’s applying for and the boss she would work for. Would she want to work there if she didn’t know you?  If the only reason she’d apply is to “help” you out she is unlikely to last three months, much less a year, so the bonus is a moot point! You are under no obligation to split the bonus with her.  If she gets a signing bonus, would she split it with you?  Believe me, she wouldn’t consider it – nor should she.  Remind her of that.  Here’s the potential political problem: it’s tempting to give the names of anyone you think might get hired.  Propose her as a candidate, along with others, only if you aren’t worried about the potential political fallout.  Is she likely to succeed with your company?  Once hired, is she likely to talk about your relationship with co-workers?  Could she believe, or convince others, that she’s there solely so you’d get the bonus?  One of the first rules of positive politics is to keep true friends separate from working colleagues.  There is no way you can control her behavior once on the job.  Find candidates you honestly believe would be a great fit with the company and that you know far less well.