Edit. After a big debate saying me that I am about to commit firing offense, I edited my post a bit to show better picture what exactly happened. I hope I decrease my chance of being fired for this significantly.
A guy was interviewing for a position with a department next to ours and did not get hired. I do not know precisely why decision was made, but colleagues think it might be because of lack of soft skills. I did not even talked to him, but I talked to my colleagues who did, and consensus is he might have better chance if he improved his communications skills.
I would like to email him with general advice, just to help him (read this forum, learn about body language and importance of eye contact, get a good sleep before, don't drive 6 hours to interview and come jittery on few bottles of energy drinks, and even if you are desperate never let them know, most jobs are found via networking). Basic stuff, he has CompSci college education and seems to have technical skills but it is not enough, especially in this economy (improving, but oh so slowly).
Many programmers are introverts with bad communication skills, so he might not be even the worst of them, if he can get in. Not good fit for us tho, we are big team with plenty of intense communication, so we all agree that decision not to hire him was likely correct.
My question is: Should I tell him he should improve his communication skills? What can go wrong? What are risks to me and what I should avoid? I obviously don't want to do anything to harm my position here, there is absolutely no payoff for me by helping him, I just like to help people if I can.
I would respond from my personal email and tell him my response is personal and I do not represent the company. I guess in first email I should just ask if he is even interested in unofficial feedback, and stop at that.
Good question: why I want to do that.
I want to help fellow human being to succeed. Why such normal reaction is considered to be so wrong and so dangerous? Treat others as I would like others to treat me. If my son will be looking for a job, I hope someone will help him (btw my son is not aspie, but young person can use any help s/he can get). Pay it forward. I am not shining example of a 100% virtuous person, but I can see how can I help in this case, with very little effort. I am really surprised how strong opposition this suggestion has. Isn't this something we all do in such forums every day? Helping complete stranger?
If this is all the danger there is, I am going to take my chances and do it, very carefully. I will let you know results.
Follow up: I did contacted the candidate. No lawsuit. We exchanged few emails. Some stuff he was aware. He created gameplan how to do better next time. I was not fired either. Nobody was hurt. Relax, most people are good humans.