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AIBU?

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Original poster

To be gobsmacked that an interviewee openly told dh that he had looked at our accounts…

989 replies

ChampagneWorries · 24/05/2021 18:40

On companies house?

Dh did an interview today via zoom and the interviewee openly told him that they had looked at our company accounts on companies house to see if we were a healthy company!

Our dividends are on there and I'm really shocked that he basically admitted to being so nosey.

I know they are public information (which i disagree with) but they do show the company income, how much cash was in the bank and our salary etc.

Dh wants to offer him the job as he had some good qualities, but this has really put me off him.

I know people do look at peoples companies on the companies house, but you don't bloody tell them surely?!

Would you still offer him the job?

OP posts:
Someonetookmyname · 25/05/2021 22:43

Karma.

Nobody cares about her grammar.

Chocolatehamper · 25/05/2021 22:47

@ChampagneWorries

Ahh I’ve just noticed it should be “I would never have...”

Or is that not correct either?

Yes OP, It's I would never have, it's just that when it's spoken, it's abbreviated so sounds like 'of'. Grammar police being a bit OTT...
Houseplantmad · 25/05/2021 22:48

OP you’re making his application about you, not him. He sounds a diligent and sensible person!

Someonetookmyname · 25/05/2021 22:48

@Pagwatch

Agree it’s not common. I’ve known two self made rich people who acted this way - so maybe my perception of how common this behaviour is is a little skewed.

And your comment about the fear of unpaid bills staying with you really made me think - must be hard Flowers

MaidEdithofAragon · 25/05/2021 22:48

He’s doing his due diligence. You should be pleased about that.

Ariela · 25/05/2021 22:53

I blagged my first job in sales - no previous experience which they'd asked for - as they were impressed I'd found out everything I could about the company (held in high esteem for their reputation), I took their company brochure along with me, and knew a lot of facts about their operation, their profit etc. They told me on offering me the job that they were impressed I was the only interviewee who answered the 'what can you tell me about our company and why do you want to work here' question well. This was 35 years ago long before t'internet. . Blagging that job (I really wasn't qualified to even apply going on the specifications in their advert, but I wrote a good accompanying letter) set me on the road to a great career, it opened doors to have worked for the industry leader.

Member869894 · 25/05/2021 23:04

It's a perfectly reasonable thing to do. Offer him the job

Mummyrowland · 25/05/2021 23:19

I look at them to see company stability. Are you new? Have you just taken funds? Are you reinvesting? What the growth like? All sensible things to look for for company growth and stability

LIttleMissTickles · 26/05/2021 00:13

OP, some people really get a kick out of putting others down, more so if they’re perceived as successful. Please please don’t let their words have any impact on your self esteem. And congratulations on building a successful company! I don’t want to sound too cheesy, but I will... remind yourself every day that you are worthy and special and in no way of lesser (or in fact more, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem here) worth than any other human!

Sonofbarney · 26/05/2021 00:40

If he knew about this post he'd be wise to decline the role. I think he's better off somewhere else where his nous is appreciated.

starlight13 · 26/05/2021 07:04

He is honest which should be applauded. It's the other way around OP - why would he want to work for a company that wasn't financially healthy? He may be giving up a secure job to come and work for you.
There is a reason that these records are public - transparency.

Alwayscheerful · 26/05/2021 07:10

My husband is a chartered accountant , every prospective employer would EXPECT him to look on companies house.
With your attitude you will attract amateurs rather than professional applicants.

sussexoldspot · 26/05/2021 07:12

Absolutely right YABU. I would do exactly the same if the company interviewing me wasn't one of the biggies. It's not just about whether a potential candidate is good enough for you, but also whether you are good enough for them.

scubadive · 26/05/2021 07:35

This is the most ignorant post I have ever read on mumsnet. Who wouldn’t check out the accounts of a company before seeking employment there, you don’t want to move jibs to find the company goes bust next week.

And as for you not agreeing with accounts being for the public, well where would one start, are you sure you are up to running a company?

If anything I would like to warn the potential employee about the type of boss they might be getting.

amispeakingenglish · 26/05/2021 08:30

Yes, he is very thorough. I would do that too, he needs to know he is going to work for a company that is healthy. As you said it is public information, there for people to look at. I think your attitude is very odd.

amispeakingenglish · 26/05/2021 08:31

@scubadive

This is the most ignorant post I have ever read on mumsnet. Who wouldn’t check out the accounts of a company before seeking employment there, you don’t want to move jibs to find the company goes bust next week.

All of this too, totally agree.

And as for you not agreeing with accounts being for the public, well where would one start, are you sure you are up to running a company?

If anything I would like to warn the potential employee about the type of boss they might be getting.

amispeakingenglish · 26/05/2021 08:32

sorry that @scubadive went a bit funny.

I meant I totally agree with scubadive.

Is there no way to edit a post?

PepperPiglet · 26/05/2021 08:57

Why would you not hire the person who cares about your company's profits? Surely good business sense is what you're looking for?

KarmaStar · 26/05/2021 09:56

He did what anyone would do in these challenging times and telling you was showing he is honest and upfront.I don't see your problem.

Nik2019 · 26/05/2021 10:06

@ChampagneWorries

Its the fact he’s told dh that he had looked at them.

Fine to look for your own security but i think it was off to admit it.

I would of thought he would of said that he had looked at our website, reviews etc not bloody financial information!

I hate people knowing our salary and how much is in the business bank etc.

I would never say that to an interviewer.

YABVU. He has nothing to hide, has acted reasonably and within the confines of the law and shown maturity and initiative, why wouldn't he tell you? The fact that you hate people knowing your financial information is an entirely different issue and not one that has any relevance to him. I hope he manages to find an employer that is open and honest and sees his good qualities.

By the way, you can be pretty sure that your family have all viewed your accounts, and your neighbours and your friends. Sorry about that.

Bourbonandcoke · 26/05/2021 10:38

Absolutely fine, I have always done this prior to an interview. Not going to work for a company that is on dodgy financial ground. YABVU

GrannyRose15 · 26/05/2021 10:46

Of course someone is going to look up the company if they are going for a job interview. They would be negligent or naive not to. That is why the information is there, so that interested parties can check you are who you say you are and are doing as well as you say you are doing.

BetterThanKleenex · 26/05/2021 11:07

It shows he thinks ahead, researches his choices and has common sense. You should be glad he's that open with you straight away and is transparent with his motives.

kimmsutt · 26/05/2021 11:09

I think he is doing appropriate due diligence with publicly available data, hopefully he will be equally thorough and resourceful in his next employment. Put yourself in his shoes, he’s trying to prepare for a job not work out your disposable income.

ceilingsand · 26/05/2021 11:23

It wouldn't trouble me.