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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Been invited to a job interview....

149 replies

Thisyearisshit · 27/07/2021 12:28

I cannot find them online at all.

No website, no office address, (the advert says working in local office) if I type the company name or the MD’s name on search engine it’s like they don’t exist.

The email account they use is hotmail, and the phone number looks like a house number as that brings up nothing either on searches.

It’s apparently a family run business for over 10 years so not a new business.
Is it me or is this very odd?

OP posts:

mygood · 27/07/2021 15:34

@Quarantino

^ Should get a strike/ban for posting 'F'. or 'pmk' which I always read as 'pissed my kecks'

what actually is pmk?

igelkott2021 · 27/07/2021 15:40

placemark

it's annoying, all anyone needs to do is press "watch"

Puzzledandpissedoff · 27/07/2021 15:55

(Retired) professional recruiter here; it sounds extremely suss for all the reasons PPs have said, though possibly it's just a family who don't know what they're doing, trying to run things in a shambolic manner

The big giveaway in today's market is their desperation to get you (no offence, but as you rightly said jobs are scarce). I'd be tempted to go along though, if only for the entertainment value

ExhaustedFlamingo · 27/07/2021 16:06

While this might be dodgy, there are plenty of reasons why it might not be.

As PP have said, not every company is on Companies house - only limited companies etc are on there. Basic sole traders or partnerships won't be on Companies House.

What's their industry? You say it's a family-run business that's been going for 10 years, maybe it's an industry that doesn't require them to be internet-savvy? There are a surprising number of small companies who don't have an online presence. I guess the question I'd be asking is how do they find their customers - where do they advertise?

Taking someone to the interview with you is a really good idea, but I'd go along armed with some questions and see what they have to say. There are many reasons why this could easily be legit.

Topofthepopicles · 27/07/2021 16:22

@Thisyearisshit

I can’t find them on companies house..... just had a look.

This is very suspect.

MrsFin · 27/07/2021 16:23

@igelkott2021

placemark

it's annoying, all anyone needs to do is press "watch"

I only realised that recently.

AdaThorne · 27/07/2021 16:33

Have you tried Googling the phone number?

Kazzyhoward · 27/07/2021 16:45

Only limited companies are registered on Companies House.

Sole traders, partnerships etc can't be registered on Companies House as they're not limited companies.

Lots of businesses trade as sole traders and partnerships rather than limited companies, so there being no trace on Companies House doesn't mean they're not a legitimate business.

Lack of website etc is more of a worry.

PabloSlow · 27/07/2021 16:45

Someone suggested phoning on a different phone to see how they answer. ... I needed a job doing recently and 3 out of the 5 trades people I phoned answered the phone really unprofessionally so that approach may not help.
Good luck if you do go for it. Hope its legit.

Kazzyhoward · 27/07/2021 16:52

There is an "umbrella company" scam at the moment where you're paid for setting up and being the shareholder/director of a newly formed limited company which you have to register with HMRC for employer's PAYE and other taxes. The "organisers" do everything else - you're just paid to be the director/shareholder with minimal work to do. The "organisers" have huge numbers of these micro umbrella companies which are then used to pay contractors/freelancers etc to avoid some employers NIC, workplace pensions, apprentice scheme levies, etc. As they all have separate directors/shareholders, HMRC don't realise they're all under the control of the same few people and can't link them to other companies doing the same. It's just a way of hiding the true ownership/control. Apparently, the people being "recruited" are quite well paid for doing very little!

MadeForThis · 27/07/2021 16:54

Google the telephone number and email address.

Put both into Facebook search

If a mobile number add it to WhatsApp

bonfireheart · 27/07/2021 16:58

OP, have they sent you an address for the interview?

caughtinanet · 27/07/2021 17:00

This is very suspect

A not limited company not being registered at Companies House isn't suspect or worthy of alarm bells @Topofthepopicles and @grapewine It's impossible for them to be, they literally can't appear there

1WayOrAnother2 · 27/07/2021 17:07

Your CV has your address on. Is the fake-interview a way of getting you away from your home for some reason?

Kazzyhoward · 27/07/2021 17:08

@caughtinanet

This is very suspect

A not limited company not being registered at Companies House isn't suspect or worthy of alarm bells @Topofthepopicles and @grapewine It's impossible for them to be, they literally can't appear there

Exactly. If it's not on Companies House, it isn't a limited company.

If the business name is ABX Limited and it's not on Companies House, it's a big red flag.

If the business name as ABX Media, or Fred Smith & Co., then it wouldn't be on Companies House as that's not a limited company.

(Although a business could have a name ABX Limited) and still not be on Companies House website as it may be a foreign company rather than a UK one - lots of Isle of Man limited companies trade in the UK so will be registered with the IOM Companies House rather than the UK's.)

pleasedonttextmyman · 27/07/2021 17:10

@1WayOrAnother2

Your CV has your address on. Is the fake-interview a way of getting you away from your home for some reason?

CVs shouldn't have your private address

Mobile phone number and email is more than enough.

Hollyhocksarenotmessy · 27/07/2021 17:21

Who puts their address on a CV these days?

ahoyshipmates · 27/07/2021 17:26

@Ohpulltheotherone

All companies should be registered on companies house website?

Unless it’s like a tiny tiny operation?

Even if they don’t have business premises or active social media you should be able to find the company’s registered address and entry on companies house. Try looking there.

Only if it is a registered company which has a director or directors.

Partnerships and Sole Traders do not appear on there, there is no requirement for them to do so.

Floogal · 27/07/2021 17:33

More red flags than a Communist convention.

At best it could be a dodgy place to work. Especially when there's no proper email. Try and pay you cash in hand, no pensions or job security.
At worst, could be front for criminal activity and you could be putting yourself in danger.

ilovesooty · 27/07/2021 17:34

@HarebrightCedarmoon

Why are there two posts that just say "F"?

Because they want to rubberneck but can't be arsed to contribute. It's rude.

OP I'd ask for their details from Indeed.

kwiksavenofrillsusername · 27/07/2021 17:42

To be honest, the ‘small family owned business’ would put me off the job straight away.

comebacksunshines · 27/07/2021 17:44

Do you know what kind of business it is, if it’s a local tradesperson, or other likely home run business they may be perfectly legitimate.
I would possibly go, but take someone with you to sit in the car and wait for you.

caughtinanet · 27/07/2021 17:49

@kwiksavenofrillsusername

To be honest, the ‘small family owned business’ would put me off the job straight away.

Out of interest, why is that?

I've worked for 2 employers like that and it was great, flexible and understanding when my DC were younger and I needed short notice time off. All above board, nothing dodgy and I really enjoyed those jobs

BathshebaKnickerStickers · 27/07/2021 18:30

I’d assume a plumber or painter and decorator

usually family run sole traders

May not have a website.

May urgently need an office savvy admin.

Just take someone with you for the interview to wait outside.

bruffin · 27/07/2021 18:31

@BathshebaKnickerStickers