Just interviewed a guy who used to work here (in another group). Technically competent, good personality, already knows the business, even our company. Gave him thumbs up around the table and were ready to say yes as soon as we checked with people he’d worked with.

Talked to some of his old co-workers (in fact one of them is my cube neighbor!). First of all, the gall of someone to pull a stupid stunt like this at an employer, then to have the gall to try and come back expecting we wouldn’t find out?

He found out before he left for a startup that going to work for a competitor basically gives him a free paycheck. In essence, you’re giving your two weeks notice and being paid for the time, but you’re asked not to come into work (to not give away company secrets or whatever). So….he told his boss he was going to work for our in-town competitor (you can guess who) but was actually going somewhere else the next day. Whammo bammo, an extra paycheck! Of course, his boss knew people at the competitor, called over just to check and found out he didn’t go there!! (I don’t know if he got the extra paycheck or not).

So, we check around and find this out. A solid yes turns into a very solid no. sheesh!