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My boss accidentally bcc’ed me on a private email — he has no idea I saw it
This morning, I received an email from my boss about a new hire. He's been interviewing candidates for the past few weeks, so I assumed it was an update about his decision. Instead, it was a private email for his boss with specific comments on candidates he'd interviewed! I definitely wasn't supposed to see this and I have no idea how I got bcc'ed — but the wrong, private email landed in my inbox regardless.
My boss hasn't said anything, and I'm not sure if I should bring this up. If I don't, what if he realizes his mistake in the future and confronts me about it?
Celest Smith
New York, California, Arkansas
12
10/05/20 at 1:02PM UTC
I agree, it was no accident.
Keisha Jones
217
10/04/20 at 8:24PM UTC
Hi Anon,
I'm going to go out on a limb and say that your boss meant to include you on the email. I'm the lead in my department and I'm included on A LOT of emails pertaining to hiring and firing individuals without volunteering my opinion. I think your boss is trying to feel you out for further job opportunities.
Lisa Welker-FinneyBE BOLD! BE BRAVE!
55
10/04/20 at 2:42AM UTC
I would ay - that sometimes it is an accident, I have done it. When I realize it, or it is brought to my attention I always have a conversation with the person.
Lisa Welker-FinneyBE BOLD! BE BRAVE!
55
10/04/20 at 2:41AM UTC (Edited)
Assume positive intent and just say "You probably didn't realize, but I was blind copied on this email..." Say in person not over email and share that you will not divulge the confidential nature of the content. It builds trust.
Anonymous
10/03/20 at 5:26PM UTC
Not to stare the obvious white elephant in the room; but, of course your boss knows he bcc'd you. A person has to literally click the line and select a name to go on that line to be sent. Senders always know who they send their emails to because it is right there in sight, either before they hit send or as a sent...after the fact. I would simply ask your boss why you were included as a bcc in the conversation.
Courtney CainOperations Manager
36
10/03/20 at 5:16PM UTC
A bcc takes effort and is hardly ever a mistake, unless you and someone else have very similar names and the auto populate came up and he didn’t check before he clicked your name. But if you and someone else have similar names, he should know to check before clicking. If he is interviewing candidates he is supposed to give his comments about them to the boss so they can make a decision together. I’m not understanding why you think that is somehow wrong. I would mention to him that he sent you the email and ask if that was on purpose or by accident.
Meg SwinneyContent Writer
65
10/03/20 at 4:24PM UTC
I would be honest and straightforward. Let him know that he sent you the email and that you realized it likely was not for you and deleted it. Approach it professionally and it should be fine.
I have had that happen before with a boss, however, the email was about me. I handled it professionally, addressed her concerns she had brought up at the same time letting her know she accidentally sent it to me.
eileenh
13
10/03/20 at 4:12PM UTC
If you had made the mistake, how would you want it handled? Your integrity is key. A brief phone call to let the sender know - it would be horrible if a "reply all" by the intended recipient kept you in the loop going forward. I would also assure the recipient that because you realized that the e-mail wasn't intended for you, you will not be sharing the information with anyone. Mistakes happen.
Anonymous
10/03/20 at 3:51PM UTC
It could be a trap in an attempt to document a set-up of you over the course of time. Simply tell your boss. Think carefully about whether to mention its content.
Carol Sardinha
22
10/04/20 at 12:49PM UTC
Totally agree. I would email it back and ask if the email was intended for you or not and mention that you believe it was bcc'ed to you in error.
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