Job offer signed but not sure if I should go through with them.

Anonymous

April 5,2022 at 11:22PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

Job offer signed but not sure if I should go through with them. I recently signed a job offer from a company I highly sought after. They do awesome work with big-name clients and I was excited to get started in the next two months. The person I would be reporting to is kind and looking forward to having them as my manager. However, I just saw a review on Glassdoor that someone negatively commented that managers yell when they are frustrated, there's no work/life balance, and not a whole lot of diversity. My current role does not have these issues so this is a red flag for me.

I'm conflicted at this point since I already signed the offer but haven't given my notice to my current job. I'm thinking about having an honest conversation with my potential manager about it and deciding if I should continue from there. It might seem like an obvious answer to some, but I just wanted to know what would you do?

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

90 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

90 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousApril 5,2022 at 11:57PM UTC
So we're clear, you're going to override your own positive perception of this manager (that was established and solidified throughout the interview process) and place more weight on a complete stranger's Glassdoor review?? OK, now that that's out of the way!
My experience has been that disgruntled employees write nasty Glassdoor reviews. You can't fully evaluate their one-sided comments based on a single anonymous review. What if they were canned for poor performance, or there was an ethics violation? You can't possible speculate what the total picture was!
Thank about this convo with your potential boss: I read this random review on Glassdoor and someone said you yell when you're frustrated. This really gives me pause about accepting this role, despite our personal and professional connection that's developed throughout the interview process. Can you tell me more about this?
Straight talk express: if a potential hire came to me with this conversation, I rescind the offer faster than you can say Glassdoor review!
This is an extremely high-risk, no-reward approach to making an employment decision. Please reconsider this conversation.
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 12:05AM UTC
You're right that someone can be nasty and disgruntled, therefore they can write a nasty review like that.
However, out of all the reviews - there is not a single good one. I think what's triggering for me is that I've been in toxic work environments that managers yell until their employees cry which is something I need to consider so I'm not in another role like that.
And to be clear, I'm not thinking about going to my potential manager to say "someone wrote a nasty review on Glassdoor and therefore I don't want to work here" but rather get clarity on the work culture and the work environment. I don't think there's anything wrong with asking about those things that they need to be on the straight talk express train.
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 4:03AM UTC
Those were not supportive comments, those were outright nasty and one sided.
They were immature and lacked experience and insight into people and employment. And I hope they are not leaders because they don't have the ability to lead. Taking care of the business and the work force is a skill that requires forethought, training, natural ability, people skills, compassion, education, strategy, negotiation. Their commentary showed none of these skills. They showed a power over that is all too common in the workplace. I'm outraged by the treatment you've gotten and the bad, negative advice. Responding to a concern with childishness is negative, not helping you is negative. Granted I do believe some good advice will be very harsh, these attitudes lacked insight into current conditions and a worker centric perspective. Worker centric does not mean being a moron. It simply means that we stop reflexively defending employers off the cuff.
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 4:35PM UTC
Thank you. I completely agree. Not being able to have an honest conversation with a potential employee shows immaturity and a lack of true leadership.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 2:17AM UTC
Not having the ability to lead, empathize with employees, be mature are no longer going to be acceptable now that a record number of the workforce are willing to be unemployed over being mismanaged.
Even after the pandemic money ran out, people were quitting jobs. Employers and other nasty people claimed that no one wanted to work because the government was giving handouts. Now that the subsidies have stopped, it hasn't changed. So now employers have to look in the mirror and decide, do I want to lose my business for being an immature boss or do I rise to the challenge and begin to reassess leadership skills? Peoples perspectives and leadership thinking hasn't changed in 50 years. We can no longer used power as right in managing staff. International companies are out pacing our intelligence by leaps and bounds. Any large company can go under as Enron has proved. We Work, Theranos, etc. Time to rethink how we think.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 5:31AM UTC
You are the one being nasty to everybody else on this thread. The irony is so juicy you can taste it.
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 4:00AM UTC
Similarly, if an employer were this defensive and unable to discuss a concern maturely, I would not accept the job.
This form of immaturity is all too common and justified. Someone having second thoughts is normal and perfectly ok to admit. They risk everything including homelessness if it doesn't work out, an employer only loses some time. I would think we'd be more compassionate to workers who are leaving in record numbers, known as the great resignation to escape this form of childishness. What happens when childish adults run companies? THIS. Workers who are reasonably scared of one bad review, and immature adults who become defensive over our legitimate concerns.
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 4:34PM UTC
Well said.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 2:10AM UTC
Managers almost always manage perceptions well.
We should never completely rely on good perceptions or just gut instinct if there are other objective measurements. In this case, there aren't. Employers never tell the truth even when the truth wouldn't hurt them. When I was hired then fired at my last company, my acting manager was the sweetest ever. We were besties immediately. When I got on the job, I found the office a disaster and that my entire department had retired, walked off and every single person of color had left. That explains why only white men interviewed me even when company policy is to have one woman and one person of color on a panel for transparency and fairness in hiring. And it explains why they were so sweet to me. I kick myself for not catching this. By the time i was fired, I was inder psychiatric care and medication. Never believe that you're too smart, too popular, too good and too superior to be immune to abuse or immune to the ravages of mental tormenting. As soonas you think it can't happen to you, you'll be ill prepared to handle it. Risk averse does not mean reward adverse. That's a black and white pro employer approach to assessing a situation that requires much more insight and thought. I question leadership ability of group members. More people should be defending the integrity of the poster who is being misguided by those who appear to have experience in tough decision making and leading but have shown flaws in their leadership.
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 12:41AM UTC
Take Glassdoor with a grain of salt. Honestly, the site is used by disgruntled former employees. Try looking at reviews of your current company and I'll bet there are some alarming reviews there too.
I'm not saying don't do your due diligence. Just take a balanced view.
This could be cold feet or it could be a true assessment of the new company that made the offer. Speak with you new manager and decide.
Just because you signed an offer doesn't mean you can't walk that back. It just means you have an ethical obligation to alert the new company promptly if you change your mind.
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 3:57AM UTC
I've never seen a completely wrong or fake review except the ones that are paid in the numbers that others are suggesting.
Almost all reviews downplayed conditions because we've normalized dysfunction. Maybe employees aren't the major problem based on the extremely high rate of resignation? The few good companies I've worked for have zero bad reviews. And even if they had bad reviews, it doesn't make it anymore fake or anymore true, everyone has a different experience. But in reality, we're taught to be pretty unrealistically positive even to the point of lying completely about how bad a job is. And most don't want to burn bridges, even if they're bad people/bad employees. This hyper reaction to blaming the poster for a myriad of diagnosises and painting bad reviews as disgruntled shows how little compassion we have for, WOMEN on a site for WOMEN. Anyone insulting the poster or siding with employers or diagnosing the poster has to reevaluate what it takes to help women get ahead. No matter what your politics or feelings are, women are far more likely to endure bouts of poverty and only own between 5-15% of land globally. This means men own 85-95% of all land. And the wealth inequity is snowballing at an alarming rate. If someone has concerns, they have the right to address it and find out if they are warranted or not. No one gets to decide that for her. We need to do what it takes to shift the land ownership so we are not stuck living in poverty or living with abusers. And just because your friend or family member looks successful, you don't always know where they're living or with whom. The homeless crisis is such that people truly don't know if their friends or family are ok, until they lose a job or get sick. So when someone has a concern, most of our opinions are likely wrong. Help the poster.
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 9:29PM UTC
Unfortunately I find wrong reviews about great companies everyday. Some former employees were toxic and therefore let go. Online forums give people a place to act out. Be savvy that's all.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 8:16AM UTC
With the FGB post about 80% of managers being toxic, I'm not sure why there is a predisposition to side with employers rather than with someone asking for help. It seems clear that many people responding are likely bosses and employers rather than employees, if this isn't the case, I'd speculate we have a crisis of being able to truly listen to people experiencing doubts. The way to calm doubts is to listen and ask questions, but people are diagnosing the poster instead.
Amy Elrod-LahtiApril 6,2022 at 1:05AM UTC
Hi there,
One review on Glassdoor likely is indicative of one person's experience that wasn't positive. If you see multiple reviews talking about the same problems, especially over an extended period of time, that's the time to get concerned. And especially in a large organization - one person's experience with a bad manager is definitely not an indicator that all managers in the company are bad or the company has a toxic culture. There can be isolated instances of bad managers even in good companies.
I think you might be experiencing a little bit of "cold feet" about having made the commitment - I can definitely understand that! Try to remember what's exciting to you about the new opportunity, and what you're looking forward to, vs. looking for red flags and reasons not to make a change. Congratulations on the offer, and good luck!
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 1:22AM UTC
Thank you!!
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 3:53AM UTC
Glassdoor removes most reviews and doesn't allow people to discuss racism or sexism on reviews.
Which means, 100% of reviews that discuss those topics are removed. This makes paying attention to bad reviews more pertinent to getting an overall feel for a company. And if few bad reviews reveal a small weakness in a company, why is that something to dismiss rather than to embrace? Paying attention to bad reviews is not negative. It's extremely valuable.
Companies can pay to get some reviews removed for dubious reasons and most are too scared to review or just move on. Even bad people rarely leave bad reviews, we already know this so the focus on reviews being writen by these mystical bad employees with no reason to leave them flies in the face of reason. And then defending employers, 80% of managers being thought of as toxic and tens of millions of people resigning? Are tens of millions of people that hell bent on destroying their employers during covid when they have more improtant things to consider?
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 2:52AM UTC
No need to look for reasons not to honor your acceptance of the offer. You can have second thoughts but don't pretend a review on Glassdoor is the deciding factor. That's obsurd.
If you don't want to make the jump then admit, be honest and don't waste the company's time.
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 3:51AM UTC
I would highly recommend all workers doing a recon on the companies that will potentially change their lives. No worker owes a company their life. Workers have to reveal their credit, address, social security, invasive information to get hired and yet employers don't have to disclose anything about themselves.
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 5:56PM UTC
I don't think it's obsurd to reconsider a position if a work environment is toxic. She's not saying she doesn't want the job. Maybe you're lucky you don't have any PTSD from a toxic environment, but your comment isn't very helpful or compassionate.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 1:59AM UTC
Reasonable and sensible comment.
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 3:49AM UTC
Its usually not a great idea to bring up issues from the rumor mill. However, had I looked at the reviews for several jobs I had, I would have never signed on even in desperation. It lead me to a severe mental health break. One employer lied about every detail, insulted me so brutally with lies that I am still scared of him 4 years later. The review I saw downplayed his bullish behavior but was accurate enough for me to be able to see through it. Then another company had about 10 reviews discussing brutal work conditions (soft peddling), mentioning racism, sexism, toxic bosses....I ignored it because its a huge company. I'm now on medication for PTSD. If you want to post the reviews here I can look at it and tell you if I see red flags.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 6,2022 at 5:31AM UTC
Glassdoor reviews need to be taken with a gigantic grain of salt.
Many of them are written by disgruntled ex-employees.
How big is this company?
Are things like work/life balance and diversity important to you? If so, did you drill down on these issues during the interview process?
You can try https://www.Comparably.com - it's an employee review site that differs from other sites as they focus on collecting CURRENT EMPLOYEE sentiment.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 1:57AM UTC
That's never been my experience. About a dozen companies I've worked for with large amounts or even small amounts of reviews have been very accuarate. Only complany management would dismiss negative reviews as steemming only from disgruntled employees. When I was in management, as long as I was respectful, I never had a bad review regardless of mistakes I made. This was only my experience but I wouldn't dismiss reviews as being fake. As a manager I never have the attitude that workers are the porblem and workers write fake reviews. Thats not a progressive attitude.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistApril 7,2022 at 6:45AM UTC
The other reason Glassdoor reviews need to be taken with a gigantic grain of salt is because some companies also make their employees write good reviews about them. People have posted about that on this site.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 8:01AM UTC
Which makes paying attention to bad reviews can help more than it harms.
Alexis GladstoneApril 6,2022 at 12:41PM UTC
When I look at reviews of any kind, whether it's on a site like Glassdoor about a company or a review of hotel, I always look for patterns.
If there is a consistent pattern of certain type feedback then I take it much more seriously than a one-off.
This is one person's experience. If the organization is large, it might not even have been in the same area you are working.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 1:54AM UTC
Even when only a few employees are selected for abuse, the enviornment can still become toxic for favored employees. And its usually only a matter of time before those abused employees leave, then other employees are selected for elimination. Staying wise to common tactics is the only way to survive. There are many, many employees at the top of their game that have suddenly lost it all. There was a story of a highly paid executive, one of the only women and also one of the youngest. She learned the hard way that anyone can be eliminated at any time. On top of that, she was forced to pay back her bonus and lost her home. The US is so individualist and a little immature that we don't look out for each other or understand that we're a lot more vulnerable than we think.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 5:23AM UTC
Are you the one leaving all the super negative comments on everyone's posts in this thread? I get that you might have had a previous bad experience, but it's very unhelpful and there is really no need to take it out on other people. Yes, sometimes people lie on Glassdoor. Everybody knows that. It attracts people who want to complain more than people who enjoyed their experience. Sometimes employees can also be bad employees. You need to take things on a case-by-case basis and not paint with such a broad brush. Hope your day gets better.
Alexis GladstoneApril 7,2022 at 1:04PM UTC
I didn't say that it wasn't possible. What I said is that I look for patterns. One review out of many isn't a pattern to me. You need to look at everything in totality rather than one off.
I would also want to know the entire picture of the role and company - size of organization (the smaller it is the more likely this is a cultural issue rather than one off); whether there was indication that the reviewer worked in the same department/location; what the other reviews said.
It sounds like you've had a bad experience and are using that lens in your reply. I get it. While you might be correct in your assessment, when I reply on FGB, I try and help people look at all sides so they can make the best decision.
Jacqueline CutlerApril 6,2022 at 1:24PM UTC
Do you know the person on Glassdoor? Was that person a disgruntled employee? While some of the info on these sites is useful, trusting your gut is more.
If you're happy in your current job then stay there, since you haven't given notice. But it sounds as if there is a real opportunity here and with that comes higher stakes.
If you're looking forward to having this person as a manager, can learn and enhance your career, why not? Leave your old job on a very good note, just in case you do want to return.
And once there, can you work to help make the workplace more diverse?
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 7:04PM UTC
Obviously every situation is different, but at my current employer there were 8+ negative reviews saying the CEO would scream at people and micromanage them. It really scared me. But I ignored the reviews and have literally only laid eyes on the CEO once and nobody has said so much as an unkind word to me since I started working there last year. It's a really tough situation, but I wouldn't let Glassdoor be the only thing holding you back.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 1:49AM UTC
Now that you're aware of how the CEO reacts under stress you can prepare yourself adequately rather than dismissing anyone's real experiences.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 5:18AM UTC
How do you know they're real and not disgruntled employees? In my case, all of the reviews were left on the same day, which was suspect. Additionally, the CEO is never around. My point was more so about not letting Glassdoor be the only thing that puts you off a good opportunity since it attracts negative Nancy type people. So there was really no need for the unsolicited snide comment.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 1:00PM UTC
I worked for a VERY large company for decades where at times some of the (male) top execs du jour were yellers and screamers; never affected me, until just prior to my retirement an aspiring leader took that tactic with me.
She was a jerk, and I outed her for screaming and other bad behaviors including referring to older women as grandmas. Hope she learned from this experience, otherwise hope it ruins her career.
AnonymousApril 6,2022 at 7:57PM UTC
Are you sure your not looking for reasons to stay at your current job? Basing your rejection of an offer you were excited about on a Glassdoor complaint seems extreme and doesn't really make sense.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 1:47AM UTC
She has legitimate concerns. Anyone with experience and empathy wouldn't have issues understanding them.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 5:20AM UTC
Why do you have to go and imply that the other poster doesn't have empathy? Seems rather rude.
Melissa VerdoniApril 7,2022 at 2:29PM UTC
exactly, work / life balance is EVERYTHING.
Violet Cassidy-Maroke (She/her)April 7,2022 at 12:12PM UTC
It is not necessarily your manager that is the yelling type. Have a candid conversation with her. Ask for transparency about the culture. Ask tough questions. It's important to know before you jump into a bad situation
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 12:14PM UTC
Just curious: why did you wait until now to read the reviews? Shouldn't that have been part of your due diligence before you accepted the offer?
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 12:59PM UTC
It’s possible the review is new and was left after she signed the offer.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 7:12PM UTC
Hi there. I checked Glassdoor before I interviewed. There were negative ratings but nothing explicit. This one showed up right after I signed.
Crystal HowellApril 7,2022 at 12:14PM UTC
You have time to explore with your potential manager, you start in 2 months.
As you work through HR, ask at orientation about diversity, it should be in the employee handbook.
If you are excited, have lunch with new manager and get acquainted before your start date and discuss it.
One Glassdoor review shouldn't deter you, they have big names clients for a reason that you need to know. That employee might just have a vendetta, didn't get promoted,didn't do their job, who knows.
God opens the door positively, go through it! Good Luck
Michelle HoffmanApril 7,2022 at 12:16PM UTC
I take reviews with a grain of salt as it is easy for someone who was let go or didn't get a promotion to bad mouth the company. Read through all of the reviews concentrating on the last year specifically. Note job titles and work locations . Was it one person or many? It is scary to leave what you know and move to the unknown and very easy to look at one review and let that be your determining factor. No matter which decision you make you will always wonder what it would have been like to have made the other decision. But let it be your decision with facts and not one review.
Carol23April 7,2022 at 12:29PM UTC
Read more than one or two reviews.
If the majority are saying the same thing, i would be hesitant. However, i worked at a place where the company gave out financial incentives for good reviews and had current employees pretend to be customers to give good reviews. This same company had an "F" rating with the Better Business Bureau. 2 years later they're rating magically changed to an A+ rating.
Maggie StoneApril 7,2022 at 12:36PM UTC
What I am hearing is that overall, you are excited about the position and the company. I would evaluate the review in the context of the other reviews and your perceptions. Have you noticed other red flags? I had had a situation in the past where I had doubts about a potential offer, so I talked with a connection on LinkedIn about what it was like to work there and ended up turning down the offer. So, I would also try LinkedIn. But this may come down to trusting your gut.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 12:40PM UTC
I would read more than1 review. Also most reviews are either really good or really bad, there is no in between. During the interview I would always ask about work life balance and what is a typical work day like, are there late nights, weekends that must be worked etc. I would get a better sense from their answers than any review, companies have many departments and many cultures within those departments.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 12:45PM UTC
I wouldn't base a decision this big on one review - it could have been an isolated manager (and depending on how old the review is, who could have already left the organization).
However, if you'd like to allay your concerns and check your intuition, maybe you can ask to speak to members of your team as a way to get to know them since you are not starting for another month.
For future reference, I always make it a point to ask about the management style or culture of the team during the interview process in multiple interviews and in multiple ways.
Carol23April 7,2022 at 12:51PM UTC
In addition to what I have already stated regarding reviews, I would probably continue with the job offer.
The ones that the reviewers are/were speaking of may not still be at the job. A lack of diversity could be lack of qualified candidates. A poor work/life balance could be the result of an explosion of business resulting in a lack of qualified employees to fill empty or additional positions. Stay on a good footing with your current employers. Take the job offer. If the job doesn't work out, you could possibly return to your old position. Good Luck!
Melissa VerdoniApril 7,2022 at 2:28PM UTC
when you burn a bridge , it's burned. that's terrible advice. Clearly an employee knows of growth or lack of staffing. poor life / work balance is just THAT.
BethBApril 7,2022 at 12:51PM UTC
Someone who was let go from my company posted a terrible review. He said things that I’m sure he perceived as true. However the truth is that he had a lousy attitude and refused to follow directions. He just always “knew better.”
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 1:10PM UTC
I of course have no context as to why that specific person posted a bad review, but I wouldn’t automatically dismiss it as meaning it wasn’t true.
I have been let go a month after receiving a promotion and being praised for good work, and left a bad review. I was simply told “it’s not working out” when everything prior to that said the exact opposite. It turned out they had a huge pattern of doing the same thing to others simply because they got what they wanted out of the employees (I was a recruiter and found the hard to find employee they wanted to fill a role) and then was fired without cause. I had no write ups, no warnings whatsoever. So bad reviews very well could have legitimate reasons behind them.
Erin BeemerApril 7,2022 at 1:00PM UTC
If you have the ability to discuss the review with your new manager, that sounds like the best action you can take. Without knowing the situation, the negative review could be valid or could be influenced by someone who was let go, who was underperforming, or may be limited to one manager (I've been in this situation).
The other point is diversity. The current state vs. the actions to improve should be considered. While it may be that there is not much diversity currently, is that on the board level? Management? Company wide? And what is the company doing to improve - chief diversity officer or DE&I office? what initiatives? Is the company located in an area that doesn't lend itself to much diversity (rural location vs. major city, etc).
I'd have the conversation with the new manager and make sure you're not looking for a reason to stay. You obviously wanted to move for a reason but sometimes that can be difficult once it becomes real. You signed a job acceptance letter, in my opinion you should have already tendered your resignation.
Good luck!!
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 1:00PM UTC
I would definitely look at more than one review. A singular review could mean one disgruntled employee. However, if you’re finding a slew of them, it means there’s most likely a legitimate pattern of this kind of behavior that the company doesn’t address, and *then* I would walk away from the offer.
Gail A GemberlingApril 7,2022 at 1:04PM UTC
I would proceed based upon your experience and not that of a disgruntled former employee. Negative reviews make up the highest percentage because that is what motivates people to write posts there. Do not allow a naysayer to spoil your excitement and move forward with your new position with a positive attitude.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 1:57PM UTC
There could be other employees with negative reviews about this business but are hesitant to come forward.
Don't discount one negative review as a "disgruntled" employee necessarily. Maybe that lone reviewer was the "brave" one to come forward risking branding him/herself as a "disgruntled" employee.
There is often truth in those words.
I've worn many hats during my work years. I've had coworkers tell me things they want to say but are afraid of losing a job or potential reference if they spoke up.
There are two sides to every review.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 2:08PM UTC
I would try to contact a former employee or two on LinkedIn, perhaps in a similar role, to see what their experience was.
I've just done that for a job I'm also not sure I should take, and it was helpful.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 2:16PM UTC
Don’t talk to your potential manager.
no matter how nice they seem your hesitancy will turn them off and paint a diff portrait of you.
this will essentially be a new first impression of you.
it shouldn’t be this way but that’s how bosses work.
AprilApril 7,2022 at 2:34PM UTC
there is a song titled Love the one you’re with “ but in this case your relationship with your current job was already broken, hence your successful job search. Trust your instincts. But above all , do not voice doubt to your future company. They will not help you make an emotional step . Make your decision based on your needs and experiences. Review and evaluate your why: why were you leaving this company and why are drawn to the new company and why are you reading reviews/ testimonials after you accepted the offer. In short: re-evaluate yourself vs the company. They are who they said they were. Hope this helps. There are no wrong decisions in this one. Just temporary decisions. Good luck .
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 2:41PM UTC
I just left a company due to health reasons, not the negative reviews so many jaded employees who have high expectations of what a call center should be have left for the employer.
Take into account WHERE those jaded employees may have worked within the company. Did they work in the same location as you will be? For the same manager as you will be?
This is why I take employee reviews with a grain of salt because often times...they don't pertain to the area in which I am working. I tend to like to formulate my own opinions based on reviews I know are conducive to the location and/or managers who I'll be working along side.
Emily PhelanApril 7,2022 at 2:50PM UTC
I wouldn't contact the new manager and ask about this. It will instantly put them on the defensive and is not a good start to a working relationship if you choose to take the job. I will say this though: after a number of positions that did not give me the work/life balance I need, I have largely stopped making myself available off-hours. If there is something going on that requires additional efforts, I will make myself available, but my family comes first, bottom line. As for the yelling, that may not be the personality of your new manager. It could be a completely different team. However, if someone "yells" at you out of frustration with something, I would mot certainly speak up and say there is no reason to raise their voice. If they continued, I would get up and walk out of the room. That is a hostile work environment and no one should be subjected to it. I would make an immediate report, in writing, to HR so it is on your file, and copy your personal email address on the correspondence so you have evidence, should you need it.
Bottom line is I don't think this is enough reason to rescind your acceptance, but I would go into it prepared to make clear what you are willing to accept as a worker. It sounds like you were looking and they didn't recruit you, so there is clearly something you are unhappy with in your current position. Is it something you can negotiate and be happy with, or is leaving the only way to remedy the issue? Good luck!
EMILY KIKUE FRANKApril 7,2022 at 2:55PM UTC
Glassdoor is like Yelp: only the very happy and the very unhappy are moved to write reviews. I tell people to look for patterns rather than single reviews. You can also draw some boundaries right from the start, not letting screaming happen, not working past what you have agreed on, etc.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 3:01PM UTC
IMHO, don’t take reviews lightly nevertheless they may not apply to your dept your role.
This is really up to your gut feeling and whether this is a red flag you can overlook should a similar incident do happen. During the hiring process of my last role, at the last stage (all interviews were held online), one of the Directors snapped/showed signs of temper during one of the questions I had asked. This was a company and role which were really inline with my career aspirations. I eventually got the offer, but arranged if I could go in and have a face to face with the Director’s to confirm a personality match before I sign. I had a long chat with this director in question and I brought the interview incident up to set the record straight. We trashed it out and I set boundaries. I eventually left for other reasons but doesn’t mean this Director didn’t show temper issues - he DID. Constantly throwing his toys out the cot. To EVERYONE around me, this was just something that never phased me.
J AlexApril 7,2022 at 3:05PM UTC
Based upon what you wrote, it seems that you may be sufferring from the "grass is always greener" and related "bigger better deal around the corner" syndromes.
First, consider the reasons you are leaving your current company. Get clarity on why you are leaving.
Then, consider the reasons you sought employment at the new company. Does the new company fulfill your professional interests and needs while affording you time and space to enjoy your personal life? Will it be more suitable for you than your current employer? If so, give it a try.
Keep in mind that to obtain salary data without fees people trade their salary data to Glassdoor. Typically, people happy in positions do not use such websites and when they do they do not write much about the job. It is typically only disgruntled employees who post reviews online. This is why they skew negative. And, consider this, it is often one bad manager that gets a lot of complaints. If you don't feel that the person you would be working under is the low-EQ manager, don't worry about it.
Lastly, if you do not think you could work in an environment where some people have not mastered emotional control, I recommend you get some training to help you in such situations. As you move from being an individual contributor to team member to manager you will find you always have to deal with others emotions.
Sabrina RahmanApril 7,2022 at 3:22PM UTC
In the UK there is a “cooling off” period of about 2 weeks after you sign something. You can change your mind within that time. Check your jurisdiction for anything similar.
LisaApril 7,2022 at 4:36PM UTC
Here in the US, it is employment at will. This means 10 minutes after you accept a job you can tell them no and they can do the same.
However, if there is language written into the contract that limits this I would be surprised.
Kathy SternerApril 7,2022 at 3:26PM UTC
The overall rating on Glassdoor is what you should consider instead of focusing on a single review.
On the other hand, if you see an overall low rating on Glassdoor, or it seems they have a high turnover of particular jobs, you should be concerned.
Betsy Walters, CALCApril 7,2022 at 3:29PM UTC
In my experience with company reviews on Indeed, the reviews were right on about the culture. When I was interviewed for a position with one reviewed company, the culture was more important than my skill set. And I knew I was not compatible with their culture - everyone was trying to appear hip and cool. So I was not disappointed at not going further.
For me, after leaving a environment where I was constantly criticized and finally an appreciative and positive environment, I pick a calm, respectful place to work. Life is toooo short.
Betsy Walters, CALCApril 7,2022 at 3:30PM UTC
I mean found my next job environment to be positive and appreciative...didn't write that very well.
Betsy Walters, CALCApril 7,2022 at 3:31PM UTC
PS - I suggest listening to your red flags - they are never wrong.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 3:35PM UTC
If the review does not give enough detail to directly connect it to the role you have signed on for, then I would look at all the reviews and not just the one. Also, the timing of you looking at Glassdoor seems a little off, was there a reason you did not look there previously?
I would not rely on the 1 review to pull my commitment.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 6:59PM UTC
Hi there!
Thanks for letting me know your thoughts. For context, there were nothing but low ratings when I checked during the interview process but it nothing explicit. This review was posted after I had signed the offer
AnonymousApril 8,2022 at 2:24AM UTC
Work place culture impacts different teams on different projects.
It all bleeds over. And most employees, unfortunately do tend towards defending their jobs (homelessness sucks) so few speak out when the culture turns toxic. The company where I was terminated from was drowning before they hired a toxic poisonous misogynist that poses a direct threat to women. He works in shelters for vulnerable women while believing that allegations of sexual assault are false. This man has the keys to these shelters. I damn near lost my mind. The chief of my department only hires and promotes abusive men. Not just run of the mill bullies, ones that torture you to the point you need medication to get through the day. Anyone who says you can leave doesn't know the coercive factors of homelessness or the pure love it takes to stay in a job where you're protecting homeless women who've lost thier homes to domestic violence. They count on trapping you with a dream job that gives you meaning in your life before they begin abusing you. It's no different than being married to an abuser except people understand more now why women stay. Being a proo disabled woman of color is no different, I don't have another job to go to. So when people reflexively attack women on a forum for women to defend bosses who have multiple homes and only risk is going through the hiring process again, I am gobsmacked by the ignorance. In 30 years of working, I have never thought to ask, did every member of my team leave? Are you going to abuse me? Why do you plan not to train me? Am I the only woman? Am I the only minority? We have to keep our eyes open.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 4:00PM UTC
I've worked for a company that only had GREAT reviews, but in reality was far from a good employer in almost every aspect.
Turns out they managed to get the bad reviews deleted (German review site you probably don't know). A colleague told me this and in disbelief I sent my own review (which wasn't even so bad, just not 5/5) and got deleted a few days later. Now I am very skeptical about the whole thing. I think it's better when the company has some bad reviews here and there. It shows that they are authentic, as no employee is always 100% happy. Definitely take a look at other reviews and draw your conclusion from there.
AnonymousApril 8,2022 at 2:14AM UTC
You're not allowed to say anything inferring abuse, racism, sexism or even a neutral review.
All sites are PAID BY EMPLOYERS including Fairy God Boss who also does not publish reviews inferring racism. Knowing this, pay very close to reviews that are not glowing. Companies are allowed to pay for good reviews. Indeed employers are allowed to place alerts on their employees so they are aware when they apply for other positions which may be in violation of a non compete clause. This is why I use an alias and different phone number to apply for jobs.
Sarah LarsonApril 7,2022 at 4:42PM UTC
That is one other person's perspective. Take it with a grain of salt. If you are truly concerned, have the honest conversation.
Personally, I wouldn't bring up the temper issue but you could reach out and ask about work life balance and their diversity practices.
In sum, try to frame your questions positively if you ask. Otherwise it may feel like an attack or accusation and the offer will likely be rescinded or, you'll have a terrible experience.
Maybe, after writing this out, don't go to the organization but connect with the person who had the role before you on LinkedIn and ask them about their experience. You could also look to see how bad it is. If it's terrible this person may have left the organization without another job lined up.
Regardless, whatever choice you make is the right choice. You got this!
Faith SaundersApril 7,2022 at 4:55PM UTC
How many reviews are on Glassdoor? Overall, what are they saying? I think taking one person's perspective may not be the best when making your decision. Do some more exploration. See if you can connect with other employees on LinkedIn and hear what they say. This person's review on Glassdoor may be one-sided.
All the best, no matter what you decided.
Mary JohnsonApril 7,2022 at 5:31PM UTC
TBF I'd take things posted on Glassdoor with a pinch of salt. People use review sites normally to post negative comments. Sites like Glassdoor are used as staff don't want to be known to be unhappy so they post secretly on there.
Are all the other reviews positive or is the overall score good?
Diversity - this is something that can be tricky to get right in some fields, I work in Civil Engineering and a few years ago it was 'jobs for the boys' but with STEM promotion that is slowly turning around, though you still get some who view rail engineering as 'male'.
Work/life balance - this could be anything. It could be genuine or it could be that the person posting that had no time management skills and found they were having to work extra time to get their work completed. But it's easier to blame the company than admit, 'I'm rubbish at time/task management'.
Search on LinkedIn for the company and have a look at the employees on there, see how long they've stayed at the company, if it's that bad there would be high turnover.
Good luck
GirlBossanova934974April 7,2022 at 6:59PM UTC
1 review on Glassdoor means zero! You have to look for a trend and the trend must be recent. Also, you best be very aware these days that some companies are writing their own positive reviews. A big tipoff is when you see a string of negative reviews and all of a sudden, there is this one flowery super duper review. You can find out a LOT about the REAL company culture you are getting into by asking one simple question. Is this a new role or a replacement? If it's a replacement, you should ask WHY the person left..........If you get crickets or evasive responses, you're not looking at a winner here. Lots of folks are walking these days for greener pastures.
Regina BrownApril 7,2022 at 7:13PM UTC
One negative review does a company make. As you are still unsure, yes, please have a conversation with your potential manager
1. How managers communicate with their employees when frustrated.
2. What is the work/life balance? Are employees mandated to work overtime?
As someone that is black, female, over 40, with a disability, I would suggest that you sit back and observe the diversity view. You may be THAT person to being diversity to the forefront of the company. You may also be asked to head up that department. Don't block your blessing, Honey!! See what the world has in store!!!
Regina BrownApril 7,2022 at 7:14PM UTC
That should actually state "One negative review does NOT a make a company."
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 10:25PM UTC
Thank you! That is fantastic advice. As someone who will be the only person of color on their team, I definitely agree that it's important to be an advocate for the company.
AnonymousApril 7,2022 at 9:06PM UTC
I would definitely not take one review as the end all be all of any company. As someone who has PTSD for similar reasons, you should talk to your manager to be and discuss how she/he handles issues with employees. If they duck your questions-you have your answer. Hopefully they will answer willingly and honestly. I concur-don’t let one bad review make you question your decision. Good luck!
AnonymousApril 8,2022 at 8:32AM UTC
I'm on medication for PTSD from my last employers.
Within days of my misogynist boss taking reign, I started developing ticks.
Karen PriceApril 8,2022 at 4:32AM UTC
In all honesty you can never rely on the manager staying the same., they could change at anytime. So while making the decision to move is based on company and company culture. I would ask how you felt during the interview process and how the vibes were. That should tell you alot, go with your instinct and not a comment from Glassdoor. If there were several negative comments then that would be another situation.
Best of luck in whichever path you choose.
AnonymousApril 8,2022 at 8:34AM UTC
The posters concerns and risk management strategy will get better and it will improve when experienced people help guide, train or provide specific advice and skill building. I haven't seen a lot of that here.
Robyn McCabria KelsoApril 8,2022 at 12:37PM UTC
You might check other places (Indeed, maybe) and see if there are other negative views. If not, it may be a one-off sort of thing.
AnonymousApril 9,2022 at 11:43PM UTC
Personally, I cannot stand toxic bosses/ work environments neither...and I would hate to think some people (esp. those good workers) still have to suffer from workplaces like that. I would have to say though - Every one has different experiences within the same workplace. You really can't make sound judgement before working in it yourself. Do you know anyone who work in that company? Or people who know anyone who work there?
I guess you can always go back to your old jobs (with additional work experience and skills) :)
Karen GongawareApril 11,2022 at 8:36PM UTC
I don't base my work life on what someone states in a review. Every person sees reality from their own point of view. I've had bosses that I got along with just fine and others did not (and vice versa). Do the job and make your own decision.
AnonymousApril 14,2022 at 12:32AM UTC
Hope this is helpful.
https://www.fastcompany.com/90734998/10-signs-you-shouldnt-take-the-job