How do you vet a potential employer and would you continue the interview process with a company who has a 3.3/5 on Glassdoor?

Anonymous

March 6,2024 at 2:01PM UTC

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How do you vet a potential employer and would you continue the interview process with a company who has a 3.3/5 on Glassdoor?

A company I applied for a few years ago reached out to me recently about my resume on file being a good fit for the company. Not quite the pay I want (offering 50k+; I made 64k at my last job) but I submitted an official application anyway. Now that I'm looking into it, the reviews aren't all golden... but also I think this position is right up my alley and frankly, I need a job. My current position contract ends next month. I think I'll continue the process and see how the interview goes, but how much can I base my expectations on online reviews? If I get an interview, what questions can I ask to vet them? And when do benefits (401k, etc.) outweigh the salary expectations?

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AnonymousMarch 6,2024 at 2:15PM UTC
Take online reviews with a grain of salt (that said, anything above a 3.0 I feel is pretty decent knowing how petty people can be). You are only seeing one side of the story. If there is something particularly concerning in a comment, I'd address that head-on in an interview. Do research (not just Glassdoor) on the company in advance and come armed with some questions that show you've done some research. If you know people who currently or previously worked there, talk to them. What is important to you when looking for a new employer? Add some questions in that will help you determine whether a good fit.
AnonymousMarch 6,2024 at 2:18PM UTC
Those reviews, while helpful, do t tell the entire story.
Do whatever is right for you and ask questions in interview
AnonymousMarch 6,2024 at 2:39PM UTC
Anytime I've gotten mixed up with a company whose reviews on Glassdoor aren't good, I have paid a heavy price for ignoring my gut. They're also trying to pay you 25% less than your previous job. That's 2 red flags.
AnonymousMarch 6,2024 at 3:03PM UTC
I'd take some of the reviews and turn them into questions?
"What is the protocol when you have a conflict between employees that [insert scenario here]?". Though they'd try to be as truthful as possible, listen to your gut and be aware of their answers.
Personally, I think everyone's quality of life ultimately outweighs benefits or salary, so I really can't speak to that.
Good luck on your search!
Paula Manczuk-HannayMarch 6,2024 at 3:18PM UTC
i Love the idea of turning the review comments/scores into questions. Listen carefully to how they answer, including what they do not say.
AnonymousMarch 6,2024 at 5:00PM UTC
I would suggest you ask a question of the hiring manager in the interview around the most troubling of the reviews. Remember it's fine to read them but its a bit like yelp, the complainers gonna complain. Take it with a small grain of salt but ask about it. For example if someone writes "people are overworked and management is scattered" A good question to ask is how is work given to me if I take this role and generally I take direction well so how will you direct my work to assure I get done what is expected of me. If I go off course how will you course correct me?
Benefits factor in for sure as well and consider the whole package and what is important to you. Ask about review cycles but from the position of if I excel at my role what are the opportunities for advancement and either spot bonuses or promotions, and how often are they given. 401K does matter but some companies dependent upon their revenue stream can or cannot afford to offer matching. You should still do this because it is an investment in your future.
AnonymousMarch 6,2024 at 6:28PM UTC
Personally, I don't think over 3 is that bad as I've viewed rankings on Indeed in the upper 2's. Devil's advocate, if you're happy at your job, do you go in and vote for your company on Indeed or Glassdoor unless encouraged to do so by the organization? For better or worse, ratings are determined by people who left the company and their experiences. Definitely keep the ratings in mind especially issues mentioned but as others suggested, you can use that information to ask questions and determine your own truth. If you're interested in the role, have the meeting as any interview is good practice and the connection could lead to another opportunity in the future.
JJMarch 7,2024 at 2:06PM UTC
My experience is that current employees who are unhappy use this outlet as well. We see an uptick after annual reviews and during times of change. I have never seen a company that is not somewhat represented in those comments.
JJMarch 6,2024 at 9:49PM UTC
If you need a job, then take it and just be aware that the issues that are brought up online are probably accurate descriptions of the company.
Maybe your boss department will be awesome! Also, if the company takes the time to respond to the reviews, you have a much better chance of being in a great environment.
AnonymousMarch 27,2024 at 2:32PM UTC
Depending on the company's size, the Glassdoor reviews may reflect a single manager/department/location or the company's corporate culture.
For larger companies with multiple locations, it may be significantly different where you are interviewing. For smaller/single-location companies, it could reflect the company's culture, so be sure to factor that in. It is doubtful that the pay/benefits can overcome this since it is significantly less than you were making before.