When you are looking for a new job, you want to know as much as possible about the potential employers. One way to do that is to monitor their reviews online, where current and former employees share their opinions and experiences. But how do you find and evaluate these reviews effectively? Here are some tips to help you.
Not all online platforms that offer employer reviews are equally trustworthy. Some may have biased or fake reviews, either positive or negative, that can mislead you. To avoid this, look for platforms that have a large and diverse user base, a clear and transparent review policy, and a way to verify the identity and employment status of the reviewers. Some examples of reliable platforms are Glassdoor, Indeed, and Kununu.
The majority of review sites are not reliable. This is primarily due to the ease with which reviews can be manipulated. Many companies online are offering services such as offering positive reviews and removing negative ones, making it difficult to trust the authenticity of the feedback. I find it difficult to trust reviews that are submitted anonymously and without verification of the reviewers' employment at the company. When anyone can submit a review on Glassdoor for any company they choose, it raises doubts about the credibility of the platform. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution and skepticism when relying on reviews from these sources.
There is zero accountability for reviews and I think they’re a waste of effort in making a decision. If there’s 3 reviews that is. If there are 7,000 and they all say this place sucks, I’m probably going to be inclined to believe it. Otherwise, I look at their employees online and ask myself, do people stay here a long time and do they look like the type of professionals I want to associate with. If the answer to those two questions are yes, I’m in.
Connecting with employees past and present helps immensely where you can get candid reviews. That’s where the power of LinkedIn comes in and you find out a connection you made way back is working in that company and you can reach out to them.
I would always be vary of reviews, often they are either very positive or very negative (think - when do you leave a review for a restaurant yourself?) Also I'd only start to consider the weight of reviews to be relevant at 50+ reviews as a general rule.
Once you have chosen a platform, you can use its filters and features to narrow down your search and compare different employers. For example, you can filter reviews by location, job title, industry, company size, and rating. You can also compare reviews by looking at the overall score, the pros and cons, the advice to management, and the response rate of the employers. This will help you get a balanced and comprehensive view of the work environment, culture, and benefits of each employer.
Be cautious if most of the reviewers are unhappy ex-employees. They sometimes have personal reasons for disparaging their previous employer. In addition to Internet sites do research on the more popular social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You should be able to get a feel for their culture and commitment to customer service.
Another way to monitor employer reviews online is to look for trends and patterns over time. This can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of the employers, as well as any changes or improvements they have made. For example, you can look for reviews that mention specific topics, such as diversity, flexibility, communication, or feedback. You can also look for reviews that show how the employer handled challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, layoffs, or reorganizations.
While online reviews can provide valuable insights, they are not always objective or accurate. Sometimes, reviewers may exaggerate or omit certain details, or have personal agendas or biases that affect their opinions. Therefore, you need to read between the lines and use your critical thinking skills to evaluate the reviews. For example, you can check the date and relevance of the reviews, the tone and language of the reviewers, and the consistency and credibility of the information.
The tone of the review is often relevant. I tend not to post reviews of former employers - I will post hotel reviews and I do pay attention as it's, generally, a transactional short-term arrangement. A job, however, tends to involve a longer time period and more emotional investment. There's usually a complex story behind any vitriolic or unbalanced review - and perhaps the author has a point - who knows? That's my point, we don't know what happened. It's best to explore your determining factors for success. The funniest review I read was from a seemingly disgruntled former employee who was particularly impressed with the company's sickness/absence policy. I think this might have been one of those times to read between the lines.
Finally, online reviews are not the only source of information you can use to monitor employers. You can also supplement them with other sources, such as the employers' websites, social media accounts, blogs, podcasts, or newsletters. These sources can help you learn more about the employers' vision, mission, values, goals, and achievements. You can also use them to prepare for interviews and ask relevant questions.
Ideally you find someone in your network that has recently (or still is) been working at the company you're interested about, or maybe you have a second degree connection that can make an introduction. Ask for a quick call or coffee in order to get a first-hand perspective to supplement what you find online. Of course be aware that this is also a subjective insight.
Monitoring employer reviews online can help you make informed decisions about your job search. Based on your findings, you can create a list of employers that match your preferences and expectations, and apply to them with confidence. You can also use your findings to tailor your resume and cover letter, highlight your skills and fit, and negotiate your salary and benefits. By doing this, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job.