Is Glassdoor Reliable for Job Seekers?

Since 2008, job seekers have visited Glassdoor.com in the hopes of finding insights about potential employers’ cultures, hiring processes and salaries. But is Glassdoor reliable?

You’re wise to be skeptical.

There are several good reasons to take Glassdoor.com with a grain of salt.

1. Bias in Reviews: Reviews can be skewed by individuals who had either very positive experiences, or more often, very negative ones. After all, one of the main reasons most of us write a review is that we’ve been burned!
2. Incentivized Feedback: On the other hand, some companies encourage their employees to leave positive reviews. So, look for consistent themes rather than one reviewer’s raves.
3. Anonymity: Since reviews are often anonymous, they may lack accountability. This can lead to exaggerated claims, especially regarding salaries, which are often overstated. Better sources include the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale.com.
4. Sample Size: Some companies on Glassdoor have few reviews, which can lead to inaccurate conclusions.
5. Context Matters: Above all, realize that employees’ experiences can vary greatly according to their role, team or department. Furthermore, what one person finds negative, another might see as a plus, so it’s essential to consider your own priorities and preferences.

In addition, using Glassdoor can be a hassle, requiring you to supply information about your own employment and to write a review.

What alternatives to Glassdoor exist?

Fortunately, Glassdoor isn’t the only source of company reviews. Other sites include:

1. Indeed: Like Glassdoor, Indeed offers company reviews, salary information, and job listings.
2. LinkedIn: On LinkedIn’s company pages, job seekers can learn about company culture through posts and employee profiles.
3. Comparably: This site focuses on company culture and compensation, providing detailed insights and ratings across various categories.
4. Fairygodboss: Geared toward women in the workplace, Fairygodboss offers company reviews, job listings, and insights about women’s experiences and benefits.
5. CareerBliss: This platform features company reviews and salary information, with a focus on job satisfaction metrics.
6. Blind: An anonymous community for professionals to discuss workplace issues, Blind focuses particularly on tech and startups.

Last but certainly not least, word of mouth can be a great way to learn about a company. Find current or former employees–LinkedIn may be your best resource for this–and seek company insider conversations. Former employees may provide a more honest view, while current employees may be able to refer you to the hiring committee. Since most companies offer referral bonuses, current employees have an incentive to talk with you.

By using more than one source in your company research, you can get a broader view. One Reddit user shared an experience that may be typical:

“I had an offer from a company that had terrible Glassdoor reviews. Fortunately, I had a friend that worked there and she could give me a bit of perspective. I wound up taking the job and was there for 4.5 years. It was a great company…You can always ask the recruiter about the negative reviews…they may be able to provide some context behind them (there was just a re-org, or they were bought out etc.). Then you can decide whether it is worth the risk.”

So, is Glassdoor reliable? If you’re using it as your only source outside of what you see and hear during the interview process, maybe not. Research the company more broadly, both when you apply and before you accept an offer.