Do your research on a company before accepting offer!

Aside from googling or asking around within your network in your industry, there is a useful website to use when researching a potential employer that you may be considering going to work for. It can even help you prepare for interviews! The concept is quite simple and one much like any social media website, in that it consists of real people writing reviews and their own experiences and opinions on company's, the interview process, interview questions and experience and even salary info if company's they have interviewed and/or worked for.

I got drawn into the site rather easily and found myself plugging in not only company's I had worked for in the past but also company's that I recruit for and of course recruit away from as well. The results were interesting!

As with any review or public opinion posted on the internet, we all know anyone can write just about anything they want on any company out there. Lots of disgruntled employees or employees who just didn't have an overall positive experience with an employer may find it incredibly eays and obviously tempting to leave a bad review. For all you know a bad review was written by someone from that companys competitor. The internet is...well, the internet. You never truly know who you are dealing with and whether what they say is truly valid and reliable.

The benefit I think is that what is reliable is that there are often truth in numbers. If a company has consistantly gotten negative posts from several people...chances are there is a common theme going on. However, most people are more apt to go out of their way to leave a negative comment than a positive one (unfortunately!). Your own common sense should easily prevail in making a partial judgement on a company by utilizing the array of resources there are out there to dig up any dirt that may be out there. Worse case scenerio, you may be able to get some good interview tips or hints on questions that are asked during interview process for specific company's and mamy tips unspecified to a compamny that may assist in your interview skills also!

Bottom line is do your due diligence...you wouldn't buy a house without getting it inspected...or buy a car without test driving it (I did that once - huge mistake!). Take advantage of the many resources, most importantly your own contacts to research any company you may consider going to work for. Afterall, most company's now will research you whether it be on google, facebook, myspace, twitter searches and background checks.

So, having said all that...The website is: www.glassdoor.com The site allows you a free preview for a few searches, then will require that you register (it's free!) and leave your own positive or negative review of a company whether it be their interview process, salary info or comments on company in general. Many company's I searched had no reviews...so assuing as with anything, only a matter of time until more and more people learn anout and utilize this site.

Enjoy!!