Is Glassdoor a Platform for Corporate Cyberbullying

Is Glassdoor a Platform for Corporate Cyberbullying Ben Martinez is the VP for HR at HireVue and has some thoughts he wanted to share with us on the employer review site Glassdoor. Hes also passionate about great coffee which youll find out in this interview. Have a listen to our chat below, keep reading for a summary and dont forget to subscribe to the Employer Branding Podcast. A  corporate version of cyberbullying please explain? I shared on Facebook, Glassdoor is equivalent to the corporate version of cyberbullying. My point of that is the verification process  is  a mystery in terms of who can comment on your companys Glassdoor page. They can be a candidate, or they can claim to have worked at your company at some point and then decide to write a Glassdoor review. But its a mystery if they actually did work there. The reason why that becomes a problem is that you will have people thatll make a claim about your company that is without merit, and they will say something that is completely not true. Theres a completely other side of the story, but youre boxed into this corner of the comment on your page, and they become very hard to take off. I am all for good feedback and  saying how it is, but there are times where anybody could make a comment about your company, and then it can be not well  thought out. Sometimes, youre not even sure if the person actually worked there or even had an experience. It could be a troll out there bullying your company. Thats why I  call it the corporate version of cyberbullying. Somebody with ill intent could go after a company and really cause havoc for them without actually having a bad experience at that company. Is there any way to verify if someone was actually in employment or in a recruitment process? One of the verification methods is they require a company email. So  a current employee at that company  will  have to have the companys email to prove that they work there, which makes sense. But then the part that gets a little bit of a mystery is the former employees because they can just claim that they worked there. But to my knowledge, it does not match their LinkedIn or anything like that, or maybe the person does not have a LinkedIn. So they could just say that they did work there and maybe they did not work there, and they can make a claim. So  as it stands, we have comments on our Glassdoor where Im not 100% certain if that person actually ever worked there. They just made a comment about our company. Its not overly bad, but its not really a good one, and you just think, Well, Im not sure why this person feels that way So  where it becomes a mystery is the past employees and how they verify they actually work there. Can we really blame Glassdoor for this? If theres a negative review, if we deserved it, then give it to us. I think where Glassdoor could do a better job would be taking more accountability at verifying that the review came from an actual former employee. That way theres more truth to the whole process, and people can get a real view of what that is. Thats where I would put more accountability on their part. We had a candidate come in a few weeks back, and he made a claim on our Glassdoor page. He was here for probably three hours for an interview, and he made a claim. He called us white America, he made claims about us being racist, that we had a draconian work environment, and we only allowed 10-minute work breaks. This candidate was completely crazy. We get this thing on our Glassdoor page that gets sent out because a lot of our employees and customers follow our Glassdoor page. My team has to immediately look into this, and we get with Glassdoor, but it takes roughly seven days for them to take that comment down, which they did. They worked with us on that, but my point is that it was up there, and people saw it, and we took it down. And then theres a lot of chatter in the office about, Wow. What was that review about? Why does it work well employers like  HomeServe and LOréal and not so well for others? We  dont do the paid version of Glassdoor, and it still has worked well for us. We take a lot of pride in our Glassdoor page, and thats probably why I get so passionate about it. How it works well for other companies is first of all, youve got to complete the profile out about your page be as transparent as you can about sharing everything. But youve got to respond and be authentic in your responses, because people can see through that. As you do this, you expect some bad reviews and take it as feedback. Weve had reviews where it was our bad, and we did not treat the candidate right in the experience so  we apologized on there. Weve even sent some candidates a little package, our apologies on your experience. Then weve had the really good examples that you get out there where people give rave reviews, and theyre really a big fan of what you do. How these companies have been successful is, it will never be as awesome as the page reveals itself to be, and it  will never  be as bad as the pages reveals itself to be. Somewhere, theres a middle ground, and I think that these companies are just real in how they respond to these questions and what they say about it.  If you get a bad one, just own up to it, Yep, that was our bad, and we apologize for how we treated you in that process, Then the ones that deserve a better response, if it wasnt your bad then I think its okay to stick up for yourself. Ive had a good experience with Glassdoor and how theyve approached us with it. Obviously, they want our business, but they do tend to take an approach of, Heres your information. If you want to do something more with it, you have to give us money. but our score is 4.5 out of 5. Theres not a lot they can really say that will  make a difference. Im not opposed to paying, but were a smaller, mature startup. We dont have a lot of budget. Amazon  have  a score of 3.5, Uber have  a score of 4.1, HireVue  are on 4.5, any comments on that? Amazon:  In the last year or two its declined a lot. Probably because a while back, there were letters going around about the way they were treating the employees. And there was something around being unfair towards women. On  a scale of 1 to 5, 3.5 isnt awful, but its not awesome. You do have to look at how big that company is too, but theres definitely room for improvement. Uber:  Considering what theyve gone through; all the sexual harassment stuff, and toxic work problems, with 4.1 maybe theres something good going on there still that the press is not focusing on.  Its easy to get reactions out of the bad stuff. So 4.1 is still pretty good, especially considering what theyve gone through. HireVue:  So we were at 4.8. Thats why  I got hot on some of these reviews. The reason why weve declined, is because of  a natural change. We have a new CEO, and hes great, but when you get a leadership change, you  will get  people who are good with a change, and people who are bad with the change. I think that change drove our score down a little bit. Are there any other alternatives for employees wanting some transparency about the experience of working there? The one we use a lot is called Comparably, think of it in a similar fashion as Glassdoor, except you can rate the CEO, you can rate the company, and you can do a lot of things in terms of rating. What I like about it, is it breaks it down into an individual level, with more diversity. So you can find out the percentage of people who rate your CEO who are female.  Maybe they rate your CEO, they really like him, and its 95%. But  maybe the men dislike him, and its 58%. Obviously Im making these numbers up, but I like it. It gives you  a deeper look than Glassdoor. It  does a good job of focusing on the diversity of how things are being rated. The comments are not as anonymous. You can still get really good feedback, but they can be really targeted at areas you can improve, versus someone just randomly making a comment about how bad your coffee is in the workplace. Were 92/100 executive rating, 98 quality of coworkers, 96 for future outlook, so  were in a good place. What do you think is next for Glassdoor and employee review sites? Theyre getting a lot of data and a lot of insight thats just continually building. There are still companies that are sending out the annual employment surveys and engagement surveys. I think whats next is they can turn this into an ongoing engagement tool where they can start to get a real-time pulse of how a company is doing, what people really think real-time.  Theyre collecting real  data from people who is always ongoing, versus the company-administered survey that becomes  static. Thats where they will use this data for a lot of other things. LinkedIns now been acquired by Microsoft, but I see  LinkedIn and Glassdoor  being able to play really well together.  I know they used to not like each other for a while, but thats been four or five years back now. They are both in the same area, and they hold a lot of data about employees, so theres a lot of stuff you can share. Follow Ben on  Twitter  @benmartinezJ.

How to List Writing and Research on a Resume For Attorney Positions

How to List Writing and Research on a Resume For Attorney PositionsIn order to be listed as an attorney in the state of Washington, you will need to create a well-designed and attractive resume. A law firm wants to hire only the best attorneys. It is important that you follow these steps to help you on your way to getting listed on a resume. Here are some tips on how to list writing and research on a resume.If you don't have any case work or experience as an attorney for a law firm, then you should get started with your own law firm. If this sounds like something you can do, then you should contact them and get started in your own practice. This is important because they will be looking for someone who has some experience in this field.In this day and age, your employer will want to hire you before they even talk to a law firm. They don't want to waste their time interviewing someone who has no experience. Your resume should not only list the skills you have that are needed, but also why you are qualified to do the job. This will help your employer make a decision.Make sure that you have all of your credentials ready when you meet with a law firm. Look for an attorney that has published books on the subjects of law or the state. This is a plus because you will show that you are able to apply your knowledge in a professional manner. A person with published works shows that they have a genuine interest in their field.Contact the state's bar association and talk to them about what you have written in your writings. There are some attorneys that may be reluctant to consider hiring someone who has no cases. You will be doing your best to show your interest in the career.If you have any previous knowledge on the profession, then you should disclose it. If you have had any instances where you have been working as an attorney, then you should list it in your resume. Your employer needs to know what your career goals are, what your goals are as an attorney, and what you would like to see done in the court system. For instance, if you would like to write a novel about the law, then you will need to list this.If you have prior experience working as an attorney, then you should mention this in your resume as well. The employer wants to hire someone who has learned about the field before the interview. A current or former employee who has previous knowledge will give them a better chance of hiring you.When you are listing your skill sets and information, make sure you make your resume easy to read. Have large fonts that are easy to read for your readers. Never forget to include your contact information and employment history. You should also list the type of law firm you are applying for, so that you are listed in a way that is most advantageous to you.

Say Goodbye to a Toxic Workplace Before it Poisons Your Career

Say Goodbye to a Toxic Workplace Before it Poisons Your Career Most employees spend more than 40 hours a week at their job, not counting any time spent commuting. If you’re spending half your waking hours doing something, it should be something you enjoy â€" or at least something that doesn’t suck the life out of you. When you’re in a toxic workplace, it can be difficult to find the motivation to go to work and you’ll hardly ever be happy when you’re there. You might derive satisfaction a perfectly executed project, but a supervisor could quash that happiness with petty criticism. If you’re in a toxic workplace, you’ll know it instinctively, but here are three tell-tale signs. 1. Lack of Communication Employers aren’t clear on job expectations, and team members fail to communicate important information that helps you to do your job. If complaining is the primary mode of communication, you’re in a toxic environment. 2. Managers Play Favorites Do a few high performers have the right to walk all over everyone else? Do policies, procedures, and penalties apply only to those who haven’t gained the managers’ favor? From family businesses where the owner’s son is given special privileges to workplaces where one clique seems to get all the attention, benefits, and rewards, lack of equality can create a toxic workplace. 3. Everyone is Mean and/or Unhappy If you work in a place where everyone is mean, negative, or always complaining, it’s time to get out. This environment can range from sexual harassment to hostility or passive-aggression, which may be more difficult to pinpoint. But, no matter what it is, you don’t have to live with it. If you work in a toxic environment, it’s time to move on â€" even if you don’t have another job lined up. How to Say Goodbye with Your Head Held High Once you’ve made the decision and mustered up your courage to quit, come up with your exit plan. Do you have savings set aside that will permit you to have a little fun while you job search? Can you cut expenses, find a roommate, or figure out some other way to live on less? Can you freelance for a while? Once you’ve come up with a plan, give two weeks’ notice â€" no more, no less. Do not tell your boss you’re looking for a new job before you give notice. He can’t hire anyone else yet, because you haven’t left, and it will only create more awkwardness in a toxic workplace. Learn from Your Favorite TV Characters If you go home at night and wish you had an office to go to like some of your favorite TV characters, you may be surprised that you can actually take lessons on career success from these silver screen leaders. Rayna James of “Nashville” recognized the toxic environment at Edgehill Records and set off to create her own record label. She knew when it was time to move on and become her own boss, and did so without looking back. Another strong leading lady is Alicia Florrick of “The Good Wife.” She knew it was time for a whole new career and started at the bottom in a law firm to make a big difference in the world. It wasn’t easy, but it paid off as she moved up in the firm and then launched her own successful practice, relying on her intelligence, perseverance, and connections for success. Raymond “Red” Reddington of “The Blacklist” also maintains an extensive network of people he can turn to. When you’re ready to leave your job, turn to your own networks (discretely, so your current boss doesn’t find out) for job leads. Leave Gracefully It might be tempting to leave the HR department a long list of what’s wrong in the workplace, but it won’t help   change the toxic environment, and it certainly won’t win you any friends. Don’t burn any bridges and don’t waste the emotional energy rehashing what was wrong in the office. Just move on. Submit a letter of resignation that simply states your final date of work, and the position you’re resigning from. It’s a nice touch to include a “thank you,” as well. Dig deep to find the positive things you got from your job â€" even if it was just the paycheck â€" and thank your boss for the experience and opportunity. Don’t Feel Guilty You’re loyal and that’s good. But your first loyalty is to yourself, specifically your sanity and your values. As long as you’ve given your two weeks’ notice, you’re doing the right thing. You may feel a huge weight lifted as soon as you deliver that resignation letter, which will alternate with normal waves of happiness and fear over the next few weeks. You’ve escaped your toxic workplace and your next career adventure awaits.

How To Get The Lowest Interest On A Business Loan

How To Get The Lowest Interest On A Business Loan For a small business, acquiring funding for new ventures is never an easy nut to crack. Even if you manage to get a loan, severely high rates of interest might turn it into a burden rather than a help. Here, we bring you some simple steps to help obtain the lowest interest on business loans. Research Before finalizing on loan, youll first need to understand the different loan types offered by the banks. For this, you need to be aware of all the available options. The best business loan will pertain to how unique your situation is and the type of loan you are pursuing. You can either visit different banks personally and obtain all the necessary details or else; you can also compare loan providers online. It will allow you to see and compare what works best for you. Prepare ahead of time for your business loan A business can never be made ready for a loan overnight. A better loan always requires some preparation to set yourself up for it. Lenders look at two crucial things in a loan application â€" business profits and personal finances. Besides, long before you meet the lenders, work on improving your credit score, organizing accounting records, and paying off the existing debts. Be prepared to show all your financial history and plans for seeking further growth. Providing all the information will indicate your professionalism and level of preparedness. This can be a significant aspect while negotiating for lower interest rates.   Although, there are high risk business loan options that are much more lenient to what paperwork is needed. Nature of business The nature of the business also influences interest rates. Based on the activities of the company, the bank classifies the loan into the priority or non-priority sector. Typically, the loans classified under the non-priority sector attract a higher rate of interest as compared to the ones under the priority sector. For instance, export finance attracts lower interest rates. Designing the activities of your business in a sector that is prioritized in the capital market will allow you to acquire cheaper loans. Presence of collateral The presence of collateral also determines the rate of interest. In case the bank approves a loan without security, it gets ready to undertake a higher risk. Generally, unsecured loans are much more expensive than secured loans. Once the collateral is available, the bank has the security to fall back on. This is why the rate of interest in these cases is notably lower. Collateral can be anything from a fixed deposit, government security, LIC policy, mortgage of property, and so on. Establish relationships It can be quite hard for a new small business to secure a startup loan. You cannot prove beforehand that the business will be profitable, which in turn, renders lesser risk to the lenders. Forming relationships with the lenders at an early age will help you in obtaining a loan. Take advantage of whatever the bank has to offer you, including business bank accounts, company, and credit cards. The more you engage with your bank, the more the lenders get to know you. This will help you in acquiring a cheaper loan for the business.

Do You Have To Be Certified To Start A Resume Writing Business?

Do You Have To Be Certified To Start A Resume Writing Business?Is it true that you have to be certified to start a resume writing business? That's one of the common myths you'll hear about when starting your own business.It's a real possibility for you to get into this kind of business, and it is a legitimate opportunity. However, there are many different steps you need to take before you can get started, so you can't just jump in without knowing anything about what you're getting into.First, let's talk about what the truth is about you having to be certified to start a resume writing business. The fact is that you don't have to be certified to start a resume writing business, but there are some requirements you'll need to meet before you can even start looking at jobs.When you first start out, you'll have to do some training and education. That includes seminars and workshops, as well as getting your associate's degree from a college or university, depending on the state where you w ant to work. It's important to look around at some different options and see what they charge to attend, as this can vary by each company.After that, you'll also need to go through the testing process. You'll have to pass certification and examination exams, but this can vary by company. Make sure you check around with your chosen company to make sure you'll be able to pass the tests, as failure to do so can have a serious effect on your career.In order to find out if you have to be certified to start a resume writing business, you should contact your state's secretary of state office and ask them about the certification requirements. Once you know what you need to do, you can then search for jobs online to find out which companies are the best. This could mean going back to school and working for two years in order to become a professional writer, or you may choose to take on part-time and make it a full-time job.While there is no need to be certified to start a resume writing busi ness, there are several other things you'll need to know before you can get started. There are certain skills you'll need to learn, including researching, writing, and more.The bottom line is that you don't have to be certified to start a resume writing business, but you do need to put in some time and effort to become one. Once you've learned how to write resumes, you can consider how to become a professional, which is not difficult.

WorldBlu Live The Best Business Conference EVER - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

WorldBlu Live The Best Business Conference EVER - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog This years WorldBlu Live 2008 conference was without any doubt the best business conference I have ever attended. First of all, the topic itself is ground-breaking. The world needs democracy at work. We need workplaces that are more open, inclusive, democratic and positive. Secondly, the content at this event was unique. You will not hear this stuff at any other conference. Finally, the people were amazing. The place was overrun with smart, nice, passionate people. Karl Staib (who I finally got to meet in person) has a great blow-by-blow write-up of the entire conference. Karl starts his piece with: Would you love to meet the brightest minds in your industry? Who wouldn?t? Well, I just did. I agree completely. But my favorite article from the event may be this one by David Russell, simply because it starts with these words: Alexander Kjerulf, Chief Happiness Officer, as his title suggests is happy..! As he bounds on to the stage he exudes energy, and with a twinkle in his eye also a sense of mischief. I had no idea I do that. But Im going to do it even more now :o) Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

There aint no such thing as change management - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

There aint no such thing as change management - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog Im currently reading The spirit of leadership by Harrison Owen and it has something to say on the difference between management and leadership: [Managers] control the system, whatever that system might be. And the operative word is control. A good manager makes the plan, manages to the plan, and meets the plan. The details are taken care of, the abberancies are controlled, and the problems are solved. But when the balance swings to nostability and change occurs in radical, discontinuous jumps, the skills of management dont work quite as well as they used to. Which would make change management an oxymoron there aint no such thing. A better term would be change leadership. Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related