What negative things have you heard about our company?

Question

Rachelle Enns · Accepted Answer

"I have primarily heard remarkable things about Company ABC. One area for improvement that came up was surrounding slow growth and limited career trajectory. Could you comment on that for me? I am interested in joining an organization where growth is present when I prove myself to be a valuable team member."

Rachelle Enns · Answer

The interviewer wants to know if you've heard anything about the company that would cause you to hesitate to join the organization. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you have researched the company thoroughly and that you have prepared intelligent questions to any potential issues you've uncovered in your research. If the negative factors you've heard are valid, the other goal of your response is to ensure the hiring company is working towards making improvements.

Rachelle Enns · Answer

Avoid speaking negatively about the hiring company or expressing concerns in a blaming manner. For instance, saying, 'I heard that Company ABC doesn't offer equitable salaries to women and POC in its organization,' might make the interviewer go on the defensive.

Instead, you could say, 'A couple of former employees commented on Glassdoor that Company ABC offers inconsistent pay to its minority employees. It's important that Company ABC offers fair and equitable pay, so I am interested in learning more. Could you share with me what Company ABC has done in the past 12 months to ensure equitable treatment for all employees?'

Rachelle Enns · Answer

The transparency brought by employer review sites can be beneficial for job seekers; however, it's important to note which negative reviews sound constructive and legitimate vs. those published online for pettiness.

For instance, if a former employee comments on Glassdoor that Company ABC has slow growth opportunities, this could be a legitimate and constructive review. However, if a former employee comments that Company ABC fires people for no reason, this is a comment to take with a grain of salt. It might just be that the former employee was let go with reason, felt upset by the situation, and placed 100% of the blame on the company.

In short - while researching a company, be sure to value balance in the reviews and forums that you read.

Rachelle Enns · Answer

This question is tricky because you do not want to sound too critical and create an air of negativity in your interview. If you have heard anything negative about the hiring company, and the matter is concerning, you should bring it up and ask questions. Be diplomatic in your approach and ask the interviewer for further information or explanations.

As a well-researched and informed job seeker, it's essential to approach this question with a genuine interest in learning more rather than pointing a finger. Ask questions, listen to what the company has to say, and then make a judgment call that is best for you.

Let's say that you did hear a concerning factor about the hiring company, and you chose to ask questions in the interview. If the interviewer gets defensive by saying something like, 'That's not true at all,' this is a red flag. It could be a sign that the company does not have a culture of accepting feedback or working toward improvements.

However, if the interviewer shows transparency by saying something like, 'I have heard this criticism of Company ABC in the past, and we are doing X, Y, Z to ensure we improve in this area,' it's a great sign that the company is aware of its weaknesses and is working towards improvement.

Rachelle Enns · Answer

"I cannot remember where, but I did hear that Company ABC's hiring process can be slower compared to the average hiring cycle. Do you have a timeline in mind for filling this particular position? I am willing to be patient with your process, either way. Hiring someone new is an important decision that requires care."

Rachelle Enns · Answer

"Negative does not always mean it's true, and this is one lesson that I have learned after years of being in a leadership role. I have heard primarily great things about Company ABC. Anything negative that I have heard, such as turnover or slow growth, are complaints that all enterprise-level organizations receive."

Rachelle Enns · Answer

"I read a critical review about Company ABC on Glassdoor, likely from a disgruntled employee. I take those comments with a grain of salt, as there are always two sides to a story. When looking online, the positive far outweighed any negative comments."

Rachelle Enns · Answer

"I have heard the usual comments retail stores receive regarding lack of training, unhappy customers, and high turnover. I asked around before coming here today as I have a couple of friends who have worked for Company ABC. Everyone I spoke to said it was a great environment, so I am going to lead with those positive thoughts instead!"

Rachelle Enns · Answer

"One thing I have heard was that Company ABC's sales targets are very challenging to achieve. Are you able to speak to that comment? I am a proven top performer who loves a challenge, but I certainly want to be set up for success."

Rachelle Enns · Answer

"School ABC has a wonderful reputation. The only negative I have heard was related to small budgets and some additional cuts. I am happy to discuss this further if you are open to that."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I have not heard anything negative so far. I've done lots of research and have not seen any negative press."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I read on Glassdoor.com that growth within your company can be slow. Could you comment on that for me? I am interested in joining an organization where growth is present when I prove myself to be a valuable team member. With that said, I have heard many more amazing things about your company, as opposed to negative."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I didn't hear any negative things."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I have heard that some jobs for Kaiser start only on call. But the good thing is to get your foot in the door and possibly the position can become permanent. With that said, I have heard from some of my friends that they love working for Kaiser."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I read on glassdoor.com that the growth of the company is stagnant since 2018. Could you please elaborate on that as I am truly excited to join your organization."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I have not heard anything negative about your company; however, I was curious why two similar companies in the area had the same field, and I looked up the law suit between yourself and the other company. I have spoken with a trusted friend and am in complete confidence that you are the leader of your field and have reliable products. I would be proud to work at your company."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I haven't heard any negative things. In fact, I have a cousin who has been with State Farm for close to 20 years & is very happy with his career here."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I have had mostly positive things about your hospital during my research. One of the things that came has been able to survive the cold in New York. And remember, I have lived here in New York for many years before. I have had friends currently in your residency program, which has given me positive reviews. So I am confident that your hospital has the qualities I'm looking for in a residency program"

Anonymous User · Answer

"I had read the annual report of your company last year. I know there was a big decrease in the earning because of covid 19. However, your company has a strong foundation and deeply committed people, in this year, your company will fix this issue and simplify the business, so you will become simpler and stronger."

Anonymous User · Answer

"One thing I have heard is your company has a mission to be innovative and set tough goals. I like a challenge and want to push myself but I also want to set myself up for success. Can you elaborate on some early expectations from this position?"

Anonymous User · Answer

"Nothing, UHG has an outstanding reputation in the insurance and healthcare industry."

Anonymous User · Answer

"First of all your company has above 90% in its recommendations on glassdoor, which is extremely admirable, I've never seen a company that high before. However, I see some reviews that say your company does not have a strong long-term plan for certain projects. This is fine because I've noticed this type of review for most companies. I feel like I can provide improvement to this since I do have a good knack for planning especially in user interfaces."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I have not heard anything negative so far. I've done lots of research and have not seen any negative press."

What negative things have you heard about our company?

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