Should You Trust Employer Review Sites?

Truths, Myths, and What Candidates Need to Know

When you are considering a job offer, chances are you will look up the company on an employer review site like Glassdoor or Indeed. You are not alone. Most job seekers research employer reviews before even sending an application. But how much weight should you put on those ratings and comments?

Like any online review platform, employer review sites can be helpful, but they do not tell the whole story. Here are some truths, myths, and tips to help you make a smarter decision.

Truths About Employer Review Sites

1. Reviews reflect real experiences
Many reviews come from people who genuinely want to share their perspective. They can give you insight into management styles, company culture, and workplace challenges.

2. Patterns are powerful
One negative review is just one opinion. But if the same issues appear again and again across different posts, that is worth noting.

3. Employers are paying attention
Companies know their reputation matters. Many actively monitor and respond to reviews, and some even adjust policies based on feedback.

Myths About Employer Review Sites

1. Every review is accurate
Not all reviews are balanced. Some are written in the heat of the moment, while others might come from people with very specific grievances.

2. A bad review means a bad company
Even great employers have negative reviews. What matters more is how the company responds and whether there is evidence of change.

3. Reviews tell the whole story
Review sites only capture a fraction of employee voices. Many satisfied employees never post at all.

Tips for Using Reviews Wisely

• Look for consistency, not one-offs. A single extreme review should not outweigh a larger trend.
• Check the dates. A review from several years ago may not reflect the company today.
• Balance online research with real conversations. Talk to recruiters, ask questions during interviews, and connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn.
• Pay attention to employer responses. A respectful, professional reply is often a stronger indicator of culture than the review itself.

Be Empowered and Prepared

When you are interviewing for a position, remember you are also interviewing the employer. Bring up what you read on review sites. Ask about trends, culture, or concerns that stood out to you. Most hiring managers and recruiters will appreciate that you did your homework and are engaged in the process.

Pay close attention not just to their answers, but to their tone and body language. Use reviews as a starting point, not the final word. Some employers may not have checked their review sites recently, and their response may reveal new insights into how they view employee experiences.

Approach the conversation with curiosity and critical thinking. By doing so, you demonstrate that you are informed, thoughtful, and ready to make the best career decision for yourself.

Read our Interview Guide for more tips on acing your interview.

Conclusion

For nearly 50 years, Agilus has served our candidate and employer networks, connecting job seekers with meaningful opportunities. We place nearly 10,000 job seekers in roles every year in Engineering, Technology, Professional/Office, and Light Industrial roles. Check out our open roles on our job board, create a job alert or build a profile so one of our 80+ recruitment professionals can find you quickly when a role becomes available. Please follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X for job-seeking tips and new roles.