CoStar Group reviews

Historically, this firm did not recruit from top universities, as a result there are extensive metrics in place to measure productivity. Instead of having the confidence that employees will complete work to the best of their ability and on time, there is a metric for EVERYTHING. This quickly becomes tiresome. Many employees demonstrate ambition, but often this is not embraced by the company. The pay is also not on par with what is required to maintain a high standard of living in close proximity to the office.

The last pro is also a con - because CoStar is constantly trying to do the newest and best thing, the disconnect between senior management and research/sales staff is huge. Contradictory information is given from manager to manager, metrics are changed at the blink of an eye, and you learn quickly not to rely on what you're hearing from management, because chances are it will change by next week. The pay-for-performance environment is made even more difficult to navigate by the fact that senior management can (and does) change parameters for minimum performance, bonuses and contests midstream. Even worse, dissent within the ranks is not tolerated - if you complain too loudly or to the wrong person, you risk having your bonus cut or your position terminated.