Cogent Communications reviews

This is essentially a call center job, and not much more. Here's what you can expect if you decide to take it: -HR will relentlessly pressure you to accept the offer, major red flag. -hourly position, no matter what role you're hired for. -obligated to commute daily to a depressing office, and you'll have to pay for parking, which cost you over $2,000 a year. -laptops they provide are purchased from eBay during the pandemic, poor quality and often barely functional. -required to clock in and out every day, just like you would in a traditional call center. -The so-called "coaches" who provide training may have less experience than you do. -The VP and managers spend their days only on approving "ICBs" and won't be of much help in teaching you anything since they don't know anything else. -Micromanagement is at an all-time high: they'll constantly check your emails and activities, pressure you to make calls all day, and may even use their phones to record and spy on you -Sometimes they will buy you pizzas to make you forget the depressing situation you are in. -CEO will tell you every Tuesday that you're just a telesales worker, and will never listen to anyone else opinion -Management is so excited to do what they call "challenge" which is stealing an account from another rep. Brilliant idea to create toxic competitive environment, as it was not already depressing. -Finding new business is nearly impossible because sales reps repeatedly target the same prospects without success. The 6 months turnover in sales reps only perpetuates this problem. -Closing a $200 deal is celebrated as a major achievement, which is quite underwhelming. -You won't be able to make a move without getting the CEO's approval for everything. -Working here can damage your reputation in the telecom industry, as companies are aware of Cogent's reputation and may be reluctant to hire employees from this call center.

The CEO is in complete charge of every aspect of every area. No issue for him is too small. Doesn't seem to allow the people he's hired to make decisions on their own. It's a bit autocratic/controlling and seems to not trust his senior mgmt and others to manage their departments to be more effective. Many decisions seem to cause chaos but I doubt he's concerned. Feels like he's stuck in the past. Benefits are expensive and not great 5 days in the office. No exceptions. Would rather have you at home with a minor cold (so you don't infect others) taking sick time and not working than working from home when sick and being more effective. Seems like an odd approach. It's a depressing environment.