Think before you jump into this - Auction/Specialist Side Sotheby's Employee Review

2.0
Sep 5, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Amazing art everywhere Interesting people Discount at Sotheby's Wine if you work in the US

Cons

Where to begin? Seriously understaffed in specialist/auction side of the business. Very high turnover, so inexperienced people in lots of important areas. You will waste a lot of time on mistakes of undertrained new people thrown into the mix without the slightest clue. (Company puts people in pretty technical jobs and training seems to be: ask other people in the job who sit near you. Don't expect any help and make friends with your colleagues fast) Most people do the jobs of 2 or 3 people, so really think carefully if you have kids, an older relative who needs help or want anything like a life outside work. It is very different for members of upper management. If you're interviewing for a high level job, expect stress but normal hours. More typical employees work at least 55-70 hours per work, don't take all of our vacation, work constantly, get told we're not doing enough by people who leave at 5:30 each day. I hear it is different in IT and Finance. They seem to be able to leave at 5 pm each day. On the other hand computers and company systems are at least 10-15 years old and are a joke. The IT team just seems disgusted with what they have to work with. I think the new CEO will be changing this, but still not clear what his plans are. He's got no background in the art market and was at his last job for less than a year so who knows if he'll be around in another 6 months. No matter what job you're looking at make sure you get to talk to people already in the job during interviews and ask what their average day is like. Have an attorney read the contract before you sign it. I wish I had done that.

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5.0
May 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great team and intern class

Cons

Really only pay and no others

3.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You get to understand the various sub art markets and which auction houses are able to better sell an artist or style.

Cons

Not enough pay. It's miniscule.

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