Pros
I started at Reputation.com in February 2012 as a contract worker. I worked hard and was brought on temporarily for a special project in December 2012; by February I was a team manager. This is the story of working for Reputation.com - this is, more or less, still considered a "start-up". It's in Silicon Valley, and it's a dot com that's aiming to do big things, and getting most of them done. That being said, it's a great place if you're cut out for, or motivated to engage in, the type of work that such an environ demands. You must do a good job while still working fast, being flexible, valuing communication, being okay with no two days being exactly the same, respecting people, respecting yourself, and being willing to put in that extra little bit.
You might work some weekends, some evenings, skip some lunch hours. That's not exactly expected, but it is dot com culture to a large extent. If you're rigid, work slow, don't adapt well to change, or are the kind of person that takes their one-hour lunch breaks down to the second, comes in late and leaves early, then this job is not for you. I like working with people who actually care about what they do; are actively engaged in their work. This is where you'll find such people. The pros:
-Full benefits, stock options, 401k, etc
-Flexible vacation / sick time: do you job and do it well, but don't burn yourself out. Live up to your responsibilities, and take the time you need to recharge.
-Free CalTrain Go passes
-Convenient 5 minute walk from CalTrain Redwood City.
-Good location near Redwood City's downtown for off-campus lunches / after-work get togethers.
-Good vibe, energy
-Laptops provided and a great IT Department that does their best to get you what you need, asap
-Spacious work desks in a cool start-up atmosphere
-Stocked kitchen with healthy and unhealthy grub, non-alcoholic drinks, milk, etc.
-Free daily gourmet lunches and dinners, delivered right to you
-Boot Camps three times a week
-Rad people
-Flat organizational style for the most part, where everyone is respected
-An HR Department that actually listens
-Competitive Pay
-American Apparel hoodies and shirts
Cons
Not every company is perfect. Here are some ways Reputation.com falls short, or could be improved:
-Regular reviews are not common; it's a self-starting atmosphere. If you want a promotion, a raise, or have an idea: approach your management. Don't sit around waiting to be approached; it won't happen
-The company is in Redwood City, whereas most employees seem to live in San Francisco
-Product and staff organization can be a little haphazard at times - if you see a better way, speak up!
-Ideas aren't always thought through from every angle. Again, speak up!
-Sales jobs are competitive. Do your job or go home.
-Processes aren't always set in stone. This is a headache for the rigid, but a great opportunity for more creative people
