Oh boy...
This is probably going to the 15th review with the phrase "sipping the Kool-aid", but it is what it is. I should have known there was a problem when they hired me, a person with 0 sales experience, on the spot. Here I arrogantly believed I was just that good in the interview, but no. They were growing rapidly, with hiring classes typically ranging between 20-40 people a pop. My hiring class was in that range and only 10 of us remain. Think about that. The average job length is 6 months here. The turnover rate is insane.
Yelp is very much a quantity vs quality kinda company. When I got hired, metrics were reasonable. 1 pitch, 3 appointments, 65 dials. Then it became 70 dials. Now its 2 pitches, 5 appointments, 80 dials. But remember, guys... don't dial just to dial! Make all 80 dials count because it gives you more opportunity to make Yelp some mone--I mean, for you to grow your career! Nevermind that reps felt pressured and began to pad their dials just to keep up with the demand. At the end of the day, no matter the title they give you to help you cope, keep in mind that you're a glorified telemarketer. This "hip office" is a call center. Period.
The diversity is lacking severely. And they make it clear with how fast employees of color are put on plans and fired. Or if they aren't fired, they get burned out and quit. Out of an office of 600+, I can think of maybe 50 non-white employees. And they don't last long, typically. And if they do, they will not move up. All the employees, especially upper management, seem to be the same carbon-copy. Lots of frat bros and Forever 21 models here, typically the kind whose parents pay their rent so this job is more like a hobby--and those are usually the kind who perform the best.
"Sipping the kool-aid" is a very real thing, as all the reviewers mentioned. There's this encouraged faux-positive environment where the second you have any other thoughts, you're look at as being negative. Which is funny because true feelings come out when the alcohol flows. Its really creepy and kinda cult-like. Whats even more amusing is how they harp on and on about authenticity when half the employees hate each other and smile in their faces. And seeing how office politics and favoritism runs rampant with management, its not surprising. If you brown nose enough and sell overpriced packages, you too can "grow your career". If not, don't expect to last long.
The job itself can be an uphill battle as well. Yelp doesn't have the best reputation as it is and it doesn't help when certain reps are pushy. Not too mention, certain features of the platforms are questionable.
Also, the music blaring is so overwhelming. There is a reason 20-somethings fresh out of college love this job. The gong hitting and screeching and top 40 pop songs played loudly on repeat is hard to explain with clients on the phone. Looks so unprofessional.
