Glassdoor Guide: Use Reviews, Salaries & Interview Tips

Glassdoor can change how you search for tech jobs. Create a complete profile, turn on job alerts, and follow companies you care about. Start by saving job posts and noting salary ranges you see. Use the site daily for fresh listings and updates from current or former employees.

When you read company reviews, focus on patterns not single opinions. Check review dates, the reviewer’s role and location, and whether multiple reviewers highlight the same issues. Short emotional rants and one-line praise are less useful than detailed posts that mention specific managers, teams, or processes. Also watch how company leadership replies to criticism — responses show how seriously the employer treats feedback.

Use the salary tool to set realistic expectations. Filter by job title, city, and years of experience to find median numbers for your profile. Prefer medians over maximum claims. Combine Glassdoor salary ranges with LinkedIn insights and industry surveys to triangulate a fair target. Don’t forget to factor in bonuses, stock, and benefits when comparing offers.

How to spot fake or biased reviews

Look for timing and volume. A sudden spike of five-star or one-star reviews around a public event can signal manipulation. Read language patterns: overly generic praise or identical phrasing across reviews is suspicious. Check whether the reviewer lists a clear role and timeframe. If many reviews come from anonymous or vague entries, take them with caution. Cross-check claims about leadership or products against recent news and employee profiles on LinkedIn.

Use Glassdoor to prepare interviews and negotiate offers

The interview section often contains real questions and expected timelines. Compile common questions for the role and practice answers that include measurable results. Note any reported coding tasks, case studies, or take-home assignments so you can prepare samples. Use reported interview lengths and rounds to plan availability and follow-ups.

When negotiating, quote specific salary ranges from Glassdoor for your role and location. Explain how your experience fits the median or upper quartile if you have measurable achievements. Bring up comparable offers or market data calmly. Ask about total compensation, including bonuses, stock, health benefits, and relocation support.

Write reviews that help others. If you leave feedback, state your role, time worked, and concrete pros and cons. Mention the interview process and any perks that mattered. Keep tone factual; avoid personal attacks. Honest, specific reviews improve the platform for everyone.

Quick checklist: complete your profile, follow companies, set alerts, save salary snapshots, practice reported interview questions, and cross-check reviews with LinkedIn and news. Use Glassdoor as one tool among many to find better jobs and negotiate stronger offers.

Bonus tips: install the Glassdoor mobile app to get push alerts, save salary entries you like, and add notes about interviews. Use the browser extension or save screenshots of job descriptions and compare requirements with your resume. When contacting recruiters, mention a specific Glassdoor review or salary fact to show research. Keep copies of offer letters and compensation breakdowns for future negotiation reference documents.