Hi- I'm talking with a recruiter about a position in Westchester. It sounds like a good job but comments here have me spooked. Are the issues mainly just out in the field? I want to work (have been looking for over three months) but don't want to jump into another bad decision. Do appreciate any constructive advice from anyone working there. Thanks!
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The book business is dieing, and any tech company they've bought, they've killed. I don't see the point in working there.
Run far, run fast. Follett is a company that "acquires" the contract to run collegiate bookstores by promising the moon to campuses. Then they get rid of everyone at the independent store, throwing them out of work, and abuse their new store staff by making outrageous demands.
So the company has no money for merit increases but we can hire new people?
Not only that but none of us peons know where to steer the boat because communication sucks. No wonder we keep going in circles.
This has been said before, how do turn around a sinking ship? If you think it's possible, here, have some more kool-aid...
I would take the job (unless you have another offer) and you are up to a big challenge. You could be part of the new team that turns this ship around. Unless it is IT, the whole company knows that IT is going to be outsourced in full to India.
Follett is very smart when it comes to reduction in force. They eliminated positions not people. However they can still hire new positions that are needed. So it is perfectly acceptable to layoff of COBOL programmer and then turn around and hire a java developer. Different positions with different skills. You are correct, the could not replace the COBOL programmer with another programmer. Follett pays significant consulting fees to make sure they do it right. the last two layoffs were selected by HR, not the manager. Follett got rid of some very good employees, and kept those that are not very good.
Take the job! Take the job! Follett stated this was a reduction in force, where they could not afford the staff and had to let go a number of employees, However, should they hire additional employees, the separation agreement will not matter in a case with violations of EOE. This alone is a violation of rights. So please, take the job. We, as well as others, want this management team removed. Let them screw up some other company with all these hires since 2013 that know nothing about working in a business.
You can see this in all newly hired managers, directors, svps, vps, and especially the CIO.
Follett is a terrible company. They lack direction for leadership that is under qualified. It competes in an industry that is lost in higher education. It has a poor concept of who their client is. It has a terrible concept of how to bring value the the client (whom they can't identify). There are many layers on top of the workers who actually work with customers. Those associates are treated as disposable. Their comp scale is subject to reevaluation on a regular basis. This is a terrible place for people to work. I know looking for work is hard. It will be harder when you go out and begin a new search in a year or two's time.
Keep looking!
Do not take the job.
Follett promises things but you never see them happen.
Been with them 15 plus stuck right now but when I can I am out.
Run away! Management will look you in the eye and lie. When management fails YOU own their bad decisions (because they NEVER fail). Run away!
No one, outside of HR, could, with a clear conscience, tell you to accept any job at home office. No doubt the field has it bad, but the Westchester building is much worse. The negativity, fear, and loathing are waist deep. No raises this year, no bonuses, big cuts in benefits, and valued co workers disappearing with no mention at all. I wish you luck in your search.
The company just layed off 140+ in Westchester. So you would actually be doing the work of 2-3 people. And everyone you work with is demoralized and unhappy. So you make the call.