This always surprises us….

As REC recruiter​s, we hear this countless times and this always surprises us: “I know someone who worked there, and they said it’s a terrible place to work.” It’s a sentiment that often leads candidates to dismiss opportunities based on secondhand stories. But this mindset could be holding you back or may mean that you miss out on a role that suits you.

Every Experience Is Unique

Work environments are complex. People’s experiences within the same company can vary dramatically based on their team, role, manager, or even their expectations. What didn’t work for someone else might be exactly what you’ve been searching for.

Perspective Matters

Sometimes, the person advising you had challenges that were more about them than the company itself. Maybe their skills didn’t align with the role, or they struggled with adapting to the culture. That doesn’t mean the company is a bad place to work—it just means it wasn’t the right fit for them. Maybe they are not as good as they say they are or want you to perceive them as. 

Companies Evolve

Organisations change. Leadership, policies, and culture can shift drastically over time. If the person you spoke to worked there years ago, their perspective may no longer reflect the current reality.

Missed Opportunities

By dismissing a role based on someone else’s opinion, you could miss out on a job that fits perfectly with your goals. A role with the potential to accelerate your career, teach you new skills, or introduce you to a good team might be passed over because of a single, potentially biased perspective.