Many candidates do considerable research before pursuing employment. This includes checking out on-line reviews. Reviews on Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Google or Facebook let job candidates know what it’s like working for an employer and influence whether they apply for or accept a job. Although it’s practically impossible to have all positive reviews, there are steps you can take to improve the number you receive. Here are five ways to get positive online reviews.

Looking For Positive Online Reviews?

1. Request Employee Reviews

Ask happy employees to review your company. Show them how it helps your organization. Ensure they understand the process and know they will remain anonymous. Provide guidance on what to write and how to do so. Ask at a time and place when employees should feel in favor of helping and not feel pressured. Be sure you limit the number of employees asked at one time to avoid having an influx of positive reviews, then few or none.

2. Ask for Reviews During Key Moments

Find key moments to ask your employees for reviews. Times when they are especially enthusiastic, and most likely to write positive reviews, are best. Examples include during meetings where they are recognized for their work or after promotions. Any activity that brings the team closer and builds camaraderie is best. Create a review request format tailored for each key moment. Put a process in place to send the requests and ask for follow up in a timely manner.

3. Respond to Reviews

Respond to all online reviews. Giving a personal thank-you to employees who provide positive reviews shows that their input matters and you appreciate them. Expressing concern for issues employees raise and providing ways you will correct them shows that you care about their wellbeing and want to improve their experience. Either way, employees will feel more inclined to leave positive reviews when they know you respect what they have to say.

4. Adapt Based on Reviews

Read online reviews to gain honest feedback about what is and isn’t working for your company and adjust accordingly. Use the most common compliments, complaints, and suggestions to make internal changes. If an issue comes up several times, you can fix it before it gets out of hand.

5. Hire a Reputation Specialist

Consider contracting with a reputation specialist. An external agency can assist with branding and managing your company’s online reputation, credibility, and overall review score. Also, employees may feel more comfortable providing accurate, constructive feedback when asked by an outside firm.

Hiring is Impacted By Your Reputation

Let the experts at Mercer Bradley, the leading accounting and finance recruiters in Western Canada, help your company gain positive online reviews. We take time to understand each accounting and finance candidate’s value-add and what they are looking for in cultural fit. We then place them in interviews with companies that need what they have to offer and support everyone involved throughout the whole process to create a winning match. Reach out to us today!