I read more than I comment on this website, as I'm sure most people do. But it always amuses me that the same commenters will in one sentence bash former employers and often the industry in general, and then immediately complain that they can't find work.

Sure, everyone has had one or more negative experiences over the years. But doesn't overly dramatic negativity (and jadedness) show through in interviews, on the first day on the job? I've hired people like that before, and never called them back for the Phase II. Maybe all the bashing of former employers, crew chiefs, field directors, the government, etc. leads to a self-fulfilling prophesy: you think everything about contract archaeology sucks, so it totally sucks.

I don't know that I would trust a website to let me know about a CRM firm as an employer. I'd say anyone's best bet is still asking trusted friends, who might ask their trusted friends on your behalf, etc. I think anyone willing to spend time filling out an online report card for a company has an agenda - be it good or bad news for the firm.

--AM

Good point. As an example, from time to time, I've posted online reviews for products that I've felt strongly about. And let's be honest - overly negative feelings will likely prompt someone to run that much faster to the computer to vent. 

Anyone who has worked for a length of time within CRM will build up that network of trusted friends and colleagues to whom they can go to for advice.  However, this isn't as easy for folks who are just starting out and may not have access to that wealth of knowledge.  I do agree that such a website shouldn't be trusted as the final word on a prospective employer. Perhaps it might be viewed as just one possible source of information that could be combined with others to form an opinion.  When it boils down to it, though, sometimes you just have to take the risk and go for it, as even hearing opinions of a firm beforehand is no guarantee.  I've worked for a few firms that have turned out to be just fine, even though former co-workers may have badmouthed them. Personnel do change, and even the individual experiences of any two people at a company may vary wildly, so it's best to take any such information with a grain of salt.

Jennifer

I have often hoped there was a similar site where applicants could find out information about CRM firms before they hire them- what kind of work they do, track record with requests for revisions, peer review, etc.  

I had a co-worker who at one time tried to set up a website for archaeologist to "critique" CRM firms they had worked for. I thought it might be a useful resource if done right, but in reality it's hard to imagine it as being anything more then a place to bash different companies. If their was a way to separate the legitamate complaints from those who are venting because they were unable to get along with their crew chief and could ensure a cross section of opinions were represented, not just the disgruntled, then a site like that might have some merit. The archaeological community is a small world. I think a website that reviewed specific companies could open a can of worms and have unintended consequences. In the past I've relied on my network of friends and co-workers to find out about potential employers. Sometimes you just have to test the water yourself. If their is any benefit to being a temporary field tech it is that these jobs are temporary. If you find yourself in a place you are unhappy it is only a matter of time before you can move on to the next job.