Working at Cogent Communications in Herndon, VA: 4 Employee Job Reviews by Real Employee working in Herndon, VA Area

"I currently work for Cogent Communications. Not going to lie but I’ve only worked here for two months. My only concern is management. They’re not dedicated to see people excel. It’s very much a culture of, every man for yourself. Be prepared for an eye opening experience."

"the truth hurts"

What do you like about working at Cogent Communications?

"There is some upside potential in compensation but as they constantly change the rules of the employment contract (which they will never let you have a counter-signed copy of your own document) it's tough to sue them. Suffice to say, HQ looks out for itself, and if you find an untapped market to work, they quickly snuff it out by giving it to others which they favor and haven't been as successful as you in making sales."

Do you have any tips for others interviewing with this company?

"Avoid it unless you need a job. Take the job BUT never quit looking AND - Never turn your back on anyone as they allow clients and customers you've cultivated for years to be taken from you at the drop of the hat."

What don't you like about working at Cogent Communications?

"- Constantly redoing the comp package (4x from Jan to May in 2007). - Sales force turnover - Lack of Pacific & Latin Am market desire to satisfy customers total needs.- Lack of creative thinking...- EVERYTHING IS DONE ON THE CHEAP - Dave Shaffer (CEO & owner) doesn't want to spend HIS MONEY except w/ Sr. Leadership, who use Cogent stock options as their personal piggy banks. - Horrible moral problem since sales folks don't get all the options and the same terms to exercise the few one gets that Sr Exec get - constantly making money on the backs of the constantly threatened sales force (30 days or you're out of here)- No business development. Network development folks don't know the different companies and associated executives and thus are financially taken"

What suggestions do you have for management?

"- Change the sales quota formula from monthly to semi-annually or annually. this would retain many sales people which would then cut OpEx with the constant recruiting and training costs.- VP-Sale/Chief Revenue Officer load the force with his friends let go from his former company (MCI/UUNET). They owe him! Thus they're all yes men and Cogent is on the same path as MCI/UUNET."