Stop ignoring your Glassdoor reviews + Sample replies

Your employer brand is basically your company’s reputation on display. It’s the way job seekers, current employees, and even investors see you—and it matters more than you think. One big piece of that reputation? Reviews. Yep, those sometimes glowing, sometimes painful write-ups on Glassdoor and other sites that feel like Yelp for employers. You might think, “Do I really need to respond? Can’t I just let it sit there and hope no one notices?” Short answer: nope. 

Here’s why you should never ignore online feedback from past or current employees: 

1. Reviews are conversations 

When someone leaves a review—good or bad—they’re starting a conversation with the world about your company. If you don’t respond, it looks like you’re ignoring them (and everyone else reading along). Jumping in with a thoughtful reply shows you’re paying attention. 

2. Positive reviews are free advertising 

If someone took the time to write nice things about your leadership or culture, celebrate it! Thank them. Future candidates who read it will see that gratitude—and it reinforces your brand.  

3. Negative reviews are opportunities in disguise 

We get it—seeing criticism about your leadership style or lack of advancement opportunities stings, but here’s the thing: responding with humility and a plan (“We know this is an area we need to improve, and we’re working on it”) can turn a critique into proof that you listen, adapt, and care. That makes a big difference in today’s hiring market.  

4. Silence is louder than you think 

Ignoring reviews is risky. When you stay silent, people naturally fill in the gaps themselves. They might assume you simply don’t care about employee feedback or the experiences of your team. Or worse, they may take your silence as confirmation that the criticism is true. Neither impression does your employer brand any favors. In fact, ignoring reviews can quietly erode trust with future candidates and current employees. Responding promptly and thoughtfully signals that you listen and care about your company’s culture.  

5. Potential hires are taking notes 

Candidates will absolutely check reviews before they apply. A quick response from leadership can turn a hesitant candidate into a committed one. It shows that your team values feedback and takes action—qualities that matter just as much as salary or perks. In a competitive talent market, that small effort can be the difference between losing a top candidate and winning one.  

Bonus tip: Don’t play detective  

It’s tempting to guess who left a negative review, but that’s a fast track to creating distrust on your team. Reviews should be treated as anonymous, full stop. Never call out an employee by name or try to address them directly in your response—your reply is meant for future candidates, not a game of “gotcha” with your staff. 

Sample Responses 

We’ve put together a few quick, ready to use replies you can copy and tweak. Whether the feedback is glowing or a little tough to read, these templates help you respond thoughtfully, professionally, and in a way that strengthens your employer brand.  

Tip: You don’t need to write an essay. A simple, respectful note goes a long way.  

Here are some scripts for positive reviews: 

• Thanks so much for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time with us and appreciate you highlighting what makes our team special. 

• We really appreciate your kind words. It’s great to know our culture and team made a positive impact—it means a lot to us. 

• Thank you for the feedback! We love hearing that our efforts to __________ are resonating with our team members. 

Here are some scripts for negative reviews: 

• Thank you for your honest feedback. We hear you and are actively working on improving __________.  

• We appreciate you sharing your thoughts. We’re taking your feedback seriously and looking at ways to address __________. Thank you for helping us grow. 

• Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We know __________ is an opportunity to improve, and we’re committed to making meaningful changes. 

Final Thoughts 

In today’s competitive hiring market, every story you share about your company counts. So next time you see a review pop up on Glassdoor, Indeed, or wherever—remember that your response is not just a box to check. It’s part of your story.