I have 26 years in educational sales and have never experienced anything like this - Sales Representative World Book Employee Review

1.0
Jul 18, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The only pro about this company was the great people I got to meet in the short time I was employed. They truly have some very talented people but sadly I don't think any one of them has confidence in this company or their job security which leads to very low morale and stress

Cons

I worked for this company 85 days when I was suddenly and without any indication from my manager that my performance was not meeting expectations terminated. Ironically, 2 days earlier I was congratulated for being over my monthly quota and 5 days before was in Chicago attending their sales meeting. It does not appear that they have any kind of formal process for reviews or PIP’s which is the norm for any sales position. I have since learned that they regularly fire sales reps, even those who have been with the company 20+ years, with no warning or formal process. I was promised 3 things when I was hired by both my manager and Jim O’Rourke, Pres. Not one promise was kept. In my short time with World Book I quickly learned from librarians that there really is not a need for either their print or digital products. The state I live in has a contract with a very similar product that is provided to libraries and school districts for free. And very few libraries even have a reference section anymore. Couple that with the fact that many librarians are not even aware that World Book is still in business due to no marketing department and it’s a very tough sale. Poor leadership and management leads to low morale, low motivation and a very stressful work environment. Salary is ½ of the industry average and they do not reimburse for any expenses, including mileage. I would not recommend this company to anyone.

Explore other reviews about World Book

5.0
Apr 7, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Wonderful collaborative atmosphere where everyone was extremely helpful to me when I was first at the company. My boss was so much like Jimmy Stewart in "It's a Wonderful Life" and utilized a laissez faire leadership style with was very effective.

Cons

I can find nothing negative to report on this company.

2.0
Jun 15, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good people. Hybrid work schedule.

Cons

Low pay, when a coworker leaves, there is no replacement, that person's responsibilities get divided and spread out to the entire team. The President of the company, is quick to jump to unfounded rumors, scuttlebutt from "anonymous suggestion box" comments and conclusions as opposed to actual facts, and focused solely on dollars signs, his bonus and does not lead by example, despite being a former military officer. Moral has dropped at the company because management doesn't take the employees issues and concerns to heart and pay a decent livable wage.

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