I worked there because I had to, and didn't mind when I got fired without warning - Sales Agent McMaster-Carr Employee Review

1.0
2 Aug 2011
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great benefits, fun coworkers, and okay hours made this job bearable. The profit sharing and year end bonus were amazing, and they paid my tuition while I was employed. I never had to take work home with me and I knew what was expected of me.

Cons

You must be a robot to enjoy this job. There is no thinking outside of the box, and no questioning the job. Management will not share information with you, there is an absolute hierarchy. Managers are hired straight out of college, and manage people that have been with the company for 20+ years, and the management has no idea what they are doing most of the time. There is no upward mobility, and no chance to move around the company unless you're "chosen". Time off is selective, and absences for things like a root canal are considered "unexcused" and are factor in to reviews. I was reviewed one week and told to improve on a few things, but then fired the next for "not meeting expectations." How was I supposed to improve on everything in one week? The expectations are ridiculous, and can not be met by a normal person. You are constantly wondering "will I be the next one fired?" The pay and benefits are not worth the misery of the sales desk job.

Explore other reviews about McMaster-Carr

5.0
14 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

At least in the Systems department, it’s a helpful and collaborative environment.

Cons

3 days in office and potentially long commute from the city

4.0
16 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Pay/benefits are incredibly generous - People are generally easy/nice to work with - Note that the Systems department seems to be fairly isolated from the negative issues discussed in other reviews (e.g. tension between warehouse workers and management) - I haven't experienced any of those issues within the systems department. In my opinion, Systems is a great place to work and develop as an engineer. - Hybrid work style (3 days in office). Personally, I like hybrid more than both fully in-office and fully remote styles. - Great cafeteria with good food and cheap prices. - Good work/life balance (outside of being on call, I can leave work at work).

Cons

- Work is not super interesting to me. I come from a highly technical, but very different (not ecommerce/industrial supplies), background where I was doing work I was much more interested in. No doubt there are folks in Systems who love the domain though. - While I'm not on call a ton (1-2 weeks every few months), I really hate being on call. I like to leave work at work. Note that joining at least one reliability team is expected within your first year or so.

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