Harp Interactive Reviews

I have been working at Harp Interactive

Pros – Being a smaller agency, Harp is an excellent place for anyone who can take the initiative. Harp provides an independent work environment that rewards value-added efforts. As an employee, I have the opportunity to pitch in and influence a wide variety of projects and even services. Management is extremely open to new ideas and tactics-in fact encourages it. Overall, Harp Interactive is a very stimulating work environment with talented people, willing management and an opportunity to grow.

Cons – Because Harp is a smaller shop, team members are sometimes called on to contribute in other areas—some love that aspect and some--who are comfortable in their own defined zone--don’t. In general, tho, Harp fills each area with pretty good expertise, so it’s also an opportunity to learn something more under that department leader.

Advice to Senior Management – Relax. New clients are constantly contacting Harp and the team works very hard! We know the president is a perfectionist, but sometimes we get pushed to the 11th hour for tweaks or fine tuning that, in all reality, may not make a difference. Although, in the end, we are always proud of what we develop and deliver.

Yes, I would recommend this company to a friend

I worked at Harp Interactive

Pros – Great location in the western suburbs, accessible by most major highways.
Completely open office, no cubes/walls, this can be a pro or a con depending on if you prefer privacy.

Cons – • Family owned.
• Much smaller agency than what is presented on the website (shows 9 staff members, 3 of which are still at the company)
• Client list does not reflect current accounts.
• If you intend to join the team as a Graphic Designer, the Creative Director works from home so you will spend a vast majority of your day on the phone.
• Expect to work late, often.
• 2 sick days a year.
• No benefits (insurance, 401K).

This is from a previous review in 2009, worth noting that the practice still stands:
"They have a questionable practice of interviewing as though you will be hired on as a full-time employee, then bringing you on as a freelancer. You won't get hired until you define that boundary. -And if you do, you'll likely earn less than you did as an hourly freelancer, be salaried, and expected to work longer hours..."

Advice to Senior Management – Professionalism goes a long way.

No, I would not recommend this company to a friend

I worked at Harp Interactive

Pros – Decent range of new work coming in, so there's always a chance to shift focus and think about something different. If you want to stretch out your skill set, this is a great place to do it. Everyone has a chance to try on as many hats as they like.

Cons – Compensation is on the very low end. Benefits are minimal at best.

They have a questionable practice of interviewing as though you will be hired on as a full-time employee, then bringing you on as a freelancer. You won't get hired until you define that boundary. -And if you do, you'll likely earn less than you did as an hourly freelancer, be salaried, and expected to work longer hours. The benefits package is about as bare-bones as it can be and still be called a "benefits package".

Advice to Senior Management – Trust the people you put in place to run the office. There were consistent fights between management and the owner that would throw the whole office into a state of anxiety. Owners are not on-site and are not in touch with how the office runs and what it really needs to run smoothly. When they do get involved, it's not beneficial and instead hinders morale.