"The overall environment is very friendly and the company is growing bigger and better every year," says one Best Buy insider. "We have been very successful on Wall Street the past three years," adds another, "and our stock is hovering near an all-time high." Sounds good, but what does it take to get onboard the BB ship? According to one psycho-programmed source, "You need to be able to 'think outside the box,' work in a constantly changing atmosphere, have a flexible mind, and participate, participate, participate!"

The work week

The hours at "BB's Corporate office are 8:30 to 5 pm Monday through Friday." However, this standard excludes "the I/S Help Desk and Corporate Consumer Relations departments." As far as dress code, most sources report "business casual, with casual on Fridays." Unfortunately, not all employees abide by this rule. "The dress code is, for the most part, business casual," verifies an informant. "For females, that means anything, but no leggings, halter tops, or miniskirts - I see people wearing them though." Clothing aside, BB appears to a less-than-controversial place for many women. "The treatment of maternity issues seems about average," points out one source. "I had a baby almost four years ago and had twelve weeks off - unpaid though. I think that's about average."

All this and good food too

Best Buy offers "competitive compensation packages, along with an attractive benefits plan, including an employee discount plan at retail locations," summarizes one contented insider. "There is a strong commitment to the ongoing training of BB employees," cites another. "I am required to attend at least one week of business-related classes per year. Most of my training has been paid for by the company." While one insider says the "benefits are not the best," she agrees that "they're not the worst either." Meanwhile, mealtime receives accolades among BB employees. "There's a huge cafeteria where you can purchase breakfast and lunch," says one food connoisseur. "And the menu changes daily. It's always pretty good."

When your name is hard to pronounce...

When it comes to diversity, insiders generally agree that the company is on the ball. "BB is a true melting pot of people. We have people from just about any country you care to name. Male, female, straight, gay, black, white, red, yellow," says one. "Sometimes the names are a little hard to pronounce, but we get by." For those concerned about female representation, one insider gives reason for hope: "It seems to me there are more women - at least in marketing - then there are men." To make sure all employees stay in a shipshape egalitarian state, the company includes a mandatory Diversity Training section in its New Employee Training Program.

Nice new cars

Not all contacts have the same opinion on salaries at Best Buy. "As far as compensation," says one, "I know that in my area there are places one can make more money that at BB." Another insider, however, is more optimistic: "Let's put it this way: the parking lot is full of very nice new cars."