The Scoop

Zentropy's work belies its traditional advertising roots with a unique combination of technical and creative wizardry. The firm's work for Microsoft, for example, includes an interactive information site designed to educate consumers about Windows 2000 software. This "See My Story" web site, launched in March 2000, guides users through a series of video interviews with customers ranging from CEOs to program developers and other IT professionals that describe the technology solutions built with Windows 2000. In April 2000, Zentropy won Internet World Magazine's annual Best Redesign of Site Award for its work on Northwest Airlines' site. Internet World lauded Zentropy's "utilitarian redesign" that "packed a lot of useful information about Northwest's various divisions into a very small space." In their comments, the magazine's judges added, "This may sound simple - but it's not."

Getting Hired

Zentropy Partners currently recruits via three channels: online through its web site, by rewarding partners who refer "Zenfriends," and from industry job fairs. The firm "hasn't really tapped the on-campus channel yet" but "it's coming," insiders assert. Sources tell us that the interview process at Zentropy is "extensive but loosely structured." Candidates can expect to meet with up to five people, "usually one recruiter, two people from your department, and one to two people from other departments" in interviews that have a "low degree of intellectual difficulty" but pay "high attention to culture-fit." "Be prepared, but don't expect to get grilled," laid-back employees inform us.

Just because the labor market's tight doesn't mean that getting a job at Zentropy's gotten any easier. "Despite the need for more people to fill positions, this company is very selective - only the best and brightest get hired here," one insider maintains. Insiders advise candidates to be "able to look at and analyze a site or a business and come up with suggestions and criticism" and to "research the company and know our formation story." Ultimately, though, landing the job may come down to "being a down-to-earth person with a sense of humor" who is able to "show that you are someone we would want to work with."

Our Survey Says

A happy lot

This "young and fun" firm is "a very happy place," insiders tell us. "It's a very relaxed atmosphere and encourages creativity from everyone," one employee says. The Cambridge office has a monthly "Most Valuable Mistake" award, "which includes a $150 check to the person who took a risk and failed, but from whom we can all learn the most," a partner tells us. All is not fun and games at this "powerful" firm, though. "It's like a family - as long as you get your work done," insiders say. While there is "still some work needed to build the new company's reputation," employees at ZP are confident in their firm's "excellent consulting capabilities."

Work-life balance reigns supreme

Zentropy employees tend to take their fun-loving atmosphere with them after work as well. "Everybody goes out after work and socializes together," but "there's no pressure to do so," insiders say. "Zentropy-sponsored events are always big, though," including "happy hour on Thursdays" and "breakfast on Mondays." Employees laud the "discounted gym memberships," as well as Zentropy's policy of free dinner after 7 and cab home after 8, even though the company is "not very generous with stock options," and employees must "pay for parking." Dress is "very casual, wear whatever you want," as long as you're "not meeting with a client."

Products and Services

Internet consulting and site design

Key Competitors

Agency.com;MarchFIRST;Organic;Razorfish;Sapient;Scient;SFInteractive;Viant

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