Applied Materials

Great benefits.

Overtime.

Vacation & sick time. You will need it.

It’s a great company to have on your resume. From the outside looking in, it’s a great company.

Supervisors are (typically) right in the trenches with you, every day/night.

Middle managers are understanding.

1. Well, you will work 6 days per week. Some of the buildings on Austin’s campus will only do 6-day weeks for “end of quarter” times of the year. This is understandable. However, for other buildings? Oh, it’s year-round 6-day weeks. I am not joking. They have a hard time retaining people. People get fed up.

2. Don't do night shift. A 10% differential may sound like a lot, but it just isn’t, especially if you have a wife and kids. I’ve done 6 days on their morning and night shifts, respectfully.

• 6-day morning shift is okay, if your commute is good.
• 6-day night shift is a nightmare. Don't say you weren't warned. Your family will complain. I wouldn't even recommend night shift for single people, because who wants to be single forever?

1. Stop with the “year round” 6-day work weeks. Get a weekend shift going. Even an alternating “5-day week, 6-day week, 5-day week, 6-day week” would be more digestible for employees.

2. The person who negotiated 10% extra for night shift... PROBABLY did not ever work Applied Materials night shift. 10% is not enough. Especially when there’s an ongoing “6-day week, then a 6-day week, then a 6-day week, then a 6-day week” 52 weeks a year. I am not joking.