OT: Is working for Hertz any better?

First of all, if you think I am putting you down you are either an idiot or just want to try to be cool. Reread my message. Either is fine with me though.

My question was for the HLE manager and it is a simple one. When HLE hires people, do they let the person know they are hiring into a non-promotable job? I don't think there is anything wrong with hiring ticket writers, as long as the people know they are ticket writers and management will be hired from outside the company.

As for you though, it seems as if you were a hair away from their management trainee program. How does it make you feel to know that you were almost in a position where you could help to build an office and make it profitable, then have your manager hired fresh out of college? Would that have been acceptable?

I think Enterprise's promotional system has a lot going for it, while at the same time it opens them up to a lot of difficulties. Just trying to see what HLE does differently and whether it works, or leaves employees in dead end jobs who end up being even more bitter than the crowd on this website.

"How does it make you feel to know that you were almost in a position where you could help to build an office and make it profitable, then have your manager hired fresh out of college? Would that have been acceptable?"


Does something similar to this not happen at erac? Sure the person getting the management job is not off the street, fresh from college. Instead often times, they are some undeserving golden child form another branch who kissed the right ass. What message does THAT send to the employees that built an office?

The main difference is, I never hired anyone, or saw anyone hired, who was brought in with the knowledge that they didn't have the potential to be management.

I hired people who turned out not to be management material, but on the day I offered them the job, it was with the hope they would be successful within the company.

As most of the people know here, it is frowned upon while working at Enterprise to not get promoted on a regular basis. It is also frowned upon to be the guy that brought someone who was not promotable into the company. They seem to genuinely want promotable people.

I also do agree though that it is often the asskisser that ends up in the power position. Often times though, if someone is skilled at kissing managements ass, they are skilled at kissing account ass too, so it works out a lot of times. What is networking really other than asskissing in the eyes of the people on the outside of the act?

Yes, people do get riled up at ERAC when they think they should get a promotion and it goes to the goldenboy. But they are also aware that golden boy or not he has washed the cars, he has put up with the pissed off customers, and he has dealt with the pains of a pissy manager. And even knowing all that, people begrudge someone a promotion a lot of the time. THAT is why I am wondering how HLE handles promoting people from outside the company.

JeanHO: All corporations’ hire from outside, as well as promoting from within. Hertz is no different. The job is posted by federal and state laws to all parties – that such an opening is available. All parties that would like to apply are given the chance and then the person with the best ability, education, prior work history, and overall fit to the job description is hired. Any human resource class you take would tell you that this is the best way to hire.

ERAC is the only company I know that does not post their job opening to all to apply for.

"the person with the best ability, education, prior work history, and overall fit to the job description is hired. "

Well, this is something Enterprise would argue with HLE about, and I have a tendency to agree. How could someone fresh out of college with, no experience in the rental business, under any circumstances, be a better fit for a management position than someone who has been working in the business?

I am not trying to start an argument here, just trying to look at the Enterprise end of the hiring and promotion spectrum as opposed to HLE's end. I think they are coming at it from two totally different angles and am curious as to which will turn out to be the winner in the end.

The philosophy on Enterprise's side seems to include hiring people with the intention that one day they will be management. All management has done the dirt that it takes to really understand the business, and they think a firm understanding of that dirt will lead to management that understands the entire rental process and can pass this on to their employees.

HLE's perspective seems to be, get your management based on who looks best in the interview? A lot of corporations hire from outside because they are hiring for positions that are 'skilled'. We aren't talking accountants here, we are talking car rental agents. How can someone fresh out of college possibly be better at renting cars than someone who rents cars everyday? I just don't see how that could be a better way to do it.

The other ace Enterprise has on this particular topic is its ability to hire what might for HLE be management, but for Enterprise is an MT. Now, not a dead-end MT necessarily (like I have a feeling from reading this thread they hire regularly at HLE) but an MT nonetheless.

On a related topic, what are the qualifications required to get into HLE's MT program? Would you say that you do your hiring with the intention of finding future managers, or finding people to fill out car rental paperwork for you?

Sorry if my views are coming off a little slanted, just trying to see under what circumstance, other than retention, HLE's system is better. I am also not sure they would be better in retention with this system, but can see how that might be possible. Is the business itself going to be run better? That is the big question.

4 years and still an MT????? You suck!!!

Working for Hertz is extremely better. You get recurrent training throughout the course of the year to hone your sales skills. In addition, employees are supported by a revenue management team which contributes millions of dollars to the bottom line of the company every year by supporting sales success of the employee. The benefits are just as good if not better than any other rental car agency. The tenure of employees averages around 18 years at airport locations, and, not as long in HLE. Remember, HLE is a fairly new concept to Hertz. Hertz works aggressively to secure it's competitive edge in the suburban markets as well as the airport. After 9/11/01, Hertz took a proactive approach in accomodating it's customers and realizing it's role in the nation's transportation system. I remember reading posts left on our website from customers indicating how ERAC and other competitors raised rates significantly and began charging up to $1.00 per mile. At that point in time, Hertz retained approximately 80% of it's rentals via business travelers. After that time, it went significantly down and Hertz had to take a proactive approach to redirect it's marketing and focusing on the leisure traveler and local customers. Unlike ERAC, we don't have to spiff our accounts with a car or cash. We parallel that company's level of service and stick to our contractual agreements. Hertz understands what a "reservation" is! Hertz usually has cars.... all kinds.... and has access to the airport fleet for it's suburban location! Hertz does NOT lie to their accounts or customers! I am employed by Hertz and am a Senior Revenue Manager in the Phoenix area. I have been with this company for 4 1/2 years and have enjoyed every minute of it. The employees are dedicated and we are dedicated to providing excellent service to our customers. While those of you who work for ERAC continue to be bitter over the success of HLE, it is truly your company's own fault. Day after day I hear in our branches customers who have just come from or had an experience with ERAC and will never rent with again. People used to not have a choice in many markets in selecting a rental car agency in the suburban field.... usually it was ERAC. Now people can truly see what customer service is.... and not have to get the "fake" customer service ERAC is so infamous for. Hertz provides the same services as ERAC.... we pick you up and offer drop off of our customers. So those of you who are interested in working for a rental car agency, check out HLE (Hertz Local Edition). We are currently expanding this year by opening one new suburban location each day this year throughout the United States! Oh, one last thing, why is it that in ERAC's commercials they always have the car covered up? Oh, I guess it is because they never know if there is really going to be a vehicle there for their customer.... or quite possibly, the person driving the car is too embarrased to be seen in an ERAC rental vehicle! In the Phoenix market, HERTZ reigns supreme and will continue to do so! There is no rental car agency that will be able overcome that. If you have worked for the rest, come work for the best! Choose Hertz! There is no reason for Hertz to "try harder".... we do it right the first time!

Originally Posted by Unregistered

The tenure of employees averages around 18 years at airport locations

You are saying that the average Hertz employee has been there since 1987?
How many employees does Hertz have? Lets say 20,000. I would be willing to bet that 2-3% of those 20,000 where there in 1987. It's probably even less than that. I think that your tenure number should be closer to 5 years, and that might even be generous. Do you have any evidence to back up your claim?

As stated, I am an employee.... what about you? Is it too hard to handle that people that work for Hertz are treated fairly and enjoy their work environment? Why don't you ask around? Get your own proof if you deem it necessary.

Oh, and I don't believe I stuttered in my post.... that is exactly what I am stating. And good for you.... you seem to have a comprehension as to how big our company is.... if you know that information, then you should have no problem finding out the "proof" you need to support my claim.