Arvind Krishna (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) Charles Flint (Founder) Thomas Watson (Founder)

No, IBM does not drug test. IBM does not perform pre-employment drug tests or regularly throughout employment. However, IBM will perform drug tests if a person comes into work visibly under the influence of legal or illegal drugs. This is because IBM upholds a strict standard of conduct.

Institutional investors own IBM. They account for 57% of the shareholders, and mutual funds account for 28.85% of IBM's shares - while only 0.40% are individual stakeholders. The top shareholders of IBM are James Whitehurst, Arvind Krishna, James Kavanaugh, Vanguard Group Inc., BlackRock Inc., and State Street Corp.

Working At IBM: Company Overview and Culture

Q: How much money does IBM make?

IBM generates $62.8B in revenue.

Q: What industry is IBM in?

IBM is in the computer hardware industry.

Q: What is IBM's mission?

IBM's mission statement is "To lead in the creation, development, and manufacture of the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices, and microelectronics."

Q: Who are IBM's competitors?

IBM competitors include Dell, Google, Intel, HP, NCR, Xerox, Xilinx, Juniper Networks, Akritiv, Microsoft, Red Hat, Netezza, Sterling Commerce, Cisco, Cognizant, Oracle, USU Solutions, Promontory Financial Group, Lockheed Martin, Computer Science Corporation.

Q: Does IBM hire felons?

Yes, IBM does hire felons. However, its policies about hiring felons are extremely stringent due to the nature of the company. While IBM does hire felons, it is done on a case-by-case basis, where the specific nature of the felony, length of time since the felony, and the responsibilities of the role that the person is applying for are all considered.

Q: How do you answer, "Why are you interested in working for IBM"?

You answer the question, "Why are you interested in working for IBM?" by relating the fact that it is the leading company in technology and consulting to your professional goals. Your answer should include information about its place in the global market and career growth opportunities.

Q: How do you write a cover letter for a job at IBM?

You write a cover letter for a job at IBM by focusing on your background in technology-related roles and industries. As the world's leading technology consulting company, IBM seeks to employ those who have sophisticated backgrounds in its industry; therefore, it will be critical that your cover letter highlights this.

Q: How does IBM make money?

IBM makes money from cognitive solutions, tech services, cloud platforms, global business services, systems, and global financing. These are the primary revenue streams for IBM. Here is a closer look at how IBM makes money:

IBM overview

Industry

Computer Hardware

Revenue

$62.8B

Headquarters

Employees

270,000

Founded in

1911

Website

Organization type

Public

Social media

IBM is a technology company focusing on innovation, consulting, and advanced computing. Founded in 1911 in Endicott, NY, Â the firm offers a wide range of technology and consulting services, middleware for collaboration, predictive analytics, software development, and systems management. With over 270,000 employees and clients in 170 countries, IBM is the largest technology and consulting employer in the world.

IBM is currently headquartered in Armonk, NY, and is led by CEO Arvind Krishna, The company boasts annual revenue of $60.5 billion.By iInvesting more than $6 billion a year in R&D;, IBM has been at the forefront of technological advancements such as the personal computer, SABRE travel reservation system, UPC codes, and Watson, the Jeopardy!-playing computing system. IBM Research has received numerous recognitions and is home to several Nobel Laureates, Turing Awards recipients, and US National Medals awardees.

IBM's mission statement

To lead in the creation, development, and manufacture of the industry's most advanced information technologies, including computer systems, software, networking systems, storage devices, and microelectronics.

IBM employee reviews

4.1/5

Based on 113 ratings

Work at IBM? Share your experience.

Employee reviews

1.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2025

Pros of working at IBM

After 40 years of employment at IBM, there are no longer any “Pros” to report. IBM once was the greatest place to work, but has since devolved into a gigantic mismanaged mess. The downward trend began right after Mr. Louis Gerstner resigned as CEO.

Cons of working at IBM

The “Cons” of working at IBM are: no pay increases above 1% (every other year if at all) Actual salary range is 56,000 annual On call 24 hrs a day 7 days a week (only if you are not in management) Given 5 weeks annual vacation, but you are not allowed use any of them, due to severe personnel shortages.

IBM benefits

Started out with a pension. Over the course of 40 years it has been taken away three times, then reinstated 10 years later. So it is a worthless perk (400.00 a month)

How would you improve IBM's culture?

Focus on technology and growing the customer base. The only focus, over decades, is reducing margins and offshoring as much of the company as possible, to make it look like management is growing the company.

How did you prepare for the IBM interview?

I had to pass an engineering and general aptitude test first before being granted an interview. Nowadays you just need to have preferred pronouns.

What do you like best about IBM's CEO and the leadership team?

Nothing

How does your compensation at IBM compare to the industry average?

Well below average

What's the diversity at IBM like?

DEI is IBM’s primary focus. Actual abilities are secondary.

What brings you the most joy at IBM?

My customers. Being able to provide them with the level of service that they expect and pay for.

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4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2025

Pros of working at IBM

Education available to employees to progress skills

Cons of working at IBM

Age discrimination

IBM benefits

Benefits - 401K, Pension

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1.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2025

Cons of working at IBM

The outages.

Pros of working at IBM

Decent co-workers

IBM benefits

None They brought me on as a contractor. There were minimal benefits.

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1.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2024

Cons of working at IBM

You ALWAYS have to look over your shoulder wondering if the current day will be your last due to a layoff. The stress is not just about the actual work, but knowing that your days are always numbered if you are a US-based employee.

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5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2024

Pros of working at IBM

I worked as a consultant for the last 20 years.

Cons of working at IBM

I can't comment on this since I was not an IBM employee. However, it was great when I worked as a contractor.

IBM benefits

Flexibility

How would you improve IBM's culture?

Better understanding of the employees needs.

How did you prepare for the IBM interview?

The company I was doing consulting was acquired by IBM.

How does your compensation at IBM compare to the industry average?

As a subcontractor it was a reasonable salary

What's the diversity at IBM like?

fine

What brings you the most joy at IBM?

My coworkers and my managers.

Is this useful?

5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2024

Pros of working at IBM

My dream company

Cons of working at IBM

Too much dependent on Mangers, Managers. Are more than God

IBM benefits

Esop

What do you like best about IBM's CEO and the leadership team?

Always inspire and motivated

How would you improve IBM's culture?

Yes remove managers as de centralized

How did you prepare for the IBM interview?

Two days prepare for the interview had a panel of six to seven people interview

How does your compensation at IBM compare to the industry average?

Less than industry

What's the diversity at IBM like?

Its ok for diversity

What brings you the most joy at IBM?

Respect the new ideas for new thinking

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3.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2024

Pros of working at IBM

peers

Cons of working at IBM

environment, company not following it's values but insists the employees do

IBM benefits

there are none

What do you like best about IBM's CEO and the leadership team?

The current CEO is not transparent

How would you improve IBM's culture?

Be honest

How did you prepare for the IBM interview?

I knew my stuff

Is this useful?

4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2024

Pros of working at IBM

Amazing people working at the individual contributor level.

Cons of working at IBM

Constant reorganization and layoffs leading to constant instability and lack of upward opportunities.

IBM benefits

Stock options

How would you improve IBM's culture?

Treat inclusion as if it applies to all individuals.

How did you prepare for the IBM interview?

Studying the annual report and determining how I might fit into the companies goals and objectives.

How does your compensation at IBM compare to the industry average?

It seems to be about 10% below the market average.

What's the diversity at IBM like?

Diversity is emphasized over skills and abilities. I’ve seen many times where individuals without the necessary skills and experience are placed in a role over someone else in the name of diversity.

What brings you the most joy at IBM?

Seeing the employees that report to me exceed and get promoted.

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3.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2024

Pros of working at IBM

Good salary, nominal raises.

Cons of working at IBM

Staggeringly incompetent management. Lots of coercion. Rankings are only for HR hiring numbers, performance means nothing.

IBM benefits

Better at spotting snake oil

What do you like best about IBM's CEO and the leadership team?

incompetent.

How would you improve IBM's culture?

Remove the CEO, and his peeps

How did you prepare for the IBM interview?

Often people come in through acquisition. I was hired multiple times.

How does your compensation at IBM compare to the industry average?

IBM is a tier 2-3 company and pays accordingly.

What's the diversity at IBM like?

Serious lack of skills.

What brings you the most joy at IBM?

Solving problems, leading teams, changing the way things are done

Is this useful?1 people found this review helpful

5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2023

Pros of working at IBM

I like the Innovation and impact to the world

Cons of working at IBM

I don't like the global impacts on the organizational structure

IBM benefits

favorite perk/benefit: Bonus

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3.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2023

Pros of working at IBM

Nothing. No place for a female who is creative

Cons of working at IBM

Most were fake in management. Expected to have their mistakes covered by the staff

IBM benefits

Had none

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4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2023

Pros of working at IBM

They have a lot of contacts and knowledge sharing information.

Cons of working at IBM

Their culture could be hierarchical and sometimes politice

IBM benefits

Participate in many associations.

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1.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2023

Pros of working at IBM

Name recognition, initial training program. Truly multicultural company.

Cons of working at IBM

Upper management focused on making their bonuses vs what is best for customers, employees and company. Working under constant threat of layoffs. Too focused on meeting diversity quotas vs hiring and promoting for performance. Career advancement: it’s who you know, not what you know. Age discrimination is rampant! You can make more money at IBM’s competitors.

IBM benefits

Initial training program. Afterwards, get out and go elsewhere!

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4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2023

Pros of working at IBM

Opportunities

Cons of working at IBM

Hours

IBM benefits

I enjoyed the large learning opportunities with large clients.

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5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2023

Pros of working at IBM

Lots of opportunities. Flexible work schedule. If you get with the right manager it's a great place to work.

Cons of working at IBM

Management could be an issue. There's a lot of management changes over the years. Resource actions happen every year so there's less job security than there used to be.

IBM benefits

The salary and benefits are great.

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3.0

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2023

Pros of working at IBM

Base Compensation, strong peer team

Cons of working at IBM

Always the threat of a layoff.

IBM benefits

Well funded 401k

Is this useful?

5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2023

Pros of working at IBM

I worked for IBM for nearly 17 years,I have returned under Global Foundries for 4 years now. Excellent work/life balance. Management and team members are easy to work with. Pay isn't bad either.

IBM benefits

Discounts at gyms

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5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2023

Pros of working at IBM

Experience

Cons of working at IBM

I want to learn from these company

IBM benefits

Working within the company to learn a lot of skills

Is this useful?

1.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2023

Pros of working at IBM

None

Cons of working at IBM

No future

IBM benefits

Stupid management

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4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2023

Pros of working at IBM

I have been freedom to implement my ideas during my work.

Cons of working at IBM

Management or Corporate policies

IBM benefits

Work From Home

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4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2022

Pros of working at IBM

Coworkers were great.

Cons of working at IBM

Cut down departments but work stayed the same.

IBM benefits

Yearly Cash benefit from company.

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5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2022

Pros of working at IBM

Ability to advance my skills and mobility to transfer within the company

Cons of working at IBM

That's personal to the 1980's

IBM benefits

Conferences and traveling to audit my function in other California offices

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4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2022

Pros of working at IBM

The best thing is Work-life balance

Cons of working at IBM

Too much manager centric

IBM benefits

Basic pay and salary benefits

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5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2022

Pros of working at IBM

Intellectual stimulation & Training

IBM benefits

PMI and IBM project management certification.

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4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2022

Pros of working at IBM

Training, learning experience, great work-life balance

Cons of working at IBM

Salary

IBM benefits

options to keep learning from other areas

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4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2022

Pros of working at IBM

I liked the technical aspect of it. Every day presented a new challenge and it was my responsibility to come up with a solution.

Cons of working at IBM

I felt undervalued towards the end.

IBM benefits

Working from home.

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5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2022

Pros of working at IBM

Opportunities to grow. Cute edge technology. 500 futune customers, innovative

Cons of working at IBM

Lack of agility

IBM benefits

Incentive Plan

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5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2022

Pros of working at IBM

Great environment, amazing people, great pay

Cons of working at IBM

nothing.

IBM benefits

health benefits and pay.

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5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2021

Pros of working at IBM

The Professionalism and the global working environment

Cons of working at IBM

Nothing, I liked almost everything

IBM benefits

Financial and knowledge

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4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2021

Pros of working at IBM

You meet some amazing and talented people who are more than supportive towards your growth and development on the job.

Cons of working at IBM

Some of the tasks on the job tend to repetitive and sometime it doesn't leave with much time to learn new skills.

IBM benefits

Flexibility with remote working

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5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2021

Pros of working at IBM

People are smart, innovative and motivated.

Cons of working at IBM

N/A

IBM benefits

Contributions are respected.

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4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2021

Pros of working at IBM

Very smart people to work with

Cons of working at IBM

Lots of pressure on sales.

IBM benefits

Work from home and management of hours

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5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2021

Pros of working at IBM

Work-life flexibility

Cons of working at IBM

Nothing

IBM benefits

Work from home convenience, pension plan, benefits, and pay.

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5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2021

Pros of working at IBM

Very relaxing atmosphere with a workout included!

Cons of working at IBM

Awesome all the time!

IBM benefits

The atmosphere!!

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3.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2021

Pros of working at IBM

Colleagues

Cons of working at IBM

Micromanaging

IBM benefits

My favorite perk was to be able to work from home

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4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2021

Pros of working at IBM

Young team, exploiring new ways of working

Cons of working at IBM

traditional

IBM benefits

Flexibility, working on various projects, never a dull moment

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3.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2021

Pros of working at IBM

Decent pay, okay benefits

Cons of working at IBM

Frequent layoffs, lack of job security. People are eliminated but not the work, so those remaining have to pick up more. Working 50-60 hours per week or more is common.

IBM benefits

Work from home (unless you live within 50 miles of some locations) and flexibility in work hours

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3.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2021

Pros of working at IBM

flexibility to work from home and working under minial supervison

Cons of working at IBM

Poor ethics and poor management

IBM benefits

travel alowance

Is this useful?

5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2021

Pros of working at IBM

Great teams, unlimited resources. You might work with someone from Germany and Spain, South America and Texas.

Cons of working at IBM

Cafeteria, I didn’t like too my of the things they had to eat.

IBM benefits

I could set my own 8 hours.

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5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2021

Pros of working at IBM

Flexibility, work Life Balance, benefits, integrity

IBM benefits

Medical Aid and Pension

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5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2021

Pros of working at IBM

The education, the challenge the prestige

Cons of working at IBM

Not enough out of the box thinking

IBM benefits

The Golden Circle award I won. Trip to Bali for 12 days. Was amazing.

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5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2021

Pros of working at IBM

Working with great people, and excellent benefits

Cons of working at IBM

The company has been transitioning for several years.

IBM benefits

Working from home

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5.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2021

Pros of working at IBM

Ability to progress upwardly by moving into many roles

Cons of working at IBM

Too much inward focus vs customer focus

IBM benefits

Healthcare

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4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2021

Pros of working at IBM

The people

Cons of working at IBM

IBM is so large it can be challenging to get things done, especially if you "think outside the box".

IBM benefits

401k matching is fantastic.

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3.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2021

Pros of working at IBM

Pays well. People are generally nice.

Cons of working at IBM

The organization is large, siloed, and nearly impossible to navigate. Very messy and difficult to progress career, especially from the summit program

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2.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Dec 2020

Pros of working at IBM

Flexibility

Cons of working at IBM

Hires contractors to avoid paying for benefits. Constant company restructuring.

IBM benefits

Remote work.

Is this useful?

3.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2020

Pros of working at IBM

Technology Portfolio, Leading Technology, Potential to change the world

Cons of working at IBM

Short Term Culture and Bureaucracy

IBM benefits

Learning

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4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2020

Pros of working at IBM

IBM -treat employee well - working culture

Cons of working at IBM

some project culture is very stressfull

IBM benefits

travel and salary

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4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2020

Pros of working at IBM

Work life balance, multiple options to explore as per your interest

Cons of working at IBM

manager

IBM benefits

flexible timings, multiple resources to learn

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4.0

A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2020

Pros of working at IBM

Good people around and they are generally understanding of your needs. In my position I had a lot of different activities, so it was never boring

Cons of working at IBM

Little actual direction or coaching, though a lot of paperwork to fill. A lot of the challenges were resolved by the cheapest way possible that creates even bigger problems in the long run.

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The team at IBM

The founders of IBM are Charles Flint and Thomas Watson.
The key people at IBM are Arvind Krishna, Charles Flint and Thomas Watson.

Key people

Arvind Krishna

Charles Flint

Thomas Watson

The inside scoop

Industrial Solutions, Inc. is an insulation, scaffold, coatings, and general labor company that provides a variety of specialty services such as piping, erection and dismantling for industrial and commercial needs, blasting, janitorial, lawn maintenance, etc. Its clients mostly come from the petrochemical, power and utilities, refining, pulp and paper, commercial, and marine industries. Industrial Solutions aims to satisfy all of its clients' specialty contractor needs.

Rank	City	Job count	Avg. salary
1	San Jose, CA	46	$104,647
2	New York, NY	44	$92,411
3	Austin, TX	17	$82,704
4	Chicago, IL	14	$80,812
5	San Francisco, CA	14	$104,748
6	Dallas, TX	10	$81,419
7	Houston, TX	5	$82,517
8	Phoenix, AZ	5	$82,815
9	Los Angeles, CA	3	$98,731
10	Philadelphia, PA	3	$85,215

Rank

City

Job count

Avg. salary

$104,647

$80,812

$104,748

$82,517

$82,815

$98,731

$85,215

IBM financial performance

9.8

Performance score

We calculated the performance score of companies by measuring multiple factors, including revenue, longevity, and stock market performance.

IBM currently has 60.5B in revenue. IBM's most recent quarter produced 14.8b (q3'2023).

IBM annual revenue

$107B

$86B

$64B

$43B

$21B

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

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Highest paying IBM competitors

Compare IBM salaries to competitors, including Google, Microsoft, and Cisco. Employees at Google earn the highest average yearly salary of $140,774. The salaries at Microsoft average $131,100 per year, and the salaries at Cisco come in at $123,536 per year.

Rank	Company	Average salary	Jobs
1		$140,774	0
2		$131,100	0
3		$123,536	0
4		$122,133	0
5		$120,409	0
6		$102,566	0
7		$101,392	0
8		$98,219	0
9		$96,240	0
10		$95,515	0

Working at IBM

IBM overview

IBM's mission statement

On this page

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IBM employee reviews

The team at IBM

IBM rankings

IBM salaries

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IBM financial performance

IBM annual revenue

Highest paying IBM competitors

Are you an executive, HR leader, or brand manager at IBM?

IBM FAQs

When was IBM founded?

How many employees does IBM have?

How much money does IBM make?

What industry is IBM in?

What is IBM's mission?

What type of company is IBM?

Who are IBM's competitors?

Who works at IBM?

Does IBM drug test?

Does IBM hire felons?

How do you answer, "Why are you interested in working for IBM"?

How do you write a cover letter for a job at IBM?

How does IBM make money?

How old do you have to be to work at IBM?

What benefits does IBM offer?

What is the dress code at IBM?

What is the hiring process at IBM?

Who is the CMO of IBM?

Who owns IBM?

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Most common locations at IBM

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Most common jobs at IBM

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