You’re looking for your next career move, and you’ve drawn up a list of target employers. How many of those are small companies that may not have the obvious pull of an instantly recognizable brand like Apple, Google or Microsoft?
Big doesn’t necessarily mean better in career terms. Here we present some of the advantages of working with smaller organizations:
Career Advancement Opportunities
Fast growing small companies are constantly on the look-out for qualified professionals who will fit the next piece of their jigsaw. Take small tech companies for example. Rapid advances in technology means SMEs are constantly looking for the next star to enable them to fulfill their vision and keep up with the growing demand for their services. Join a small organization and you aren’t confined to the parameters of your job description. Continual career development, the freedom to demonstrate initiative without going through a long drawn out process and increased responsibility are all part of the job in an ambitious small company.
A Different Approach to Recruiting
Big businesses tend to have a standard hiring strategy that fits within a defined system. New hires are often screened by recruiting software based on keywords, education and achievements. If an applicant’s background isn’t a perfect fit it’s unlikely they’ll have the opportunity to fight their cause in an interview. Entrepreneurs running rapidly expanding small businesses adopt a different approach; they seek out candidates with a positive attitude, enthusiasm and the potential to grow with their company – and they aren’t limited by salary bands and job specs.
More Rapid Career Progression
Employees in smaller businesses make greater strides in their career in a much shorter time compared to their counterparts at large organizations. Business owners need the flexibility to delegate key tasks to trusted, forward thinking members of their team. Career progression that may take years in a large business is often more rapid in SMEs.
Contributions Are Welcome
A small organization has the ability to be more creative and often more aggressive in securing new business opportunities. The tendency of entrepreneurs to hire open-minded individuals means employees buy-in to new ideas and work collaboratively to achieve business goals. The barriers and layers of management that prevent progress in corporations are, as a rule, non-existent.
Your Efforts are Recognized
Let’s face it, in a large organization you are often anonymous. How often does your hard work go unacknowledged by a company that lacks the ability to respond quickly or identify its hardest working employees? In a small business it’s easier to get noticed. Your efforts contribute to the bottom line of the business and you’re more likely to be recognized and rewarded for them. Furthermore, while small companies can’t always compete with the salaries of the larger firms, they are free to offer more useful perks and fringe benefits, such as gym memberships, childcare assistance and training costs.
When you’re considering your next career move, don’t confuse your ideal employer with the ideal job or you risk losing out on what may be a perfect opportunity for you. Keep your options open and widen your job search to incorporate those smaller companies you originally dismissed – you may discover a whole new career opening up.
