If you're job hunting, one way to potentially increase your chances
of success is to look for a position with a small business. Many
applicants focus their efforts on large companies, because they either
are attracted to the idea of working for a household name or believe
these companies have more openings. Yet pursuing employment
opportunities with smaller companies can be a wise move.
Before you begin sending your résumé to
every small employer with an opening, however, make sure you'd be a
good fit for the company. Small businesses often have very defined
corporate cultures, and working at a mom-and-pop shop can be different
than working at a larger company.
The ideal candidates for roles with small businesses often have these traits.
An entrepreneurial mindset. By definition, small and
midsize companies have fewer people to tackle projects, oversee
initiatives and move things forward. As a result, employees need to be
self-starters who can work on their own and think creatively about
business solutions.
The ability to collaborate. It's hard to get any job if you aren't a team player, but in a small business, your ability to work and get along with colleagues is absolutely essential. The most effective employees can advance their ideas, but not at the expense of working relationships.
In addition, you should possess excellent listening skills and an
upbeat personality. When you're working with the same tight-knit group
every day, a negative attitude can easily affect the entire team.
A willingness to do it all. If you're a veteran of a large employer, you're probably accustomed to having someone in IT address your computer issues and
asking the department's administrative assistant to order more office
supplies. At a small company, however, you may not be able to call upon
these same resources. Are you comfortable attending to all tasks, both
large and small? And are you willing to help others who need a hand?
A focus on customer service. Every client counts for
a small business. You'll need strong interpersonal skills to provide
great service and ensure customer satisfaction. A small company may not
be a place in which you'd thrive if you get annoyed by the small or
"irrational" demands of clients.
A passion for the job. Small employers seek
employees who don't merely punch the clock. They want people who show a
true interest in and commitment to the bigger picture and understand the
correlation between individual effort and the company's overall
success.
Working for a small business offers many rewards, including autonomy,
the opportunity to make large contributions, a chance to assume
significant responsibility and often a family-type atmosphere that may
be hard to find elsewhere. If you possess the right skills and mindset,
working for a small business could be an excellent career move.