- Target small companies
with under 500 employees.
70%-90% of all new jobs
are in these firms.
- Seek opportunities
to visit small companies.
Ask about their industry
and markets, form
of ownership and stage
of development. Get
a sense of the culture
and working environment.
- Mobilize your small
business network.
Small business people
rely on their networks
to send them people
with the right temperament.
- Share the passion.
Small business CEO's
have missionary zeal.
You have to share
their passion without
being overwhelmed
by their strong personalities.
- Plan to be visible.
When you work for
owners, remember they're
paying you out of
their own pockets
and will judge you
by the value of their
investment in you
- there is no place
to hide.
- Customize your cover
letter and resume
for the small company
owner. Emphasize how
you can add to the
value of his/her business.
- Know your comfort
level. Job seekers
who have only known
large corporations
will be most comfortable
in small companies
that are subsidiaries
of large ones or managed
by former corporate
executives.
- Speak candidly about
what you truly like
to do, and you'll
make a much better
impression.
- Know who you are.
If you thrive on an
informal, family-like
atmosphere, a small
company may be right
for you. If you prefer
prestige, security
and a hierarchical
structure, you might
stay in a large company
or a small company
with at least 100
employees.
- Confront whatever
you believe to be
a personal drawback
in areas of gender,
age, race, religion
or physical characteristics.
There is a small business
owner who will appreciate
you the way you are.
Small companies hire
older people, women
and minorities at
twice the rate of
large corporations.
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