UMD Career Services

Small Companies

Small companies can be an important consideration in conducting your job search.

Is a Small Company Right for You?

Life in a small organization can be very different from life in a large organization. You should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each and make an informed decision about which environment is most appropriate for you.

Advantages of a small company over a large one:

• You may be given more responsibility and may not be as limited by a "job description."
• You may be allowed to use your own initiative, rather than being closely supervised.
• Your ideas and suggestions may be given more attention. You may have more clout.
• Career advancement may be rapid in a growing company.
• You are likely to be involved in the whole organization, not limited to one area.
• The environment may be more informal and friendly. There may be fewer rules and policies.
• You may have the chance to be involved in the growth of something great.

Disadvantages of a small company over a large one:

• Many small businesses fail; you may have less job
  security.
• There may be lower starting salaries and fewer benefits.
• You may put in longer hours.
• A dominant leader can control the entire organization. This can lead to more "political games."
• You must be able to work with everyone within the organization.
• Both your successes and faults may be more visible.

Are You Right for a Small Company?

Because of the different nature of a small business, different qualities in employees may be needed. You will do well if you are:

• Self motivated
• A generalist with many different skills
• A good communicator, orally and in writing
• Enthusiastic
• A quick learner
• Able to get things done on your own

Finding a Job in Small Business

Getting a job in a small company may be more difficult, but the jobs are certainly there. When approaching a small company for a job, you may find the following differences in hiring practices:

Large Company	Small Company
Centralized personnel department	No personnel department
Recruiters may seek out potential employees	No full-time recruiters
Standardized hiring procedure	No standard procedure
May keep resumes on file for a year	Probably won't keep resumes
Recruiters may conduct interviews	Founder/owner may conduct interviews
Company literature easily available	No printed literature
Hire months in advance	Hire to start immediately
Have long-term personnel forecasts	Hire as needs arise
Extensive training program	On-the-job training
Predetermined job categories	Jobs emerge as needs do

Job Search Strategy

• Be assertive.
• Research the company. Talk to people. Know what the company does and needs.
• Identify and approach someone within the company who has hiring authority.
• Convince them that you can contribute to their organization right away.
• Offer to work as an intern. You will get experience and may have a job waiting for you once you graduate.