| I Lack Experience In Large Firms |
Many people build excellent careers in small and medium-sized companies without ever working for a large corporation. Often they are more versatile and have had the chance to take on more responsibility than would ever have been possible for them in a large corporation.
Nevertheless, when such people apply for positions in large companies, they will sometimes encounter resistance because they lack blue-chip or major company experience.
Fortunately, common sense is on the side of the job seeker. It's easy to realize that the only logical objections a potential employer might have are: (1) you would not function well in a complex environment; (2) you don't know how to get cooperation from people at a variety of levels; (3) you are simply not used to dealing with large numbers of people.
The fact is, the typical immediate work unit in a large corporation is the same size as one in a smaller company.
Not only that, the person in a smaller company might have achieved a higher level of responsibility with broader experience than his counterparts in a larger company. They may, therefore, be even better qualified to function in a sophisticated environment and to get cooperation at various levels.
Sell your multifaceted experience and your capacity to extract more from available resources. Promote yourself as someone who will produce results.
Before joining a larger company, you should realize that the long standing value of being associated with a Fortune 1000 or "Blue Chip" company is being questioned more and more. The consensus now is that you should profile your own personality against that of any potential employer before deciding what's right for your career.
Some large companies are fast-moving and some small companies are slow-moving. There is no pat answer to the large versus small company question. Don't be quick to pick your next employer based on size alone. Nevertheless, when you lack large company experience, but wish to explore opportunities in one, be sure you interview the company while allowing them to interview you.
Look for employers where there is experience-building action taking place. Favor situations where there is growth, new technology, new products or services, or even a turnaround effort. Avoid stagnant or declining situations. Place yourself where you are gaining "hands on" experience solving tomorrow's problems today.
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