Should You Apply to a Small or Large Firm?

Once you've decided on a career you would like to pursue, you must grapple with a slew of related decisions, including whether to work for a small or large organization. Chances are high that the position you seek is found in companies both large and small, making the decision more challenging and leading to a further consideration. Which is more appropriate for your goals and personality: a small firm or a large organization?

If you are a recent graduate, you may be wooed by recruiters from established corporations with several positions to fill and plenty of perks. Recruiters at small businesses tend to have fewer available resources dedicated to locating talent. However, don't let yourself be swayed by the attention and promised amenities of a large firm solely on the basis of its recruiting efforts. Instead, consider the following advantages and disadvantages typical to different-sized companies before deciding which is better suited to your short- and long-term goals.

Large organizations, especially those with branches in different cities or even other countries, tend to hold a certain credibility in their industries. This brand-name recognition could benefit you when you seek your next job, since hiring managers typically prefer to hire an applicant whose resume includes experience with a known company.

Larger organizations typically provide comprehensive, quality training to new employees. Additionally, they tend to hire groups of new recruits who go through the training program together and begin their new jobs at the same time. This often provides the basis for an extensive professional network some day, as most new hires eventually move to new positions at different companies.

Another advantage that large organizations hold over smaller ones is an ordered hierarchy of positions. This structure allows the individual employee flexibility to be able to move into a new role with the company.

On the other hand, a small firm is more likely to provide opportunities for career advancement earlier in your career. With fewer co-workers to compete with, you are likely to have greater chances to assume greater responsibilities within the company. With fewer co-workers, though, you and your work are more likely to be monitored at a more microscopic level. If you are comfortable with the risks inherent in working for a smaller company whose long-term survival in the marketplace may be questionable, and if you are comfortable with a high level of scrutiny of your performance, then a start-up or boutique firm may offer you the fast-track advancement you're seeking.

Companies operating out of just one small office and large organizations with operations that span the globe both offer opportunities and downfalls. To answer the question as to which is best for you and your career, examine the pros and cons of both and then embark on your chosen path with confidence.

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