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Originally published on Forbes.com by
In an unexpected turn of events after the pandemic, employees left their jobs in droves to find something better. After several years of uncertainty, many people have decided they want to pursue a position that provides them with purpose and fairly compensates them for what they do. With years of stagnant wages, increasing hours and a lack of work-life balance, can you really blame them?
If you have decided that you want to make a career change, now may be a great time to do so. Many employers are desperate to acquire and retain top talent. Some are even open to training candidates who don’t necessarily check off each one of their boxes.
Please know that while there are many positions available, competition for these positions is fierce. Millions of job-seekers are vying for appealing positions, and only a few of those positions meet what people are looking for now (remote opportunities, flexible schedules, etc.).With competition at an all-time high, what is a job-seeker to do?
First, I recommend developing a search strategy so that you can target positions that meet your needs. Then, I recommend considering the small guys—companies with 100 people or less.
You shouldn’t dismiss smaller companies.
One of the biggest mistakes I see job-seekers make is failing to consider the little guys. Believe it or not, companies with less than 100 employees have a lot to offer. Employees there tend to be valued by name, not viewed as a number, and therefore are not considered disposable. As such, many professionals will find they are better compensated and fairly treated at smaller companies. Their work tends to be valued and their skills further honed. But that isn’t all. Consider this:
There are additional opportunities for career development.
Regardless of your position, employees of smaller companies are usually provided with exceptional development opportunities since the business recognizes them as a critical component of its success.
You can learn the ins and outs of all aspects of your industry.
From the front desk to executive leadership, you can understand the importance of each role and how they work together to achieve shared objectives with a smaller company.
Have greater involvement in important decisions.
Because employees work closely together at smaller organizations, you may have more opportunities to be a part of the decision-making process for some integral initiatives—no matter what your position is. Talk about experience!
Get more flexibility for work/life balance.
Since smaller companies usually cannot offer the extensive perks and benefits that some larger companies do, they usually go out of their way to provide more flexible, relaxed working environments that are focused on a better work-life balance.
Market yourself.
When looking for a new job, you must create an applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly résumé by customizing your résumé for each position you apply to. Make sure your résumé is free of formatting (such as borders, shading or images). Your LinkedIn profile should be optimized by utilizing industry-specific keywords geared toward your top two positions of interest.
Suppose you are transitioning into a new role or industry. In that case, I recommend including a transition statement that merges your past position and desired position. For example, Business development manager with 5+ years of experience, interested in using marketing and communications expertise within a marketing coordinator position.
Network.
It is crucial to reach out to other industry professionals, whether in person or online. On LinkedIn, this involves “connecting” with those you know (and in certain cases, those you don’t), as well as following companies of interest and joining various groups. Feel free to take part in conferences—as well as speak with members of your community, letting them know your goals. Do remember that many positions within smaller companies are filled through networking, so practice your pitch and be prepared to share it in all settings.
Research the role and company thoroughly.
Once you receive a call to interview, take some time to research the company thoroughly, sorting through its website, blog, LinkedIn, social media, etc. (if applicable). You can then go in prepared by knowing the company’s objectives, target consumers and history. Doing so can enable you to take your experience and accomplishments and present them in a way that aligns with what the company is doing now and wants to do in the future.
Determine what your negotiables and non-negotiables are, then ask.
Since smaller companies are often focused on the overall employee experience, you are in the unique position to ask for what you want and need (within reason). So once a formal offer is in hand, if a flexible arrangement is vital to you (such as working from home several days per week), then ask for it. You may be surprised to learn just how accommodating a smaller company can be.
Greek statesman and orator Demosthenes once said, “Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.” So, as you move forward with your job search, take some time to consider the little guys. They may provide you with the heart and soul you feel have been missing from your professional life and surprise you as the start of something great.
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