If you're looking for a job, I bet you didn't think about these ones that you're missing.
This week I had multiple messages in my inbox saying "I got the job". In the current state where people are more worried about their careers more now than they ever have, people are still landing jobs, and good ones. It makes me proud. I didn't land the job for them, but I try to motivate and point them in the right direction.
The problem is that I still see people struggling every day. Many people I mentor have one thing in common. They are applying for big name companies and waiting around for that perfect cool sounding job. It's great to aim for these, but I have two thoughts around this, especially for people trying to break into this field.
Thought 1:
People get stuck on the idea of working for big name companies. Mostly, because it sounds cool. I have done work for these types of companies that everyone has heard of and can tell you that the novelty fades fast. For me, it is about culture, opportunity, and growth. It's super cool to tell your friends about the name of the company you work for, but that coolness goes away quickly.
I prefer smaller to midsized companies. You get a voice. You get to make a difference. Just because you work for a smaller company (perhaps an MSP or MSSP) doesn't mean you don't get to work with big players. Many MSSPs work with companies that everyone knows, so you get the best of both worlds. I'm mainly talking about companies with less than 500 people.
Why are these so great? You have easier access to communicate with the stakeholders, express your opinions, ideas, and thoughts. You matter because they know you. These companies typically grow fast it's great to be a part of it. Climbing the ladder may also be easier because of the growth rate.
Salaries are normally about the same. You aren't typically going to make more money because you are working for one of the big players. In fact, many times you will make less money because budgets are locked down, limits are set, and there is much less flexibility.
Thought 2:
Another common theme I see is people pausing in their search because they are waiting to "hear back" from an application they submitted. Stop waiting for an answer back from your application or interview from the big name company you've been dreaming of. I feel this is the biggest roadblock for new people trying to break into the field. Yes, if the opportunity goes in your favor, wonderful! However, if it doesn't and you are waiting, it's just lost time.
Let me put things into perspective.
According to the United States Chamber of Commerce, 99% of businesses that reside in the United States are classified as small businesses. If the business has less than 500 employees, it is deemed a small business. This means that if you are only applying for large firms, you are only looking at 1% of businesses. The true opportunity is the other 99%, small businesses.
Yes, it is super cool to work at a place that we all shop at, eat at, or stream from. The problem is that if you just focus on these, you are missing out on a world of opportunity that is right at your fingertips.
Focus on the opportunity, not the company. Look at the job descriptions more than you look at the company name. I can promise you that you will strive further in your career if you love what you do, you are challenged, and you have the opportunity to grow. Maybe that smaller company you are working for may just be the next 1%. Wouldn't it be cool to be part of that journey?
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~ Mike Miller
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