Working for a Small Company versus a Large Company: Five Things to Consider in Your Job Search

Deciding which type of company to work for, whether it be in the financial industry or media can be daunting enough. After you have chosen your field, another critical factor to consider in your job search is the size of the company you wish to work for.

In today's reality of job scarcity, you're probably going to take whatever job is available to you. However, try to bear in mind what you will expect and not be aware of when choosing to work for a company that is either small (20+ people) or large (500+ people).

Below are five things to consider when faced with the luxury of a choice between working for a small company or a large one:

1. Do you prefer your job role to be exactly defined? If so, working for a small company may not be for you. Small companies tend to involve their employees in many different facets of the business. For instance, an Administrative Assistant may be expected to perform some of the functions of a Receptionist or Clerk.
   
   However, we have to look at both sides here. Perhaps the company assigns responsibilities to you, as an Administrative Assistant, that would normally befit an Assistant Manager or Assistant Vice President. Choosing to work for a small company depends on what your ultimate career goals are. Make sure the job requirements are clearly stated so you know what you are getting into.
   
   
2. Benefits can vary significantly between companies and even more so if the company is larger or smaller. Is having your 401(k) matched by your employer a requirement? Then you're looking at a large company. Small companies, not all, will often not match your 401(k), perhaps for budget reasons. On the flip side, they could cover your medical contributions; one less thing taken from your paycheck.
   
   
3. Perks are also a considerable factor especially in light of what's to come: bonus restructuring, benefit cutbacks. Perks will play a key role in attracting prospective candidates. Large companies are more apt to provide discounts, such as cell phone provider discounts, fitness center discounted rates or discounted theater tickets due to the volume of business they can send to these vendors.
   
   
4. Do you look forward to being able to leave at 5:00 PM every day? Or perhaps you need to leave punctually. Look for a large company that offers a more structured environment with enough coverage so you do not get caught working overtime. Especially when many companies do not even pay overtime for reasons that can include the budget or a base salary. Small companies, especially in the financial industry, have not been known to send employees home at 5:00 PM. There is typically not enough coverage, and in this culture of working hard, it is simply frowned upon.
   
   
5. Social atmosphere. Are you a social butterfly or an introvert? Either can flourish working for a large company due to the many possibilities of getting to know another employee or for keeping to yourself and simply getting your work done. In a smaller company, especially if you're all in one large room, social interaction becomes the norm. In large companies, you're more likely to be attending company-sponsored events and training sessions, whether in-house or outside. So consider which type you are and where you would best fit in socially.
   
   You spend much time at work, it's so important to look at more than just salary or location, even though they are top factors.
   

Do you have any other factors to add here?

Comments /questions are welcome!