Ambitious new graduates and those seeking change can often face the question “should I work at a startup or big company?”
The answer to this question can very much depend on individual skills and the type of working environment that you most enjoy.
Let’s look at why these environments are so different.
What Is The Difference Between a Mature Company and a Startup?
Larger, more mature companies and startups have drastically different characteristics that influence day-to-day activities for employees.
In larger businesses there are structured hierarchies and extensive resources that provide stability and well-defined career paths.
Processes are meticulously laid out in larger businesses, offering predictability and a familiarity in the work environment.
On the other hand, startups thrive on agility and innovation, often sporting fluid organisational structures that are perfect for adaptability.
Despite limited resources, the potential to make a substantial impact is unparalleled, with employees often taking on diverse roles. The startup environment fosters creativity and encourages employees to engage outside of their structured job role.
Understanding The Startup Experience
There are a number of benefits and drawbacks for both structures and understanding which is most appealing can be the first step when it comes to finding the best resume format and applying for new roles.
The Pros of Working For Startups
More Diverse Job Roles and Responsibilities
In startups and small businesses you will need to wear many hats and be versatile. This can be really good for professional development because you will need to work on new, different skills constantly.
Impactful Contributions
In startups, because there are fewer employees, your actions can directly shape the company. This can be important for those considering should I work at a startup or big company?
Long-term this can have real benefits for your resume when it comes to evidencing contributions. Numbers and results speak louder than buzzwords, and making impactful contributions can help you to better highlight how you effectively implement your skillset which suits the XYZ resume format.
Growing With The Business
In startups, growth isn’t just for the company; it’s for you too. There are plenty of opportunities for your role to grow and develop within a startup. It allows you to branch out and build new skills but also provides an opportunity to build a role that you really love.
Creative Freedom
There is much more creative freedom in a startup, which can be very appealing for those working in tech and creative industries. The lack of a large corporate structure means that businesses are more open to taking creative risks and trialling innovative new ideas.
The Cons of Working For Startups
Less Pay
Startup pay might not match corporate figures upfront. It’s important to acknowledge this when exploring new roles and entering salary negotiations.
Many view startup work as a long-term investment. The sacrifice in pay can be outweighed by the rich experiences, skill diversification, and rapid career growth.
Progression Can Be Limited
In startups, conventional and structured career ladders might not exist. Instead there will be opportunities to take charge, expand your role, and contribute significantly to the business. In many cases, personal success is directly related to the businesses own success.
Working In Bigger Companies or Corporate Settings
Corporate settings and larger businesses can have their own benefits and drawbacks that should be considered when you explore the question “should I work at a startup or big company?”
Why Is It Good To Work For Big Companies?
Work Is Shared Between A Larger Team
Larger companies have plenty of time and money to perfect their processes, and this often means work is more evenly distributed between much larger teams.
Projects in corporate or established teams tend to be more structured with less room for change.
Perks and Benefits
Big companies typically have better perks and benefits for employees including health benefits.
This is definitely something to consider if you’re perfecting your resume to apply for new roles in the near future and are considering whether to work for a startup or big company.
Training and Development
In corporate settings, training is the norm. With a greater budget for staffing and development, larger businesses often have access to bigger and better courses.
Long-term this can have a huge benefit for your resume. Not only can you add new qualifications and skills but you also have opportunities to network and collaborate with like minded professionals who are on similar career paths and have similar ambitions.
Access To Better Contacts For Career Progression
Big companies have expansive networks to leverage. You will have opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and networking events that can offer long-term benefits for your career.
The Cons Of Corporate Work
More Complex Hiring Process
The hiring process in a big company can be much more complex and competitive. To successfully navigate the application process, resumes need to stand out to recruitment teams and any ATS that the business uses.
Chain Of Approval
Corporate decision-making often involves a chain of approval.This can slow down productivity and limit creativity.
Bigger companies can be less willing to take risks because they have more to lose and this can be reflected in a lengthy approval process for small tasks and ideas.
It Can Feel Less Personal
Large corporations, at times, can feel less personal. The reality is that larger companies have hundreds or even thousands of employees to worry about which means that personal views and concerns aren’t always a priority.
On the other hand, larger businesses will typically have HR teams to handle serious issues and concerns and this structure and formality can be beneficial.
Optimising A Resume For Startups and Big Companies
Crafting a resume that aligns with the preferences of startups or big companies requires optimization and careful thought. These distinct professional ecosystems seek very different qualities in potential hires.
Optimising A Resume For A Startup
Embrace Agility and Flexibility
- Highlight examples of you adapting and evolving in your role. Flexibility and versatility are incredibly important for small teams.
- Emphasise your ability to thrive in dynamic and creative environments.
Quantify Impact
- Talk about quantifiable achievements, try to choose impactful changes that will impress a new business.
- Numbers matter for startups, so make sure your resume reflects tangible contributions.
Highlight Innovation
- Showcase instances where your creative solutions positively impacted projects.
Illustrate your ability to think outside the box.
Optimising A Resume For A Big Company
Emphasise Being a Team Player
- Being a team player is important in corporate structures. Highlight your ability to be a productive and valuable member of a team.
Ongoing Development Commitment
- Showcase qualifications and training to emphasise your dedication to ongoing professional development and improvement..
- Highlight your commitment to staying ahead in your field through continuous learning.
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