With over 5 years’ experience recruiting for one of the largest companies in the world, I decided to actively look for work within a smaller business prior to coming to Fetch, I noticed the advantages in working for a Tier 2 or 3 contracting company. My experience is within construction recruitment however, the benefits of working for a smaller company are applicable across all industries.
There are plenty of reasons for working for a Tier 1 contractor, larger companies provide many benefits to their employees. However, in my opinion you should always be open to looking at a smaller Tier 2 or 3 contracting company for work. Smaller businesses provide an amplitude of benefits and opportunities for their employees.
Personally, there are a number of reasons I sought out a smaller business for my next career move, here are the top five that I have experienced and witnessed within contractors since making the move to Fetch.
Exposure to Opportunities
Being a part of a smaller business often means you wear a number of hats; responsibilities and roles are shared. This allows for you to show management what your skills are and how you apply them, your versatility is a huge asset to your employer and exposure to other responsibilities ultimately gives you a level of appreciation for what others are doing.
Less Hoops to Jump Through
Tier 1 contractors often have a lot of paperwork and hoops that you need to jump through prior to getting out on a project as well as in the construction phase. If you are a doer and want to be out there seeing a project delivered first-hand without waiting times and administration turnover, then a small business is for you. Smaller companies will allow for quicker paperwork turn around and you’ll be out on the project in no time getting the job done.
Direct Report to Management
When working in a smaller business you often directly report to the Director of the business, with directors sometimes being your direct supervisor. Compared to larger contractors where making suggestions on process, structure or otherwise usually falls on deaf ears, small businesses allow for your voice and ideas to be heard directly by people at the top. Communication is not transferred through 3 people, rather clearances and communications are passed through you and your director.
Autonomy & Flexibility
How often in your current role, with 20 years of experience, are you still asked basic questions by your management? Commonly, in bigger companies trust and flexibility isn’t given to individuals. However, within smaller companies there are less layers to navigate, with no middle management preventing you from moving forward quicker with projects. A smaller business will give you the independence to deliver your projects how you want to deliver them.
Recognition & Appreciation
Getting noticed in a smaller business is easier than in a bigger business, if you deliver well it will never go unnoticed. You are recognised and appreciated in smaller companies as your hard work that you are contributing is directly affecting the company’s bottom line. This attracts attention from your directors, which in turn should attract appreciation from them.
These points may already apply to you or encourage you to keep an open mind when seeking out your next employment opportunity. The reasons listed only scratch the surface when working at a Tier 2 or 3 company, you can’t take away from the fact that working in a smaller team promotes healthy and successful working relationships with your peers.
Ollie is a Senior Consultant in our Building Services team, with a strong understanding of the Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Authority industries. Connect with Ollie on LinkedIn here!
