The Executive Job Search: How to Choose Corporate Culture & Company Size – A Quick Guide

Are you wondering if your next career move should focus on landing a position in a large multinational corporation, mid-sized company or a fast growing company or startup? Here is a quick guide to help you determine the best fit for you!

Traditional Corporate Culture

  • Hierarchical
  • Follow Instructions and Procedures
  • Delaying is Better Than Making Mistakes
  • Clear Established Chain of Command
  • Protect Yourself First
  • Clear Boundaries
  • Motivate Via Promotions
  • Reporting Systems

Progressive Corporate Culture

  • Loose Structure
  • Brainstorming, Suggestions and Ideas
  • Trying New Approaches is Encouraged
  • Taking Ownership
  • Networking & Building Teams
  • Entrepreneurial in Approach
  • Needs People Who Are Not Afraid To Question
  • Motivate by Giving Leadership and Independence and Freedom to Create
  • Using Mentors

Benefits of Small Companies

  • Accessibility to Top Leadership
  • Ability to Impact and Wear More Hats
  • Recognition and Promotion Through Special Projects
  • Rewarded for Taking Initiative
  • More Flexibility to Perform Work and Be Compensated in Less Traditional Ways
  • Freedom to Get Projects and Assignments Done
  • Excitement of Being Part of Something New and Emerging
  • Rewarded for Performance vs. Length of Employment

Benefits of Large Companies

  • More Opportunities Within the Organization
  • Security (to a point)
  • Working in a System With Channel of Command Compliments Some Personalities Best
  • Prestige
  • Stability
  • Compensation and Benefits

Mary Elizabeth Bradford is the Founder and Executive Director of CEOresumewriter.com and Maryelizabethbradford.com and a past executive recruiter. A thought leader in the career services industry for over 20 years, she holds 5 distinct advanced certifications for senior-level resume writing, online branding and executive-level job search coaching (CERM, CMRW, CARW, MCD, NCOPE). She has been seen and heard in major media including Forbes, Time, WSJ, Newsweek and NBC affiliate stations. She holds 2 CDI TORI awards and is a top tier judge for the elite CDI TORI awards for four consecutive years. Mary Elizabeth Bradford’s elite team of award-winning, certified, top executive resume writers, former top executive recruiters, and global HR executives help many of the world’s premier C-suite, board members and thought leaders secure the transitions and compensation packages they want. She works with clients all over the globe.

If you are a Director, VP, CxO, or Board Member interested in an executive resume package or working directly with Mary Elizabeth, click to schedule a complimentary 15-minute call.