How And Why To Sweat The Small Stuff

Sweating the small stuff can be the difference between landing a job and remaining on the sidelines. But many people fail to realize that the seemingly little things you do -- or don't do -- can make a big impression on potential employers.

Here are 10 small steps you shouldn't overlook:

1. Cross your t's. You wouldn't think it's a huge deal to misplace an apostrophe or confuse "effect" with "affect." After all, everyone makes these types of mistakes. The truth is that a single résumé typo can knock you out of contention. Regardless of the job you want, demonstrating attention to detail is critical. Proofread diligently, run spell-check and ask the biggest grammar geek you know to review your work.

2. Stick to the facts. Most people wouldn't dream of putting a boldfaced lie in their application materials, but a pinch of résumé padding can't hurt, right? Wrong. The tiniest of half-truths can prove costly if it's discovered during a background and reference check, which more employers are doing. Don't give a hiring manager any reason to question your integrity.

Read More

6 Reasons to Apply for a Job at a Small Business

There are lots of advantages to working at a small business -- if you have what it takes. You need to be ready for anything and willing to use a variety of skills, but working for a small business can help you in a lot of big ways.

Consider these six powerful reasons to apply for a job at a small business.

You’ll Really Matter

Small businesses offer employees an opportunity to be more than a cog in a massive organizational machine. With fewer people on board, everyone gets to do more and have a greater say in how things get done.

“Have your voice heard. Create an impact. Learn more about more,” says Michelle Geib of Xperience Days. “These are just a few of the reasons why you should work for a small business. When it comes to qualitative impact and personal growth, the ability for employees to have their opinions heard and implemented can be more rewarding than a paycheck at times.”

You’ll Learn a Lot

When you work with a small group of people, you get more face time with each of them -- including the big boss. “You get to learn from the top,” says Mayer Dahan of Dahan Properties. “Small businesses work closely together and you have a chance to learn valuable lessons directly from your boss.”

Cari DeCandia, director of business development at the National Autism Network, agrees. “One of the main benefits is being able to work closely with the creator of the company. It takes a person with many skill sets to create a company that can carry employees, and there is a great opportunity to learn more than the specified job description.”

You’ll Gain Experience Fast

Life at a small business is fast-moving. If you’re a hard worker and a quick learner, you’ll get new opportunities on a regular basis and gain valuable experience fast.

“An entry-level position in a small business is pure gold for a recent college graduate, especially if he or she is not entirely sure what they want to do with their career,” says consultant Alfred Poor. “Small business will make it much easier to be directly involved with more aspects of the company's operations. In a corporate setting, you may get walled off in a single department, but the ‘jack-of-all-trades’ requirements of most small businesses will give you more exposure to a larger variety of tasks.”

You’ll Learn to Be Efficient

Young startups often find themselves in crisis mode, having to deal with tight deadlines, small budgets, and lots of competing demands on their time and resources. Getting experience in this sort of environment can pay off for the rest of your career.

“Working in the small-business world trains employees to work with limited resources and
timelines,” says consultant Doug Mitchell. “No matter where you go during your career, you'll exude ‘get ’er done.’”

You’ll Get More Responsibility Faster

“Small businesses tend to be more nimble, and can make adjustments based on a worker's skills and aptitudes than a larger corporation might be able to do,” Poor says. “As a result, you may find yourself being given more responsibility and opportunities more quickly in a small company.”

You’ll Have Plenty of Opportunities for Personal Growth

With every employee invested in the company’s success, the payoff can be sizeable, says Chris Sonjeow of LoveBookOnline. “In most small businesses, each employee is directly or partially responsible for the bottom line, so when the company grows, it's easier to reap the monetary rewards. At the corporate giants, you're just another cog in the machine who can go overlooked.”

Enter your email address:

Refer This Advice To Your Friends And Help Them To Find Career!