Job seekers need to target a diverse range of employers to achieve optimal success in most markets. Students often ignore smaller employers and focus on large firms with name recognition when in actuality some small firms are better positioned to hire graduates. These firms may have a business plan so compelling that they can succeed despite the overall economic slump or the company may be operating in a rapidly growing niche which is prospering despite a general recession.

Small employers have advantages and disadvantages for graduates looking to launch a career. Work roles at small companies are often less specialized than at larger firms allowing hires to wear more hats, interact with staff in more functional areas and gain a better big picture view of operations. Since employees and their work results are more visible, it is often easier to advance in a smaller organization. On the other hand, training programs are often less formal, benefits packages can be more limited and opportunities to relocate to other branches may be more restricted. The failure rate for small firms is also much higher than for larger ones.

How can you find some leading small employers to target? The INC 500 list is a great starting point! You can access the entire list online and also search by state or keyword. Each listing will include the growth in revenues and employees over the past 5 years. Since changes in company fortunes may have occurred since the data was last compiled, you will need to contact companies to determine if the growth pattern has continued.

The Forbes List for America's Best Small Companies is another such resource.

Local Chambers of Commerce and local business newspapers are other great resources for identifying small emerging companies.

Contact a Career Services counselor to plot your strategy for accessing opportunities at small employers.

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