What type of company should you work for?

Diving head first into the working world is no easy feat. First you need to figure out your strengths and find that place where it's most needed, but you also need to take into consideration your personality to make sure you'll fit in. Your interests and lifestyle may also play a role in your decision.

The different types of companies each has its pros and cons to help you decide which one's the right match for you. Is the startup culture right for you, or would a big corporation fit you better? When searching for jobs, candidates need to take into consideration the type of company they're applying to so that they can find the workplace where they'll thrive in and belong.

Different companies have different cultures and visions. See which one best matches yours.

Startups

Independent, go-getters would fit right in a startup setting. Startups' ever-evolving nature can be a great launching pad for fresh grads to learn their craft, while experienced employees interested in taking on mentorship roles can thrive in such type of an environment.

You better be ready to take in multiple hats owing to the small staff size, so longer work hours are to be expected. But those eager to call out the shots and build an emerging company from the ground up are well suited here. Don't forget that a lot of the industry's biggest players started out as startups so there's a lot at stake if you choose to grow your career in this set up.

Things to look out for:

• A nontraditional, flexible structure
• Typically staffed by young professionals
• Self-starters, with an entrepreneurial spirit
• More autonomy than bigger and more established companies
  

Small and medium-sized enterprises

Small and medium-sized enterprises or SMEs bridge the gap between startups and large corporations. You might even say that SMEs may enjoy the best of both worlds. It has surpassed the early, perhaps rocky stages of a startup, so there's more stability here, but it's still small enough that you still get to feel that your voice will be heard.

Work schedules may be a lot more stable too than startups, as more people are now involved in the work process. New graduates and more seasoned employees alike who want a more balanced workplace may gravitate towards this set-up.

Things to look out for:

• A more structured environment
• More options in the marketplace (SMEs dominate the job market)
• Promotions may be easier to come by (smaller workforce, less competition)
• Stability breeds a more tight-knit workplace

Large corporations

For those seeking out name recognition and company reputation, large corporations are still the place to be. These are the big time companies, known around the nation and even the world over. Those craving for structure and a wealth of resources would find working in a large corporation as an attractive possibility, however there's a tendency to feel like a 'small fish in a big pond' here.

Job roles may be pretty rigid, but the perks and benefits that come with it can't be beat. While it may seem that more experienced candidates may be better suited for large corporations, new grads looking for a more formal and structured environment may also do well with a role in the corporate world.

Things to look out for:

• More connections and more resources at your disposal
• The recognition that comes with being associated with a well-known brand (large corporations are often the most desired companies by jobseekers)
• Stronger workplace structures lead to less autonomy
• Financial stability and a clear-cut career path
  

Nonprofit organizations

For jobseekers with a heart for service and a passion for charity, a career in a nonprofit organization is the right way to go. These are organizations whose goals are devoted to furthering a social cause, rather than for monetary gain or profit.

They may also operate to promote a specific political view. Nonprofits have a wide scope of influence, from small, community-based organizations to huge entities that impact global policies. In short, the work you do in a nonprofit will matter, whether you're just starting out or have been in the service for many years.

Things to look out for:

• Impactful work that can affect society
• A sense of accomplishment; a feeling that the work you do matters
• Like-minded colleagues working for the same cause
• A flexible structure and job demands (though it would still depend from one organization to another)

One of the most important decisions to make while job searching is choosing which company to work for. Beyond finding a job that will help sustain you financially, look for one that will help you feel fulfilled and accomplished in the long run. Remember that neither one company type is better or worse than the other, but individual candidate preferences, personalities and work skills may dictate why one may be a better match for a particular jobseeker.

This article is just one of the many resources that'll help you figure out which company is the right one for you.

Read first-hand accounts of former and current employees to know what goes on inside the companies of your choice to help you make informed decisions. Start browsing for reviews here.


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