My CollegeRecruiter.com | Employers & Advertisers
My CollegeRecruiter.com | Employers & Advertisers
Question:
I recently sold a small business that I owned and just started looking for a job in the corporate world, preferably in product or project management. I have no intention of starting another business as I would like to have a more reliable source of income and regular hours, yet the employers that I've met with so far seem to regard my entrepreneurial experience as a negative. Should I downplay those years on my resume and in my interviews?
First Answer:
Employers are afraid that you will not take direction well, are used to being in charge not just one team member, are uncomfortable in hierarchal organizations and externally imposed structure. That's why you became an entrepreneur, right?
Downplaying who you are doesn't work because the authentic you will come out eventually, so instead leverage the positives in your entrepreneurial experience. Demonstrating that the skills you developed as an entrepreneur are of value to an employer is more effective. Some of these attributes might be:
These attributes will be most valued in organizations that reward initiative, risk taking, and the ability to persuade others of your ideas. Such a role may be that of an "intrapreneur" responsible for an entire project or product line but with the backing of corporate resources. Research corporate cultures and roles before you apply.
In your interviews, you have to draw the bridge between entrepreneurial success and value added for the employer. Help her or him to see your transferable skills that were actually strengthened by the entrepreneurial experience.
Also, be sure it's clear on your resume and in cover letters and interviews that you sold your business (read: successful enough to have market value) rather then closed it (read: it was a failure) or continue to run it (read: half of his effort will go to his own business not this job).
In your cover letters and interviews, when you talk about why you want to move to or return to the corporate world, be careful not to sound like someone who wants to work less hard. A reliable income and more reasonable hours are all about "I want" but don't suggest you've assessed your fit in a corporate role thoughtfully. Life style and job security (not a guarantee) are not motivators most employers want to hear. Better to show you've assessed your professional life through a different prism. For example, entrepreneurship is often an isolating experience; when you've taken your business to a certain level future growth may be limited, and/or boredom may set I and you need a new challenge.
-- Carol Anderson, Career Development and Placement Office, Robert J. Milano Graduate School of Management and Urban Policy at New School University in New York City
Second Answer:
Congratulations on having successfully run and sold a business! Without seeing your resume and knowing what you are looking for, it is hard for me to be specific. Gear your resume to highlight your skills and the achievements you have made that directly correlate to those of a successful product or project manager. Let your prospective employer know the value you bring to him, the company, and the bottom line. Indicate any relationships you've created that may be of interest to the company you are interviewing with and your industry experience.
A concern of employers may be that after running the show you may not be able to be effective when you are now reporting to someone else. To handle these objections emphasize your strong management, team building, mentoring, and leadership skills. You want to convey that you aren't just a free spirit but that there was structure in your prior business and that you can conform to their standards. The best way to do this is to learn about their corporate culture so you can point out the parallels to your prior business.
If you are still wondering, work with a professional coach who can guide you through the process easier and faster. I am offering a 20% discount on one month of coaching to anyone who mentions this article.
-- Janine A. Schindler, Professional Coach and owner of the Jas Coaching Company
Third Answer:
Entrepreneurial experience should be viewed positively -- a "self-starter", motivated to succeed and all, but, many of my clients who've been owners say just the opposite. "It's viewed with suspicion -- how much of the employer's time will you spend trying to start-up a new enterprise? Why would you want to work for someone else after being your own boss? Managing Partner seems to be less threatening as a job title. I wouldn't tell you to change your resume -- just make sure you communicate how interested and willing you are to not be the boss and how great a team player you'll be. I often ask and answer questions for the interviewer -- "I'll bet you're wondering if I'd be a stable, dependable employee after being the boss...let me assure you I'm eager to work on a team for XYZ and my experience has provided me opportunities to work effectively with people in all levels..." You can write out a similar answer in a cover letter.
-- Marcia Merrill, the Assistant Director for Career Development and Placement Center at Loyola College in Maryland
