We’ve recently written a blog post about breaking into the Fortune 500. It was mostly about the challenges and how we can help you overcome them. But, why are employers in the Fortune 500 so important to aim for?
The Fortune 500 is an annual list compiled and published by Fortune magazine that ranks 500 of the largest United States corporations by total revenue for their respective fiscal years. We know the Fortune 500 list is ever-changing. But, targeting companies which are always on this list (or usually) is valuable, as outlined in the last article, are as follows:
- The Fortune 500 is full of top brands because the largest organizations with the best reputations typically make the most money
- Big brands with lots of revenue means more stability in your job and in your organization
- In order to attract and sustain top talent, Fortune 500 organizations typically have better pay and benefits.
The main reason that employees go through schooling at top universities to receive proper training and certifications, find a network of top-level mentors who believe in them, and tenaciously apply to jobs at these large brands is because breaking into the Fortune 500 means you’re branded as a skilled leader going forward. One of my larger resume brands, Yahoo! Inc. shows potential employers that I am a very skilled leader in the top echelon of employees. People always reference it. I’ll be forever branded. It’s a very similar concept to going to a strong University. Once you’ve selected a great brand, you will have training and networks from those institutions that are typically strong and unmatched.
Other great employers like to either poach from their competitors or find folks who have worked for large brands because the Fortune 500 trains well. They also have great best practices that can be emulated at other brands. And these brands provide access to other great talent since you’ve been working with great people.
Secondly, big brands with lots of revenue means more stability in your job and in your organization. So, working for Fortune 500 brands means you’ve got a stable career. Plus, you’ll be working on projects that can potentially be more fulfilling than working in smaller brands. So, you’ll not want to leave your organization.
Larger organizations also mean more mobility. Coming from someone who has worked in both large and small organizations, I’ve often had to create my own position if I wanted to do something different at a small organization. At a larger (or Fortune 500) brand, I was able to move around and consult with various managers and leaders to work on new projects.
Lastly, Fortune 500 brands know that they are only as strong as their employees. And, since they are constantly trying to attract and sustain top talent, Fortune 500 organizations typically have better pay and benefits.
Is the Fortune 500 for everyone? Nope! But, that’s why we recruit and place for all organizations. We love our bootcamp model. Cogent University provides training, a network of alumni working in the Fortune 500 and the ability to help our candidates continue to apply. It’s a truly unique opportunity for folks looking for that extra boost after graduation. Our graduates work for well known brands which sets them up for success!