We’re all familiar with the saying ‘size doesn’t matter’ and when it comes to choosing where to work, there’s never a truer adage.
For some, the dream of working within a blue-chip, corporate is what makes them tick. But it’s ok if that world isn’t for you. I have experience of both, and each has its own pluses and minuses, but given the choice, I am an advocate for smaller, independents.
Having been at family owned Zonal for 12 years and prior to that, an international, well renowned hotel group, being part of the ‘family’ has been best for me.
I’m not a number – it feels like everyone knows my name and I know theirs. From the moment I joined, my opinion has always counted, and I’ve felt that I can make a genuine difference (in a positive way) to the business. This personal, friendly and less formal approach has allowed me to flourish and boost my confidence over the years.
But that’s not to say you can rest on your laurels and lack ambition. Not dragged down by corporate governance, means Zonal can (and does) make decisions quickly. Working in both the tech and hospitality space, means this ability to respond to changing trading and consumer dynamics is essential, and you have to be up for the demands that brings.
When it comes to approach and ways of doing things there aren’t any restrictions as we don’t have hundreds of different sites or offices. At Zonal it’s the people that are central to the business and this one team spirit drives great teamwork and allows us to live by our company mantra, ‘Happy Customers, Happy People’.
So, when choosing what type of business, you want to work for I would recommend doing the following:
- Personal Goals – create a list of your likes, dislikes
- Research – do your background into the company you are applying to, do you like the sound of their ethos, their values, the way they do business and talk about their employees
- Listen to your gut instinct – I’m a great believer in instinct and listening to your inner voice
