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Does Company Size Matter?

MET • March 28, 2016

The 2016 job market is in full swing and with it, if you are lucky, comes choices. Seasoned professionals, as well as graduate engineers, find themselves approached with opportunities. Today’s civil engineering companies are as different as their employees. In your job exploration you need to define the type of employer you will best fit.

The 2015   ENR Top 500   list reflected most of the largest A/E firms becoming even larger as a result of mergers and acquisitions. Similarly, a number of firms who were not on the top 500 leaped onto the widely reviewed list.

As an executive recruiter, I experienced leaders from the top 10 firms make notable moves to much smaller firms. In each case, the executive wanted to join a firm where they felt they could have significant impact on company strategic direction and growth. They wanted to join a firm that they felt would allow them to “get back to the practice of civil engineering.” Conversely, during the last year a number of project engineers and project managers asked me if my larger clients had job opportunities for them. These job seekers specifically wanted to join the top 100 firms as they perceived these firms to get a bigger share of complex, huge and sexier projects.  In my opinion while these observations seem to be representative of a trend last year, there are a good deal of people who focus their job search not specifically on company size, but on the job itself.

Evaluating where you are in your career, defining your short and long-term goals, assessing culture, company leadership and peers at a new firm- these answers will helping you make a good decision to join a firm. Yes, size of a company does matter but should not be THE factor in selecting a new opportunity. What do you think?

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Embracing Ethical Recruiting: A 2025 Refresher on Integrity & Relationships

By Carol Metzner • January 24, 2025
Being ethical is critical in executive recruitment. An ethical executive recruiter recognizes that their role goes beyond merely filling a position; it is about building meaningful relationships and ensuring the match between candidate and company is genuine and beneficial. This approach is not just a professional obligation but a moral one. Building Relationships: A skilled executive recruiter understands the importance of nurturing relationships with clients and candidates. These relationships are rooted in trust, transparency, and mutual respect. By understanding both parties' needs, values, and aspirations, the recruiter can make informed decisions that lead to successful matches. Focus on Fit: The right match goes beyond qualifications and experience and involves cultural fit and values alignment. Ethical recruiters take the time to grasp the organization's culture and the candidate's personality. They strive to ensure the new hire will thrive in the company's environment and contribute positively to its goals. Integrity and Honesty: Principled recruiters uphold integrity throughout the recruitment process. They provide honest feedback, manage expectations, and avoid practices that could mislead or exploit either party. This includes being transparent about potential challenges and ensuring candidates are fully informed about the roles they are being considered for. Long-Term Success: An ethical recruiter prioritizes long-term success for both the candidate and the company. This means valuing quality over quantity and making placements likely to endure. An ethical match leads to higher job satisfaction, reduced turnover, and a stronger, more cohesive organization. In conclusion, ethical executive recruiters are about much more than filling positions. They foster relationships, ensure a good cultural fit, maintain integrity, and aim for long-term success. By adhering to these principles, recruiters fulfill their professional responsibilities and contribute to the overall well-being of the companies and candidates they serve.

Embrace the Challenge: Take That New Leadership Opportunity!

By Carol Metzner • November 19, 2024
Taking on a new executive role is more than just a career transition—it’s an adventure filled with potential and personal growth. Here’s why you should embrace this opportunity:  1. Growth and Development: A new role challenges you to stretch your capabilities and develop new skills. It’s an invaluable opportunity to broaden your horizons and enhance your leadership toolkit. 2. Fresh Perspectives: A new position brings fresh insights and viewpoints. It allows you to step out of your comfort zone and see the industry differently, fostering innovation and creativity. 3. Expanding Your Network: Embracing a new opportunity connects you with new professionals and mentors. These relationships can offer support, inspiration, and new avenues for collaboration. 4. Driving Impact: You can drive significant change in an executive role. This is your opportunity to implement strategic initiatives and make a lasting impact on the organization. 5. Personal Fulfillment: There is immense satisfaction in taking on new challenges and overcoming them. It boosts your confidence and brings a profoundly fulfilling sense of achievement. Don’t hesitate. Embrace the challenge, take that new executive role, and unlock your potential. The next chapter of your career is waiting—make it count! Let’s discuss this further. Feel free to drop me an update at carol@themetznergroup.com. #Leadership #ExecutiveOpportunities #TakeTheLeap #CivilEngineeringExecutiveSearch Carol A. Metzner The Metzner Group, LLC www.themetznergroup.com
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