OK, I’m being defensive in this article and I admit it. When I read an article in Entrepreneur Magazine entitled Should You Hire Workers From Big Companies? authored by Chris Penttila I just couldn’t help my reaction. Not only do I disagree with the arguments made for not hiring workers from larger companies, I believe there are very compelling reason to seek out these workers. A large number of the workers available to hire have large company experience and because of this experience they bring very valuable assets to their next employer. Let me know how you see this issue.

Ms. Pentilla in her article sites the following reasons as ‘red flags’ when hiring from Corporate America.

* Their cover letter isn’t personalized to your firm.

* They are more interested in the 401(k) match and severance package than having an equity stake.

* They expect to travel first class, eat at five-star restaurants and have personal assistants.

* They don’t know modern computer basics, e.g., creating Word documents.

* They expect to be assigned rather than take initiative.

* They view meetings as the way to get things done.

* They lack the interpersonal skills necessary in a small office.

I simply don’t find this to be the case at all. In fact, based upon conversations I’ve had with fellow colleagues who spent years in Corporate America we believe workers from big companies offer far more advantages to employers than disadvantages.

Consider these ‘green flag’ reasons to hire those with larger corporate experience.

* Almost no one relies on a company 401(k) heavily any more. Workers from all sizes of companies most especially larger firms realize their best insurance is helping their current employer be successful. Employees from the larger firms more than any other category have been disillusioned by the unfulfilled promises of 401(k) in the past.

* Doing more with less has been the mantra of large corporations for the past two decades – these employees will expect nothing less than more of the same at smaller firms.

* From the shop floor to the top floor workers from every level of the corporation are well equipped with computer skills. Larger firms often provide at least 30-40 hours of training per year including computer skills training. Find out what these candidates have been learning and take advantage of their knowledge and education in your firm.

* Workers from large firms know the only way you really get work done is through teamwork and collaboration with others. While some individuals may lack interpersonal skills this is true in all organizations just as there are those with highly developed interpersonal skills in any size organization.

* Employees from large firms have often been in leadership roles and aren’t afraid to step up to responsibility and be accountable for results – producing results and meeting bottom line goals are the primary way you meet performance expectations in corporations. Embrace this leadership and accountability into your firm.

* While all employees prefer clarity and specific direction, employees from larger firms are accustomed to achieving results amid ambiguity – knowing how to achieve results amid today’s uncertainly is a real asset.

If you are in the fortunate position of being able to hire and the qualifications of candidates are equal, consider the many benefits you’ll receive by hiring employees from larger firms.