Is there growth in the SME job market? 

Yes! In 2019, there were 5.9 million private sector businesses in the UK, accounting for over 99% of all companies. This number was up by 200,000 compared to 2018, and although we are currently in a challenging situation, growth is likely to continue. It is widely accepted that small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, driving growth, opening new markets and creating jobs – they are vital. 

LEPs (Local Enterprise Partnerships) play a central role in deciding local economic priorities and undertaking activities to drive economic growth and create local jobs. At the top of their agenda right now is bridging the gap between students in schools and the SMEs in their region. 

Why are SMEs so important? 

Aside from a significant contribution of over 2 trillion a year to GDP, SMEs:  

Create jobs. In 2018 there were 16.3 million people employed in SMEs; 60% of all private-sector employment in the UK. 

Inspire innovation. Small businesses ignite innovation and challenge the status quo. For example, we are an SME with less than five employees, delivering a range of products and services to the education sector. With the Careers Calendar platform, we are challenging the status quo by reshaping careers engagement and providing the digital infrastructure to deliver careers information to students making career decisions. 

Contribute locally. SMEs tend to operate locally, employing locally and spending their money in the local economy. Although there are a lot of SMEs that deliver products and services across the globe, they are fundamentally “local”.   

Ethics. SMEs tend to have less red tape and therefore, can be a lot of their decisions based on values and ethics. They can also access subsidised ethical trading training through a scheme run by the UK government. 

Adaptable. SMEs are more customer-orientated, and perhaps have a better understanding of the needs of their local community. SMEs are more flexible and likely to be resilient to economic downturns too. They are less likely to make redundancies during recessions, and workers feel they have more job security in SMEs than larger businesses. 

What do I need to do to work the SME job market? 

You must be a self-starter, proactive and keen to take on responsibility. It’s essential to be an independent thinker with an entrepreneurial spirit, and capable of living with the uncertainty that an SME operates in. 

You need to be willing to learn new things and to do tasks that may go outside of your usual day-to-day role. You also need to be flexible and adaptable to change and able to use your initiative.

SMEs generally look at your personality and character fit above anything else. It’s great to have relevant experience and skills, but you need to fit in with the culture of the business too.

How can I tap into the SME jobs market?

Do some research into SMEs in your local area. You can find this with a simple Google search or contact your school Careers Adviser and teachers to see who they know. As we mentioned, you can also use an online platform if you have access to one.

You should also follow companies that interest you. This is the best way to keep up to date with them. Job vacancies for SMEs are likely to appear on the blog and social media, rather than a dedicated web page or jobs board – so start following the companies that interest you. 

The SME space is widely accepted as less formal. That doesn’t mean causal; it means there are less rigorous processes in play for things like recruitment. SMEs tend to hire when they need the resources; this brings a sense of uncertainty but justifies the need for you to be proactive and direct.    

Direct approaches must be considered and planned. When taking a direct approach, students need to lead with a sense of empathy. That means going to understand the business before making a pitch for yourself. A Founder or manager of an SME will greatly appreciate your efforts to understand them than going in gung ho with a pitch about you. Less you, more them! 

Most of this is developing a network, making speculative enquiries (not always an application) and offering yourself to the company to carry out some short term work experience. Nothing is more charming to an SME than a young, ambitious person keen to help, develop their skills, and forge a career in the same sector.

How can I develop a network? 

As a student, you should create a LinkedIn profile and keep it up to date. LinkedIn is a relatively inexpensive way for SMEs to find candidates. Start by creating a profile and build a network. Connect with people you know, and people who work at businesses you are interested in as well. It’s free and easy to do; it just takes some time and effort. There are no hard and fast rules because your profile moves in time, just make a start! 

Talk to members of your family and friends. You never know who knows of a company that may have an opportunity or at least a contact for you to have a conversation with. The notion of “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ definitely rings true, especially in the SME job market.

The Careers Calendar connects students with local employers, helping you build connections and understand the job market in your local area. Sign up here for your free account and start connecting with SMEs!