Different Types of Companies

In Denmark, there are many different types of companies. They vary in size, tasks, and work culture – and they require different approaches when you're job searching. The better you understand these differences, the greater your chance of success.

Why it's important to know company types

There are differences in how companies work and how you should best approach them. When you understand these differences, you can:

• Adapt your approach to the specific company
• Know who to contact
• Formulate your message so it hits the mark
• Utilize opportunities you might not have seen

Companies by size

Companies are typically categorized by number of employees:

• Micro companies: 0-9 employees
• Small companies: 10-49 employees
• Medium-sized companies: 50-249 employees
• Large companies: 250+ employees

Over 99% of Danish companies are small and medium-sized (SMEs). They account for about half of employment in Denmark. That's why it's important that you also look in that direction.

Micro companies (0-9 employees)

Characteristics

• Few employees handling many different tasks
• You often get the opportunity to use many different skills
• Changing daily routines with many balls in the air
• Informal hiring process

Who should you contact?

Often the owner or daily manager. There's no HR department.

How to adapt your approach

• Keep it short and personal
• Show that you're willing to handle everyday's many different tasks
• Be ready for a more informal process

Small and medium-sized companies (SMEs, 10-249 employees)

Characteristics

• You're often hired for a fixed function, but there's still room to use your abilities broadly
• Often need to solve tasks slightly outside your primary work areas
• Good learning opportunities
• Often a good place to start if you're new to the job market

Who should you contact?

An area or department manager. Some have HR, but it's often less formal than in large companies.

How to adapt your approach

• Clearly show what you can contribute
• Also show that you're ready to take responsibility beyond the usual
• Highlight your willingness to learn

Large companies (250+ employees)

Characteristics

• Tasks are often more specialized
• You're typically hired for a specific function
• More competition for positions
• Clear frameworks and structure

Who should you contact?

Large companies typically have HR departments with fixed systems. It can be difficult to get in direct contact with the department manager.

How to adapt your approach

• Follow official channels if there's a job posting
• For unsolicited contact: Try to engage with the department manager via LinkedIn or networking
• Be professional and structured

Public sector

Characteristics

• Jobs in municipalities, regions, or the state
• Great variation in organization and daily work
• Often formal hiring processes

Who should you contact?

Varies greatly. Some departments are small and informal, others have strict procedures.

How to adapt your approach

• Research the specific organization's culture
• Follow application procedures carefully
• Show understanding of public sector values

Consider expanding your perspective

Many job seekers tend to only search within one type of company. Maybe you mostly search in small companies – but what opportunities might there be in a large company?

Or vice versa: If you only search in large companies, you might miss exciting positions in smaller companies.

Remember: The broader you search, the more job opportunities open up.

Typical mistakes to avoid

• Using the same approach everywhere – adapt to the company's size and culture
• Only searching in one type of company – expand your perspective
• Contacting the wrong person – find out who makes decisions
• Underestimating SMEs – they make up by far the most workplaces

Practical tips

• Look at the jobs you've applied for: Is there a pattern in company type?
• Research the company before you apply – what's their size and culture?
• Adapt your approach to the company type
• Consider whether your job goal could be found in a different type of company
• Use LinkedIn to find contact persons

Try it yourself

1. List the last 5 companies you've applied to
2. Categorize them: Micro, SME, large, public?
3. Is there a pattern? Are you missing a category?
4. Find 3 companies in a category you don't normally apply to

Frequently asked questions

Next step

Now you understand the different company types. But how do you structure your job search in everyday life? In the next guide, you'll learn to plan your week for a more effective job search.