I just read a great article in Computerworld by Perri Capell entitled “Returning to the Corporate Fold After a Stint as Your Own Boss”.

Perri captured a common problem for many entrepreneurs… hiring managers fear that you are unable to take orders. While this may be true, what kind of person would want to hire a “Yes Ma’am” type of person? Would you want to work for such a person? Would you consider this person wise?

Smart executives can appreciate an entrepreneur’s ‘take charge’ attitude and ’school of hard knocks’ experience, but the average recruiter or HR Manager has very little experience with this type of character. Not that this is their fault… they are looking for the typical person that they were taught to hire and unfortunately have a hard time thinking outside of the box.

Having said that, there are a few good recruiters that get it… and will go the extra mile to pitch you to the hiring manager. Also, many senior managers also get it.

Therefore, to get the corporate gig you’re looking at, you may want to figure out a way to get around the gatekeeper and go straight to the person that can appreciate the skills that you bring to the table.