This post is by Fred Morris, a business owner who shares tips related to managing employees, saving money, and running business operations more efficiently.
With the economy struggling and jobs at a premium, have you ever thought about working for a startup company? Sure, there are a few added risks involved, but since unemployment is high and business growth slow, how much would you really be risking? If you’re lucky enough to get hired by a startup that hits it big, you might find yourself with salary increases and promotions you’d never find in the traditional corporate world. But landing a job with a startup may be more difficult than you think. Here are a few tips.
Look In Your Own Community
When you think of a startup, Silicon Valley, New York, Austin, or even Boulder, Colo., (a hot new city for tech startups) may come to mind. But startups are launched everywhere, so start by looking in your own community.
Connect With the Right People
If you’re looking for a traditional job, checking job search websites and attending local networking events is an effective strategy. But many startup positions are unadvertised. Venture capitalists, however, have a wealth of information about up-and-coming businesses, and they’re more than willing to share the info if you’re highly qualified. Check out the website AngelList for venture capitalists, and be sure you have a high-quality resume and a creative pitch at the ready.
Highlight Creativity, Flexibility, and Passion
Once you land a job interview, approach it with a different attitude than a traditional interview. Startup founders like to see candidates who are creative and can think quickly, have the ability to change course at a moment’s notice, and are passionate about everything they do. Craft your resume in a way that highlights these characteristics and be sure they shine through during your conversation.
Don’t Give Up
If you thought you needed persistence during a typical job search, you’ll need that much more when looking for a position with a startup. Founders and owners are incredibly busy, and are often going solo in the early days of business. Be sure to follow up, especially if you’ve already had an interview – just because you don’t hear anything back in the first few days, doesn’t mean they’re not interested.
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