Getting a job at a startup is easier said than done. If you do not have much experience in product design or work in the startup industry, then you are often considered too big of a risk for startups to take on. It takes them a lot of resources to hire somebody and get them acclimated to the company. They need to make sure the people they hire will be excellent producers in their company.
Here are five steps to help you get a job at a startup.
1) Design Something
One of the biggest reasons you will not be able to get a job is because you are unproven with no real experience. Use your spare time to design a product or website by hand and then market it and sell it. Even if it is unsuccessful, you will have already gained an edge over all the applicants who have never designed something in their life before. If it is successful, then you will have proven that you can be a strong producer at a startup.
2) Establish a Strong Internet Presence
You should have a strong social media anyway while job seeking but it is especially important when you want to get a job at a startup. Post your work on your social media accounts and update them regularly. Fully fill out your profiles as well, and avoid posting things that are discriminatory, negative, political, or controversial. Sometimes this part is just as important as your applications.
Also, have a well-designed and developed online portfolio that is easy for employers to find. By promoting yourself well online, you show you are adept at technology and social media, you know how to market yourself, and you can maintain an excellent image that will reflect well on the startup. Like and follow the startups you want to work for on social media as well to show you have a genuine interest in their companies.
3) Apply to New Companies with 10 People or Less
Companies that are just starting out themselves and have very few employees will be more likely to hire somebody with little to no experience because they will have much fewer applicants than a startup that has already proven themselves. Startups take on a huge risk when hiring someone inexperienced. Make a list of startups that have 10 people or less in them. You can apply to proven startups like AirBnB as well, but these places will be where you apply first.
4) Research
Take a lot of time to research the startups you are applying to. Be very familiar with their products, services, and website. Look up mentions of them in magazines, newspapers, and on other websites. Find them on social media, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor and read everything about them and the company culture. Knowing the startup's history and company culture will help you show that you are a great fit for the company during the application process.
Think about how you can help them specifically and come up with some ideas of what you can contribute to the startup if they hire you. You should also fully understand the niche and the company's main competitors.
5) Spend An Enormous Amount of Time and Effort on Your Application
Applying to work at a startup is much different and much more intense than applying for a regular company. You have to convince the company that you are worth hiring and that you are dedicated to the company and their products and cause. Use websites (such as Hloom) to build an impressive and well-formatted resume. You will grab the attention of the employer and send the message that you are knowledgeable and dedicated to the company.
During the interview, remain polite and open-minded. Do not come in with a lot of assumptions about the company, especially if they are mostly negative. Also leave anger, resentment and other issues with past employers in the past. Ask questions about the company culture and what the company is like to work for as well as what they think the most challenging things are for new hires. After your interview, send a thank-you note whether or not you think you got the job or did well during the interview. The note will flatter the interviewer and it is a nice touch that can often make you more memorable in the employer's mind and set you apart from other candidates. Send a thank-you email that night, or write a thank-you note and mail it as soon as you are out of the interview. That way you will not forget to do it.
Getting a job at a startup is difficult. It is a competitive field to break into but these five steps will help set you apart from the others and make it much more likely that you will get hired.
