How to Score a Job at a Start-Up

A year working in the pressure-cooker environment of a start-up can equate to three years of work in a “normal” corporate role. It takes a specific type of person to get a job at a start-up. The recruitment process, therefore, focuses on different personal and professional attributes.

Getting a job at a start-up can be incredibly rewarding. How do you score a job at these star factories if you are brave enough?

Research who has raised a large round recently. Many start-ups advertise roles on websites such as AngelList. If you do not want to be just another applicant, you can be more proactive in your strategy. Keep one ear to the ground regarding who is active in the investment market. Start-ups that have just completed funding rounds will likely be on the lookout for new talent.

Become active in the right online communities. Whether it is a Slack channel or a Facebook group, adding genuine value to online communities with your knowledge is the best way of being noticed and earning some much-needed social proof. If the start-up founder recognises the name at the top of your resume, your chances will skyrocket. A consistent industry presence in the right places online is a solid investment that will continue to pay off as you move from one start-up to another. Don’t be shy about asking your network for help.

Hook for a job at a start-up

Build your application around one unique hook. Start-ups will likely be hiring a range of employees at once. Focusing on the one thing that will make the biggest difference will give you a chance of sticking in the memories of hiring managers for that little bit longer. Make it clear that you have lots more to offer. You can only be truly memorable for one thing. How you construct this elevator pitch will dictate your success. 

Be hyper-specific about your current and future value. With a start-up, you must realise that your activity will change as the organisation matures and grows. You might be a great fit for the day-one job description, but you need to be clear about how your skills will allow you to add value for the duration of the fast-changing journey. Understanding your role’s current and future requirements will set you apart as someone with vision.

Start-up determination

Cultivate an attitude of die-hard determination. Go above and beyond to secure the interview and above and beyond to demonstrate your competencies. Determination and ambition are essential ingredients of any start-up employee, and there are plenty of chances to show that you never give up during an interview process. Don’t take no for an answer and explore any avenue to bring you one step closer to that dream job. Persistence is key.

Show an intense passion for the product or service. A start-up will need you to dedicate all your waking hours to its cause. Without passion, this is a big ask. Tell them in no uncertain terms why you love what they do and why you believe in them. Demonstrate how the company’s mission has also been part of your story – find some common themes you already share.

Leave your ego at the door. Lastly, a start-up is a meeting of minds set on a common purpose. There is no place for any hint of ego, so make sure your job search encapsulates as many elements of teamwork as possible. Founders will be looking for new hires who will complement their existing people, so be prepared to share your honest opinions, but don’t come across as someone unwilling to change their mind.

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This blog is shared with Job Seeker Duetists. 

Written by former recruitment ghostwriter Paul Drury (not AI).