Startups aren’t like big corporations or multinational companies. They’re brand new, usually quite small and very passionate about what they do.
So, that means you can’t get a job at a startup by using the same methods that you always have. You need to mix things up.
If you want to land your dream startup gig then you need to follow our guidelines below. Trust us, we know what we’re talking about.
Use your network
The startup community is small. No matter which company you decide to apply to you probably know somewhere who works there. At the very least you will have a few mutual LinkedIn connections which is precisely why your network is so important.
Knowing someone at the company won’t necessarily get you the job but it could help you to get an introduction or maybe even an interview. Afterall, a CEO is much more likely to pay attention to a recommendation from a valued employee instead of a random reference.
Know their product
Startups care about their product more than anything else. Think about it, their product is the reason why their company is even there in the first place. It’s the idea that kept them up at night and the concept that allowed them to start their own business.
If you want to work for a company that sells a physical product or a piece of software, you’ll need to know it inside and out, so get started early and spend as much time as you can familiarising yourself with it.
Find out about the company culture
Startups are passionate about company culture. They want a new hire to fit in with their existing team.Culture goes beyond Friday afternoon drinks and it’s more important than free lunch. It’s about how employees feel about their roles and the work that they do.
Startups also face a lot of different issues from obtaining finance to hiring and firing. Understanding these problems will help to give you a competitive edge. You should read as many startup websites as possible and stay up to date with key news.
Have a passion project
An interesting side project is a million times more impressive than a good bio. It can be anything that involves regular commitment from you. A blog, podcast, YouTube channel or killer Instagram page are all great options especially if you’re seeking a creative role.
It doesn’t matter how many followers you have. What’s important is that you have the dedication to see a project through to completion. Demonstrating your side project shows a startup that you don’t just talk about things, you actually do them.
