Are you excited about wearing multiple hats, facing challenges and working in an ever-innovative environment? So, the startup world’s enchantment has struck you. Now, the big question you must have is – How do I get a startup job?
A startup job is quite different from a regular job. A startup job will offer you a dynamic work environment and a life-time opportunity to contribute and be a part of something massive on the ground floor of its establishment. Well, sounds insanely exciting? Certainly it does. However, along with pros you also get cons. A startup job is extremely draining, you work under immense pressure and it provides you with nil or very less initial salary. After weighing the pros and cons if you still have the zeal for working in a startup go ahead and read further.
How do I get a startup job? – Landing a startup job is itself a mammoth task. Startups initially do not generate revenue hence, they have a very small window for jobs and mostly they don’t have a recruiting budget. Thus, it’s very difficult to get a startup job however, if you focus on some of these given areas your search for a startup job might end in success.
Networking – the ultimate area to focus on
“Ultimately, it’s not about who you know, but who knows you!”
Networking will prove to be the most productive and proficient tool that will ensure you a startup job. Most people primarily look for jobs posted online. However, 70-80% startup jobs are not posted online and definitely not advertised properly. Mostly startups when small rely on personal connections and people they meet at certain startup events to hire efficiently. Enter Networking. This implies your startup job search should be less about your resumes and more about your networking.
To develop your network, start attending local tech meet-ups and conferences, startup events and join several Facebook startup groups. Get in touch with local entrepreneurs around you by visiting local companies and talk to the founders personally. This will help you in creating an excellent first impression. You might land up with a job offer either from the local entrepreneurs or they might introduce you to other entrepreneurs and help you in selling your skill sets and abilities and there you go you might have a job offer from some other startup.
Visit startup job boards regularly
Well, you have started with building your own network. Great! Now your next step is developing a new habit. Start visiting startup job boards as religiously as you visit Facebook. This will help you in understanding the market scenario and enable you to keep track of the opportunities in the startup ecosystem. You will also get valuable insights regarding the founders and the company background.
You can check out India Startup Jobs – AngelList and Startup Jobs in India, Find Posts/Jobs for getting a startup job that suits your profile.
Funding Announcements – Ah! The jubilant time
As soon as you hear the ecstatic news of a startup raising substantial funds, roll up your sleeves and get down to work. The right time for you to apply for a job is now. Ah the delightful time funding announcement is for you applicants! Hefty funding means the company will deploy the fund acquired into expansion. Thus, they will be looking for more talent. Enter your application.
Now, the question you might have – From where do I get the latest funding announcements? Well, hail the almighty, social media! Funding announcements are published on various media outlets, official website of the companies and even some local newspapers.
Proper Research – Do your homework
The next milestone in your journey will be proper research. You can’t randomly apply for a job at any and every company. Before applying you need to spend ample amount of time on the internet. Look for more ventures and better job opportunities. Study the market vigorously and find the job which is most suited to your skills and capabilities. Another important decision making criteria will be your passion for the product. Before applying make sure you are actually passionate about the product and you believe in the company.
Be where startup jobs are
Seems like it’s a piece of cake? Think again. In India, the entrepreneurship boom began half a decade ago. Naturally, the entrepreneurship bug has not yet reached all cities and towns. Currently, the Tier I cities like Bangalore – the Silicon Valley of India, Delhi, Mumbai and a few Tier II cities like Kochi, Ahmadabad, Indore and Bhubaneswar have a flourishing startup ecosystem. Thus, it’s very important for you to be at the prime locations of the startup ecosystem. Only then will you discover opportunities to get your foot in the door with a new startup venture.
Social Media – (Largest tool at your dispense)
The biggest gift of 21st century is Social Media. Scouring sites like LinkedIn and Twitter is one of the greatest ways to acquire information regarding latest startups and their job openings. Various tools like hash tags and several other search tools are available to find companies you would be interested in working in. These sites also enable you to know about the company’s background. Several LinkedIn groups help you in growing your business circle. Social media serves as a great asset to meet new entrepreneurs in the niche you want to explore and know about the different business practices.
Be passionate about the company know its product or service
Startups are looking for people who are passionate about the product and who will help them build their vision into reality. If you plan on applying for a particular startup, make sure you are prepared with a bunch of questions and feedback about the company’s product. This will directly show your genuine interest in the product and the company. This is satisfying for the recruiters. Passion for the product or company will always help recruiters take the leap of faith and hire you in their startup.
Know the industry and the competitors
Indian startup market is insanely competitive. Several startups are coming up in the same niche or domain thus, the competition is robust. Hence, knowing the industry as well as the competitors is the key ingredient for a startup to succeed. Thus, the recruiters would definitely want the applicants for the job to know the market in and out. If you want to be taken seriously for a position, make sure you’ve done your homework. Know the company and the competitors’ weaknesses. Do heavy research on the market you’re applying for.
Skills, skills and skills – Prepare yourself for the adventure
Startups are always in search of people who are experts in their fields, who can perform multitasking exceptionally and pitch in innovative ideas to further expand their venture. Before applying to any startup, make sure you’ve polished your professional skills and you have apt and up to date knowledge. Always remember to work for a startup, just skills will never be enough you have to be creative. An applicant with a creative side will always be preferred over other applicants.
Take initiative, Be Proactive
As I already mentioned, the window for startup jobs is very small and hundreds of candidates apply for these jobs hence you have to be focused and proactive. Take initiative don’t wait for job listings to come out, start meeting people and e-mailing your resumes.
The best part about a startup is that everyone has the chance to contribute in a big way. Hence, come up with innovative ideas and strategies that can be implemented to improve the company’s service and product. Keep yourself prepared for the interview to dazzle the recruiters with your amazing ideas.
Have an online presence
A developed online presence is a priceless asset to prove yourself – a valuable candidate, if you’re planning for a tech startup job. Along with a resume and a cover letter try to include your complete LinkedIn profile or a website which has your portfolio, resume, etc. A full LinkedIn profile shows how many professional connections you’ve made and your skills whether they are endorsed or not. This will back your claim that you’re a valuable asset for the company and also help you stand out from the crowd.
First things first build a strong LinkedIn profile – you have tons of resources to help you do so. Create a personal website that will definitely add up to your chances on getting selected for a startup job.
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