How to get your first job at a startup
If you read my first article, you might be thinking to yourself: “I can really see myself working at a startup, but where do I begin?”. The allure of a fast-paced technology company is a strong one, and with it comes hard work, creativeness, and dedication. This article is for people who want to learn how to get their first job at a startup.
In this post, I’ll share some thoughts on how to stand out from the competition and land your first job at a startup.
1. Be focused with your search, and go deep.
Nowadays, it’s so easy to apply to roles with “one-click” on LinkedIn, or to bulk send your resume out to hundreds of potential roles. Landing a job with a startup is not a “spray and pray” technique, but rather a focused approach.
Choose 2-3 companies that you could really see yourself working at. Go ahead, write them down! This is going to help you really personalize your application and land an interview.
Even if your dream company doesn’t have any entry-level or internship positions, don’t let it deter you! My first job with Wealthsimple as a marketing intern was never a publicly posted role.
2. Build your personal brand.
Now, before you actually reach out, you need to have an idea of what value you can add to a company, and you need to be able to showcase that ability. I know you’re talented, but you need to be able to display that efficiently to a recruiter or hiring manager. You need to be able to sell yourself in a clear and concise way to get your first job at a startup.
Looking to get into product design? A portfolio showcasing your work and case studies is a great start. Thinking of working in marketing or business development? Showcase your marketing efficacy and copywriting skills with a well-laid out LinkedIn profile, or personal website. Are you an engineer? Share your GitHub profile, or a showcase of your projects while in school. These small touches go a long way and really make you stand out.
However, the most effective way to build your brand is by being a great colleague, community member, and/or volunteer. References and introductions/referrals are instant trust-builders.
3. Get creative with your outreach.
Now that you know which companies you’re targeting and have your personal brand established, it’s time to start reaching out.
Most people would try applying on the careers page, or sending generic, cold-outreach messages on LinkedIn to hiring managers. But we want to stand out, don’t we? Like anything in life, trust and relationship-building really go a long way. Engage with members of the team in creative ways such as replying to their tweets and LinkedIn posts and adding value. Create a video cover letter and blast it to the company on every social platform you know. Try cold-emailing members of the team directly by being scrappy and resourceful in obtaining their email addresses.
4. Nailing the interview process
Getting your first job at a startup requires you to stand-out during the interview process. Typically, the process goes through the following steps:
Screening call with the recruiter
Introductory call with the hiring manager
Written or verbal case study or presentation to test your technical knowledge
Offer and negotiation
To begin, you’ll want to really research the company. Understanding their business model, who their customers are, and how they add value is extremely important. A hiring manager will know if you only read their home page, or the latest news clipping. Show them that you understand what they’re trying to do. You’ll then be able to provide relevant insights and show them directly how you can add value.
Don’t pretend to be someone that you are not. People will appreciate the answer, “I’m not sure, but I’d love to get back to you in follow-up”, much more than you stumbling through and making something up. Be relatable, friendly, but professional. Come prepared with a few questions to ask that will be conversation-starters. Don’t be afraid to be candid and go back and forth the interviewer.
After nailing the interview, don’t forget to follow up and thank the interviewer for their time. Now, sit back, relax, and watch the offers come flowing in.
5. Conclusion
And it’s as simple as that ;). Have any ideas, tips, or thoughts about the article? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear about more success stories. Feel free to reach out to me directly at aaronbfried@gmail.com.
Until next time!