Have you always dreamed of working at a slick startup? Do you love the buzz of a close-knit team? Are you ready to wear many hats and work hard? Working in a startup isn’t for everyone, but if you think you have what it takes then follow our top tips for landing your dream startup job below.
Check your brand
A startup founder can find out more about you online than they ever would in an interview, so make sure that your personal brand is in check.
Before you apply for a job, do a quick Google search on your name. Make sure that you turn your browser to “Incognito” so you don’t get biased results. Check out all the links that lead to your name, including old social media social accounts and websites. You don’t want something from your past creeping up to spoil your chances.
Get out there
Online connections are great, but nothing beats a face-to-face interaction. If you really want to break into the startup world then you need to start building up your contact base.
Stay in touch with people that you have worked with before, and enlist the help of a trusted mentor. You should also attend fun and relaxed social events where possible.
Be passionate about the product
If you really want to succeed in this fast-paced environment then you need to find a product that you believe in. Choose a company that aligns with your core values and find a team that you are passionate about.
Startups are brutal places. People get fired, offices close, and the overall plan will change over and over again. If you are not fully committed to the company and what they are trying to achieve, then you will be miserable. Find a product that you believe will succeed and then do everything in your power to make that happen.
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Don’t lie
We’ve all been there before. You’re applying for your dream startup job. Thankfully, you fulfil 99.9% of the criteria, but there’s that one little skill that you’re lacking. You want the job so badly that you consider simply lying and saying you’re a Photoshop whiz kid/MailChimp genius/Salesforce extraordinaire. Who will ever find out?
Eh, they will. Probably during your first week on the job.
When you’re trying to land your perfect startup job, don’t fall into the lying trap. That goes for your personality too. If you’re usually really sarcastic, don’t spend the interview acting sickly sweet. If you like working from home, don’t pretend you’re going to be in the office every day. Be upfront and honest, and you’ll get further in the long run.
Stay informed
During your job hunt, you need to stay up to date on the latest startup news. You should know when your company last received investment, if they have appointed any new senior members of staff, and if they have been in the press over the last few months. You also need to pay close attention to the company’s competitors. They will probably ask you about them if you are lucky enough to make it to the interview stage.
Be flexible
Startups develop fast, so don’t accept a job unless you’re able to keep up with the pace. You might be hired for a specific role, but six months down the line you could be doing something entirely different.
A startup is no place for slackers either. If you want to get involved in this environment, you need to be a hard worker who is willing to give it their all, even when completing less glamorous tasks.
If you are looking for a new role, head over to our job board now and check out all the exciting opportunities available.
