Post on 17-Oct-2014
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Keys to Finding a Jobat the Right Startup for You
Boston High-Tech Recruiter
Presents…
Connect With Us:
www.CareerEncore.com
Recruiter@CareerEncore.com
Introduction• A job in which you can make a difference at a company is often
alluring
• Candidates frequently look to job listings from established corporations
• More likely, this opportunity exists at a startup
• But how do you know which startup is right for you?
What It Means to Be a Startup
• People use “startup” to describe a range of companies founded on the creative ideas of a small group of founders
• By this definition– Twitter is a successful worldwide startup – even Sam Walton’s Walmart is a startup
• Settle on what “startup” means to you
What It Means to Be a Startup• Determine what stage of a startup is right for your skill set &
career goals– Do you have the drive to establish a company that has yet to make a single
dollar? – Are you a sales professional that can flourish in a startup undergoing rapid
growth? – Is your time to shine leading a company to its IPO or an acquisition?
What It Means to Be a Startup
• The progression of a startup boils down to four stages: – 1) raising capital– 2) finding product/market fit– 3) growing revenue– 4) turning a profit
What It Means to Be a Startup• In a stage 1 or 2 startup
– you will perform exploratory roles– the demands of your job will change daily as the company evolves
• In a stage 3 or 4 startup– you are less likely to be exposed to different facets of the organization
• increasing your ability to specialize• decreasing your overall influence
Don’t Be a Square Peg In a Round Hole
• Evaluate if the company’s culture is a match– ensure the startup shares you outlook and goals
• If you’re a collaborator– make sure the company fosters collaboration
• If your focus is innovation– ensure you’re joining a creative company
• If your goal is finding a company with a foosball table– make sure you’ll be allowed to take long lunches
Don’t Be a Square Peg In a Round Hole
• Physical working environment impacts the fit between an employee and a startup
• Depending on the stage, a startup could be:– small and modest to save cash reserves – expansive to facilitate production – devoid of walls to foster communication– a beehive of offices to maintain focus
When, How, and Can the Company Grow?
• When pursuing a startup… – view the process as an investor
• Estimate the company’s growth potential
• Evaluate the startup’s future prospects– estimate the consumer demand for the product or service
When, How, and Can the Company Grow?
• It takes more than a great idea to maintain a successful business
• If a startup can’t eventually turn a profit, it can’t sustain itself
• Startups must execute a solid business plan that focuses on…– long-term growth
– identifiable assets
– a quality workforce
When, How, and Can the Company Grow?
• Check out who “follows” a startup’s social media• If you find venture capitalists & analysts as followers…
– this can reassure you the startup has a promising future
• If you find a string of ranting customers on Facebook…– this can warn you to steer clear
• If something doesn’t feel right…– it likely will never feel right– it’s not the right startup for you
Growing a Startup Is a Team Sport
• A supportive management team is a must– ensure management is set on growing the company and your career
• Where would you like to see the startup go?– make sure management is driving the company in that direction– if not, keep looking
Growing a Startup Is a Team Sport
• Find out why employees have left the company• If people went on to bigger opportunities in the same market…
– this is likely a positive sign – the startup could be a great stepping stone
• If people left for jobs unrelated to their career goals…– people were driven to leave the startup at all costs– this is a clear warning sign
Growing a Startup Is a Team Sport
• Find out who is backing the startup – consider where the startup will get money in the future– identify how well available financing matches the growth strategy
Do You Have What It Takes?
• Will you genuinely enjoy working at your startup?– do you have the passion to succeed?
• Can you adapt to the changing needs and direction of your startup?
• Will you be able to stay positive in the face of daunting obstacles?– a single employee can sabotage a company’s morale
Landing the Job
• Once you find the ideal startup for you…– Capture the attention of someone who can get you onto the team– Initial hires are usually made within circles of friends & former colleagues – Use connections to get your foot in the door
Sources
• Supporting content and materials adapted from: – Forbes Startup Advice, http://onforb.es/GFdu7v– Startup Interview Tips, http://on.mash.to/GEwG5Q– Signing On with a Startup, http://bit.ly/GFoHeI– Choosing the Right Startup, http://bit.ly/GHgTDX
Thank You for Viewing Our Presentation
Brought to You By:
Boston High-Tech Recruiter
Connect With Us:
www.CareerEncore.com
Recruiter@CareerEncore.com
(617) 242-4443