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