If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or employee who wants to work for a startup, you may have noticed that landing a job can be difficult. There are many talented candidates with great skills and experience out there, so potential employees need to find ways to stand out from the crowd.
Having said that, it is possible for anyone to land their dream job at a startup if they put in enough work and effort. And it’s certainly worth it. After all, why would you want to work at a boring old corporation when there are exciting new companies popping up every day?
So how do you land yourself a job at a startup? Here are some key tips on how you can stand out from the pack!
The best ways to land a job at a startup
1. Craft an impressive CV
First things first, if you don’t know how to layout a CV properly then your chances of landing a start-up job are slim. No matter how you make contact with an employer, chances are they’ll ask to see your CV at some point.
Your CV should be no longer than one page if possible—anything more is likely to turn off hiring managers who are already overwhelmed by applications from other candidates. Keep in mind that many startups operate on tight budgets and likely can’t dedicate many HR resources to their hiring budget.
You should also make sure you include keywords from the job description when writing a CV. This will show employers that you are familiar with their company and have done your research before applying for a position.
Finally, remember that even if everything else looks perfect, but there are spelling errors or grammar mistakes on your CV, then all the good work has been undone. So proofread it before you send it in!
2. Consider getting additional qualifications
If you want to be competitive for a startup job, it’s never too late to learn something new. Look at courses that are relevant to the role you want and the company you want to work for.
If you already have a degree, consider going back and getting an MBA or certificate in a relevant field. If you don’t have a degree, now might be the time to get one! You can even look into online programs like Coursera that allow you to earn your degree from home.
3. Expand your network
Networking is the most powerful tool you have. You can’t succeed in business without it. The more people you know, the more opportunities you’ll have to succeed. It’s as simple as that!
So how do you build a network? One of the best ways is by connecting with people who can help your career, and also those who have similar interests or values.
This could mean joining clubs or volunteering at events where there are lots of other busy professionals like yourself–or even just reaching out to someone through social media!
4. Research your target companies
This is a necessary step before you can begin to apply for positions at any startup because it’s important to know what they do and how they do it. You don’t want to show up for an interview only to be asked questions about things you’ve never heard of.
To start, head over to the company website and read as much as possible about their business model and culture. If they don’t have a website or if their site seems outdated (or poorly designed), move on—they’re probably not a very high quality place to work.
5. Reach out to startups directly
One of the easiest ways to land a job at a startup is to reach out to the company directly. Social media sites like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook make this process easy because they allow you to find contact information for an organisation’s employees.
Additionally, if you already know someone who works there or has worked there before, ask them if they would be willing to connect you with someone who might be able to put your name forward as a potential candidate.
You can also send an email directly to startups that interest you, but you don’t want to be spammy about it. In your message, be sure that it’s clear exactly why you’re interested in working there and what skills and experiences you bring with you from previous positions.
6. Make sure you’ll fit in to the company culture
It’s essential to ensure you’ll fit into the work culture you’re trying to get into. If there are any reviews on Glassdoor, or other sites like it where current employees review their experience working at this startup, then you should definitely take a look at them.
Additionally, when you’re interviewing for a job at a startup, ask the recruiter about the company culture and make sure it’s one that aligns with your own values.
You should be honest about your strengths and weaknesses, personality, and interests to ensure compatibility. If you don’t feel like it’s a good match, move on!