How to Get a Job at a Startup

@startupinst startupinstitute/startupinstwww.startupinstitute.com

September 24, 2014

Lindsay MajaneDirector of Product Marketing, Cravelabs

About MePrior to joining CraveLabs, Lindsay worked in account services at large and small advertising agencies in Boston and attended the Technical Marketing program at Startup Institute. When not at the office, Lindsay can be found at various tech-related events in the Boston community.

@lindsaymajane

Agenda I. Practice your introduction

II. Develop a strategyIII. Building your networkIV. Figure out if they’re hiringV. Ask how you can help

VI. Org mappingVII. Dos and Don’ts

VIII. What startups look for

The cold, hard truth - part I

Jobs only get posted after a startup has exhausted their personal network. That’s why a personal connection beats a perfectly-polished resume.

Every time.

The path to a job posting at a startup:

“We should hire someone to help with overseeing the widgets.”

“Hey, trusted coworker: do you know anyone who would be good for this role?

“Hey, trusted network: I’m getting desperate...do you know any good people I should talk to?”

“<SIGH>, Hey, Internet, I’ve exhausted all other options: help me find someone….NOW”

“If your first question for me is "What does your company do?" you can bet that I’m drawing a big red X through your name.” (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/article/20140705055830-52594-the-five-deadliest-job-interview-mistakes)

Lindsay’s favorite question: “So you’re really interested in advertising? Tell me about an advertising campaign you’ve seen recently that you thought was really smart or noteworthy.”

The cold, hard truth - part IIIf you have to...fake it ‘til you make it. [But put a lot of effort into faking it.]

Practice your 30 second pitch.○ Make it brief○ Make it positive○ Make it non-linear (highlight what’s important)

Don’t be afraid to tell people what you’re looking for.○ Specifics make you more memorable, and make it easier

for someone to pair you with an opportunity.

Introductions

What do you want to be doing?

Where do you want to be?

What tasks do you enjoy doing most?

What industry do you want to be in?

What short term goal will help you achieve your long term goal?

Develop a Strategy Long term vs. Short term

Industry?

People?

Role?

What matters most to you? This may help you narrow your search.

Networking events(Bostinno, Greenhorn, Venturefizz)

Never leave a meeting without intros> Follow up! The intros go stale after a while.

Internships & being willing to volunteer

Get to know themThey didn’t know they were hiring until they met you...

How to build your network

Event networking○ Going to events, lectures, panels, conferences, etc.

One-on-one networking○ Sending emails, phone calls, coffee meetings, etc.

Hint: the more you do it, the easier it gets.

Types of networking

If you’re working full time: Try to do one networking event per week to start. Go for quality over quantity.

If you’re unemployed: get after it. This is your job now.

How do I fit it in?

Resources:LinkedInFacebookTwitterGoogle (news, website, etc.)CrunchbaseGithub...the interwebs

Energy in = Energy outWhat can you learn about a person, a company, and an industry before a meeting?

It’s not all about them.

It’s about how YOU can help THEM.

Be proactive!

Let’s get serious You found a company you like. You met someone for coffee. You got along great. Who makes the next move??

“Is there anyone else at your company you think I should talk to?”

“What’s the best way to check in to know if you have new positions opening?”

“Is there anything I can help you with? A special project? Research? A blog post?”

Show you’re interested. Don’t tell.

The asks (post-meeting)

Are they hiring?

Raising $$$ means they are hiring.

Startups are always looking for great people.

1. Search your network for any possible connections and directly ask for an intro.

2. Pick a person of your similar level and reach out to them to ask for a coffee meeting.

3. Send your resume into the general email address with a short intro, what you’re looking for, and how you can help.

So you think they’re hiring…now what?

The Business Model Canvas How do they operate?

Don’t just describe theirproduct/service.

Download Here.

You can map everyone

This is much different than big companies.

[Hint: ask for help if you have a trusted friend who knows more than you do!]

...The map isn’t complicated.

● Cut-and-paste email template: “Hi, my name is Sally and I like what your company does…”

● LinkedIn me before you’ve met me.

● Show up at my office.

● Use terms incorrectly.

● Assume that I have free time. “Do you have 10 free minutes…”

● Ask if my office has [insert cheesy startup perk like foosball, beer, etc.]

● Forget to thank someone and follow up after they’ve introduced you to someone.

Things not to do

● Learn a bit about my industry and the current trends/news.

● Take a stab at a plan or an idea. And ask me what I think.

● Be interested. Listen and ask questions about what I’m saying.

● Let me vent (this is a great way to understand how you can help!)

● Be open to temp-to-perm, or even ‘yeah, stop by tomorrow’. The best way to get in the door is to prove yourself.

Things to do

● Growth mindset

● Asking for help

● Emotional intelligence

● Pay it forward

● Share your network

● Be a student & teacher

● Represent yourself accordingly

What Startups Look For● Take risks

● Draw the f*cking owl

● Humility

● Always learning

● Courage … Stretch

● Mutual Respect

● Uncertainty

Questions?

Thank you.