How Do I Get a Job at a Startup?

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I received an email from a reader named Michael:

Do you have any tips on finding a startup that’s hiring? At this point I would almost be willing to volunteer if it meant I could be a part of the excitement and energy that comes along with working at a startup.

Having recently taken a full-time job at Brazen Careerist, this question seemed right up my alley. So if you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to startups, answer these seven questions:

Can You Handle the Job?

Startups are every millennial’s dream – but dreams can turn to nightmares pretty quickly. Before considering a startup lifestyle, ask yourself the question, “Do I have what it takes?” Joel on Software sums it up well in his description of what his company looks for in a job applicant: “smart, and gets things done.” (Read why.)

Realistically, you need high levels of both talent and stamina in your area of profession, and many people lack aptitude in one or the other. But at a startup, you will be expected to get things done quickly, take ownership of many tasks (some that you may not even be qualified for), and help out with many other tasks that you’re definitely not qualified for. It’s a lot of pressure, and the stress can build quickly as you get inundated with work.

Don’t think you have it? Nonsense. Even if this doesn’t sound like you yet, you can get there. If you are serious about working for a startup, try honing these skills in your current job. Whatever you do now, go all out and become a superstar at your job – because superstars are more likely to get hired by startups.

Do You Know Why You are Needed?

Startups hire people for one reason and one reason only – they have a large need, and you can fill it. This is different from larger companies that sometimes hire people for their small needs. Startups don’t have that luxury because money is tight and often they need one person to wear many hats.

Instead of thinking about the one area you are good at, you must find a broader set of complimentary skills. For me, my specialties are software development, web development, business, blogging, and social media. This makes me an excellent candidate for managing changes on the Brazen Careerist site.

The good news is that at a startup “specialities” are easier to find, because you don’t have to be an expert in anything to be one of the best people at it in the company. For example, I’m not nearly as into social media as many of my peers, but within the company I have a pretty firm grasp on it.

Overall, the “fit” has to be incredible at a startup. And finding where you fit starts with defining a broader skill set for yourself.

What Do You Want to Learn?

Fit is important for the startup, but it should also be important to you. Start with narrowing the industry you want to work in, then come up with a sample description of your dream job. Can you get a job similar to your sample description at a regular company? If so, why would you work for a startup? Sure, startups are fun and exciting, but many people do startups because they want to gain a specific skill that a regular job can’t meet.

Some of the things I wanted to learn at a startup were how to start a company and how to get funding for my own venture. I also wanted a very unique job that blended social media and community building with my current software development skill set so I could eventually transition out of technical jobs. Finally, I wanted a flexible schedule so I could work on my personal life with friends and family, which suffered greatly when I was working the 9-5 and attending graduate school 3 nights a week.

These are all questions that a startup would ask you, so think about them now and be ready to make your case when the time comes. What do you want?

Can you Afford the Startup Lifestyle?

You should start answering this question by looking at your finances. Some startups pay in stock options, some pay regular salaries, and some do both. What do you need to live?

Also, job security is almost non-existent at a startup, so you have to make sure your bank account can handle a date with unemployment. Do you have enough savings to make it by for a few months? Enough connections to get another job quickly?

Moving on from finances, consider other aspects of your personal life. Do you have kids and a responsibility to provide them with health insurance? Do you have time to work 50-60+ hour weeks, or do you have other commitments? Is everyone in your family healthy, or could you be torn from work to take care of a sick loved one?

A startup will need to know that you know what you’re getting into and your personal life is in order before hiring you.

Are You Friends with Entrepreneurs?

The only way to get hired at a startup is to become friends with entrepreneurs who have startups. This is because startups only hire their friends, which make sense when you think about the intimacy of coworker relationships in a startup.

When stress levels start to soar (and they are always soaring) nobody wants to work with someone they don’t like or don’t get along with. It’s counterproductive to the startup goals.

They say don’t go into business with your friends, but the reality is you can’t have a successful startup without your coworkers becoming your friends. There are some days when I don’t enjoy working with my coworkers, or when we strain ourselves to be nice to each other even though we’re all stressed out and ready to snap. Only friendships can survive this kind of tension.

So start developing friendships with entrepreneurs you would trust enough to work for.

Do You Hang Out at the Watering Hole?

I’ve answered why you need friendships with entrepreneurs, but you might also be wondering how to make friendships with entrepreneurs.

The internet is by far the largest watering hole for entrepreneurs to congregate. You can network on the internet many ways, but the way I got my job was by maintaining this blog and writing content that stood out and was relevant to my desired career.

Start a blog in your areas of expertise, and find a way to make your ideas stand out. Follow the blogs of entrepreneurs you want to connect with and leave comments or email them to introduce yourself. Ask for help. Write well and often. And most importantly, meet your online friends in person.

Do You Talk About Your Goals?

Working for a startup is a lofty goal, but the best way to find the right startup for you is through your network. So start telling everyone you know about your goal to do a startup, what kind of startup you want to work for, what your areas of expertise are, and why you would be good at your job.

You will eventually meet the right people and get the right job. Good luck!

Tagged as: Features

{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }

Adam Pieniazek July 30, 2008 at 2:42 pm: The other great way to get a job at a startup, start a startup! I’ve always wanted to be my own boss but rather than trying to work my way up a ladder I figured I’d start my own company and see where it takes me. This way, I’ve already achieved the being my own boss goal. Now to work on being my own boss AND being successful!

Monica O'Brien July 30, 2008 at 3:06 pm: Adam, that’s a great point. You can just start a startup, and then you work there. Personally, I would have trouble starting a startup at this point in my life, due to personal obligations to my husband. It’s a little more risky to start a startup than to join a startup that’s already semi-established, but for some people that might be a great option!

Justin July 30, 2008 at 3:19 pm: I agree with Adam, starting your own company is a great way to gain control over your career. The only person that stops you from being successful is yourself. It sure beats working your way up the so-called “Ladder”, even though that is where I am at right now. But soon, the day will come where I leave this meaningless cubicle job. Anyways, great post Monica!

Jun Loayza July 31, 2008 at 2:53 am: Hey Monica,

Absolutely love the post. I couldn’t have put it better. This has actually inspired me to write a post about how startup entrepreneurs can get people to intern for them for free, while still making it a truly valuable experience. After all, internships are more about the experience than the money. Coming soon…

- Jun

Senia August 4, 2008 at 5:54 pm: Hi Monica,

Delighted to read this post. As an entrepreneur, I agree with these thoughts, and with using these to frame your questions. I also laud you for knowing that at this point you want to work for a great start-up, and what that sets you up to do in the future. Nice job. Thanks for your note over at coachology, and hope you’re loving BC!

Best,
Senia

Toilet Paper Entrepreneur August 7, 2008 at 4:38 pm: Monica,

Great post. You are dead on. We just hired a newbie to the industry, because of those exact reasons. It was a win-win. He got great experience, a little bit of pocket change (plus we gave him a real cool suprise after his 2 month stay). Now we are in the position of offering him a full time position.

- Mike Michalowicz

Robert Sofia September 4, 2008 at 9:37 am: Monica,

This is great advice. I have personally found my experience with two start-ups to be instrumental to the success of my career. Obviously there are some reasonable precautions that need to be taken, but you nicely enumerated these.

- Robert Sofia

Teresa November 10, 2008 at 4:17 am: Monica,

I just came by your blog by way of Brazen Careerist. I know this is several months after your post, but my friend actually recently started a resource that serves to connect startups to students: http://www.internshipin.com. Because why should all the big companies get all the resources, right?

Teresa

How Do I Get a Job at a Startup?

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