Finding a startup job
A few tips on going about your search for a startup job
Finding a right startup job is not easy. On aggregator job sites like Indeed etc, startup jobs can get crowded out by sponsored job postings or postings from larger tech companies.
In this post, I’ll cover a few strategies for doing your search and how to de-risk your decision.
Which startups are raising capital?
While not true all the time, startup financings indicate that a startup has achieved some product market fit and is on the road to achieving scale. Some VC has performed diligence on a startup and decided that it is worth investing.
Venture financings are tracked by multiple newsletters. Some of the popular ones include:
A quick skim of the deals help build a general sense of round sizes and sectors attracting venture dollars.
VC job postings
Established venture firms with a web presence and a reasonably large portfolio look to help their portfolio companies find talent. For e.g.
Startup communities
Built In is a national community united around a shared passion for tech, offering content and career opportunities, whether you want to work at home or in office.
Communities like Built In curate job postings + Best places to work lists highlighting startups in major tech hubs like NYC, SF, Seattle etc.
Your network
Reach out to friends, acquaintances or alumni working at startups.
What is the industry they’re in? Are you intrigued by this industry?
Are you passionate about working in this problem space?
Who are their competitors? Who are they displacing?
VC firms also have recruiting partners who’re part of their VC partnerships. These operating partners help portfolio companies find talent. Connect with them on LinkedIn and ask for a coffee chat to understand what kinds of roles they’re trying to hire for.
VC firms will occasionally hold networking events which are open to the public. Such events often feature founders from portfolio companies who’re a part of a panel. This is a great time to introduce yourself and make an impression.
Wrapping up
Thanks for reading! If you liked this post, give it a like or leave a comment to share your startup recruiting story. In the next post, I’ll cover some strategies for evaluating a startup job offer.