Boston High-Tech Recruiter

Presents

Keys to Finding a Job at the Right Startup for You

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 Waltons 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

Dont Be a Square Peg In a Round Hole

Evaluate if the companys culture is a match

ensure the startup shares you outlook and goals

If youre a collaborator
make sure the company fosters collaboration

If your focus is innovation

ensure youre joining a creative company

If your goal is finding a company with a foosball table

make sure youll be allowed to take long lunches

Dont 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 companys growth potential Evaluate the startups 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 cant eventually turn a profit, it cant 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 startups 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 doesnt feel right

it likely will never feel right its 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 companys 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

Need a Job Search Partner?

Looking for personalized assistance finding a job? Contact: CareerEncore, Inc.
A boutique recruiting firm serving Greater Boston-area tech companies Seeking candidates from tech-driven companies Regardless of functional experience (Development, Systems, Marketing, Sales, Finance, Operations, Executive Suite, etc.) Were always looking for software engineers, programmers, & developers Our commitment & experience enable us to match talent with opportunity

www.CareerEncore.com Recruiter@CareerEncore.com (617) 242-4443

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