How to get hired at a tech startup (Q&A)
Q: How do I get hired at a tech startup?
A: My best recommendation is reaching out to the hiring managers/anyone on the team if you see a position you like! Be specific about the jobs you are looking at because interest/passion goes along way (does stand out in an email)
Q: great call! I am very specific about what I want, which is fantastic. via linkedin or email? not that I’d have their email though, so I guess direct message?
A: I usually do BOTH LinkedIn [LI] + email (I will guess their email or do my best to search it.. there are tools like hunter.io which are decent) to increase your chances of reaching them. Make sure to follow up 3x each “avenue” (3x email, 3x LI), maybe 4 days a part.
Example cadence: day 1— email + LI, day 4— email + LI, day 8— email + LI
Q: Oh SICK I’m def gonna look that up. Also wow I didn’t realize 3x isn’t overkill- okay word I will hit em THREE TIMES BABY
A: Persistence is key. And if you find a job you really like, and you really want to stand out, use loom.com (free) and film a 30sec video “hi jack, I’m heidi and really excited to apply for x..”
It’s all about:
1. How do you show you can do the job before getting the job (actually being someone who is responsive / on top of emails / persistent)
2. Getting their attention / standing out from the noise
Q: I used to hand write notes to the offices of the people to stand out, but I’ve been struggling to find ways to stand out now- those are some great calls. (I know it’s very old school)
A: Don’t worry! Be intentional as much as possible (no need to apply endlessly on LinkedIn). Find like 20 of the top companies that you really am moved by their vision / mission and reach out to someone on the team (whether or not there’s an opportunity for you) .
Build the relationship / plant the seed, and nurture the relationship.
You never know when a job opening might come up on their team, and hopefully you’re top of mind for them.
I heard recently from a friend that after an investment banking interview, if you don’t send a follow-up email within 12 hours, you’re automatically removed from the interview process. Because the interview process itself is a chance to show you can do the job. And if you can’t send a follow up email, how are you gonna be able to do bigger tasks.
I don’t know everything, I just try to ask people for help as much as I can and also learn from the internet! And then save the resources / write them down.