How to land a job at a start-up

Get involved with local meetups, socials, co-working events, etc. You need to expand your network in the area. Getting a (good) job at a startup is all about who you know. Join mailing lists (and participate). While you're at it - start a blog and document the entire process.

For starters, make your information available. Be transparent and open. I got my job at a startup by having a conversation with a completely random person, shared my stories and experiences, and by the end of the conversation, I joined a his startup. Now, that is a very unusual circumstance, but guess what, that's life. Social Media makes that element easier too. By the way, my company also happens to be considering new candidates for "sales and business development" with experience in tech, and ivy league school is a plus. Please send email my way if interested. See how the transparency and openness thing works?

Find a company (or 2 or 3) you think you can love and "volunteer." Every early stage company needs help- if you're serious about sales or biz dev, develop a prospect list and approach them with an action plan of how you will help them close these customers. Set some benchmarks with the company and get their buy-in on how this will benefit them. Then start selling- easier if you love the product and if it is the right opportunity for you, the job will come.

I agree that it's all about your network, but you also have to show the right skills. Are you active in social media? Can you attract a strong following on Twitter or Facebook? Participate in some of the unconferences (camps), which are a great way to meet people AND to prove you have the skills to work in a less structured environment. When I hire, I am always fearful of big company types who don't know how to roll up their sleeves. Look for opportunities to demonstrate that you have the "best all-around athlete" skills that startups crave.

(Also - think about startups that might find your connections at the larger tech company valuable - perhaps those who might want to be part of the ecosystem for that company ; those company's CEOs might find your background more relevant)

Here is a link to a great post by Dharmesh Shah on the topic:

http://feed.onstartups.com/~r/onstartups/~3/PzN4QRevsP4/6-Quick-Tips-For-Landing-That-Startup-Dream-Job.aspx

Try making a list of companies, products or verticals that you love or are interested in. Get involved: use their software, read their blogs, figure out the space. Connect: find them on twitter, constructively(!!) comment on what they write, think of new features/partners/etc.

Companies love hiring from their networks, but they also love hiring their users and community members. Showing that you're involved is a massive step in the right direction.

Glad you're using Startuply, too ;)

Hi. I've been involved with startups and hiring since 1995. A few tips:

1. Work with whoever knows you... this is the easiest way. You work very closely with people at startups and job responsibilities change all the time. If someone knows you and the quality of your work product, that's the easiest way in. Connections through your crazy uncle count.

2. Be realistic. My background is in software and there are only a few things to do at an early stage start up - design the product (product manager, usually a founder), build the product (coder, tester, etc - engineer) and talk to customers (sales or customer service). Figure out which you are and just jump in. i.e. - there is no M&A job or "analyst" position at a startup. Marketing, business development, etc. usually happen after the product is built.

3. Go where you want to be. Barring very odd circumstances, startups are cheap and don't relocate people, nor will they pay well. Wanna be in the bay area and working for a startup find a couch to crash on and buy a one way ticket and make it your mission to find a home.

4. If you are early in your career the best thing to do is just get in - startups move fast and you learn a ton along the way. Youre very unlikely t be excited about the job thats offered or the salary. Be confident that what you'll do the day you start and 1 year later will have very little in common. Basically, volunteer to show up without pay and take out the trash at the best company you can find. Within a month, if they like and trust you you'll be doing something important and learning more than you thought possible. The good news is that after you pay your dues at your first startup it will be much easier to get into (and get paid) at your second, etc. Theres no replacement for previous startup experience. If you have the option to, try to join a startup lead by someone who has been around startups before. Ill repeat: theres no replacement for startup experience.

5. If you are going to make this type of leap try to find a company doing something you are fired up about. Your passion will shine through and be hard to resist for the team. Its also going to be hard. Really hard. Its better if you are working on something you believe in.

6. The easiest way in to a startup is by doing something you already