Right place, right time. Nowhere is that combination more powerful than in job search. But, how can you insert yourself into just the right company, at just the right time?
Hiring bursts happen when two things intersect: an influx of cash, and the need to grow. When you parachute yourself into that sweet spot, you greatly increase your chances of landing a role in a high-potential enterprise. You do this by targeting companies that are a particularly good fit for you and that have just had a cash infusion, otherwise known as a funding round.
Tyler Swartz outlined an excellent system for doing this in a recent Twitter thread. It’s spot-on. You simply set up a system to filter on these high-potential companies, then work your system.
A job search in tech that is scattershot can be a waste of time. If you’re not getting much response in your search, I’d recommend experimenting with this more targeted and systematized approach.
Thoughtfully determine your company maturity fit.
I have long held that company stage is an essential job filtering device, especially for older candidates. Consider:
Early-stage companies may be riskier employers because they haven’t yet proven long-term viability. Also, compensation at these companies is usually lower than the market rate. Instead, they offer the potential for a longer-term payout. Think IPO with significant stock options. That said, most early-stage companies will never get there. Bottom line, If you have an appetite for risk and enjoy a more chaotic work environment—and have the financial ability to defer compensation—this may be for you. Otherwise, consider focusing on more mature companies.
In particular, companies receiving Series B funding and beyond can be a sweet spot for highly experienced, senior-level candidates. These companies are at a stage where they are becoming more structured and need more seasoned executives to take the business to the next level. They may desperately need your expertise and soft skills, as well as your network.
Soul-searching about the best stage of company maturity for you will save you time in the near term and headaches (or worse!) in the long term.
Automate news on companies getting funding.
A major influx of capital is often when companies ramp up hiring. Indeed, the pitch for funding is often that the investment will allow them to grow their teams. Swartz recommends setting up a query on Crunchbase, then checking it daily. You can filter on the amount of funding, time frame, and even investors (for example, if you consider blue-chip VCs a signal). Of course, you can do a search like this at any time. But checking it daily creates a structure for yourself and allows you to stay on top of news.
Do your homework.
When an interesting company appears in your Crunchbase query results, do some research. What does the company do and what is its market? Is there a fit with your skills or interests? Perhaps you’re already working in the sector, or you’re passionate about their mission.
Then, who do you know? A warm introduction is always the best way into a company—and sometimes it’s the only way to get past the gatekeeper. A LinkedIn search will show your connections there. Have an outreach template or two at-the-ready, something you can personalize but that won’t slow you down. And remember, you can begin a conversation with connections even before you ever see any job postings. A note of congratulations on the funding is simple and sets you up for later inquiring about a specific role.
Track their job postings.
Follow the company on LinkedIn and track when they post new openings that match your skills. AngelList is another excellent resource for this. Approaching the company through a warm connection is always the most effective way to apply for a job. Luckily, you’ve already begun communication with yours.
Certainly, this isn’t a one-and-done process. It’s a system to add to your daily search activities. But it’s efficient and has the potential to yield results. It isn’t foolproof—nothing is when it comes to job search. But it provides structure and ensures that you’re applying to companies that are a fit for you and have the funds to bring you into the fold.
While job search can be a numbers game—the more you apply, the greater your chance of success—it certainly pays to play the numbers strategically.
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