Competition in the job market, especially among highly skilled positions like engineers, can force people into positions they take out of necessity. Some of these positions pay well, others offer great benefits, but few offer the whole package. You’re more likely to find these opportunities at a startup, but you trade some of the financial incentives for more fulfilling work. Companies with fewer than 500 employees are engines of job creation.
Here is how you can get in with the right crowds.
Advantages
You might be asking yourself why a well-qualified engineer would want to take a position at a company that isn’t as stable as Google or Amazon. Often times, the answer comes down to personal preference. Some individuals prefer a low-stress environment bolstered by a specific company culture. Startups tend to favor cultivating a culture, because they want to present themselves as fantastic places to work. Startups may also be more open-minded about alternative work arrangements, such as telecommuting on a full or part-time basis.
Lastly, there is the excitement of being “in on the ground floor” of an expanding company. Those who manage to find such opportunities may find themselves the recipient of a large payout when the company does finally go public.
Informational Interviews
Startups are notoriously difficult to find unless you know what you’re looking for. A lot of mid-sized businesses like to masquerade as startups, though their company history and size may tell a different story. So, your best chance at landing a job at these small companies is to meet their founders and staff, and network with them. You can meet at various trade shows in your local area, or you can contact an executive from the team and request a tour of the facilities, or a lunch meeting to show your interest.
Don’t mistake the meeting for an interview. You’re not trying to get a job yet, but you are angling to discover company culture and benefits that might interest you. It’s ok to discuss your skills during this phase, and even your career ambitions, but you want to avoid laying it on too thick. If you’re lucky enough to score an informational interview, asking the right questions can be as good as getting your foot in the door.
Staffing Firms
Engineering staffing firms have the insider scoop on industry-specific opportunities that remain largely unpublished. Most prospective engineers spend their days off scouring job sites for new postings, looking for their dream job. Recruiters are in contact with the hiring manager and know what the job entails. They are in the best position to vet your resume, and pass along contact info to interested parties. The advantage is like getting a recommendation from a colleague who already works with the company. Businesses even hire full-timers from the pools of temporary employees.
Staffing firms also don’t cost you, the candidate. You “pay” for their services as a percentage of your paycheck. The recruiter will tell you how much you should be taking home for your time, after they have taken their cut. It’s quite possible to find a very livable wage doing temp work, especially in highly qualified positions like engineering.
Interviewing Techniques
Once you score the actual job interview, it’s time to put your best foot forward. Don’t just come with a resume, come with a plan. A startup will expect a lot from its employees, and will want to know you’re capable of doing more than just taking instruction. Do show what you intend to offer to the company, how you plan to tackle your daily tasks, and give an idea of some of the goals you hope to hit during your first few months/year of employment.
Final Thoughts
Working for a startup can be glamorous if you know how to choose a good company. Smart job seekers will do plenty of research to determine if the company culture, and ultimately the job itself are worth the effort.
