Getting Hired @ Silicon Vy Startup
Compiled by Peter/CXO Wiz4biz 9/13
1. Love what Company does is the most important factor. Passion for Products is king in Silicon Valley. Make comments about yours or others use of product/ service. Passion is more important than Education or Experience.
2. Create a Pitch for “selling” yourself.
1 Page long, 2 Key Points,
3 Sections: 1) Contact info, 2) Work experience (pick most relevant), & 3) Education
4-most Accomplishments (not your Title or Responsibility) Identify quantify-able results = new products, new customers.
5 Reviewed by 2-5 others. Incorporate ideas you like.
6 Use 6 to 60 “Action” words: created, designed, sold, solved, expanded, etc.
3. Bring Copies of your full Resume (so it’s immediately available, if they ask) Shows you’re prepared. Be concise. No more than 2-3 pages. Tailor your standard Resume to make it relevant to this job.
4. Know – or better still – dislike their Competition. It shows you’ve done your homework. Explain why. If it’s their closest Competitor, even better.
5. Expect “unusual” Interviewers. Some types are: Geniuses, Engr VP (too technical), Be-friender (to gain your confidence), Hard as Nails (that asks tuff questions & can’t be fooled), Investigating Cop, Bored or Boring, Intimidator, etc.
6. Show up Early (30 min) Why? a) Traffic, b) you might learn something in the Lobby [literature or eavesdropping], c) to review your 1 page Pitch.
7. Overdress. Ask HR what to wear, than look a little nicer.
8. Answer the typical 1st Question “How are you? with “I am really eager to learn the opportunities of this position and see if I fit in”. (shows your enthusiasm)
9. Listen for the Challenges that the company has, then offer your ideas for solutions. You don’t have to respond to all, but pick a few where your solution is strongest and/or simple & immediate.
10. Take Notes because: a) you can use them for follow-up Interviews, b) want to remember who you talked to & what you talked about and c) to impress them with your seriousness.
11. Confess your Sins (if they ask) ie, if you’ve done something kinda crazy in the past – ie, growing up. They’ll probably get a laugh and appreciate your candidness.
12. Instant Re-Play. If you give a poor answer, ask for an opportunity to give it again – now that you’ve thought about it a little (ie, catch & correct the mistake).
13. Prepare several Improvement Ideas on their Products or Services, Marketing (possible new Customers, new Markets, advantages to push), Cost-Savings, etc.
14. Reference List ready (if they ask for it). Shows you’re prepared, pro-active. Pick your best References. Ask if you can call them ahead and let them know they may be called.
15. Closing Remarks. Tell the Interviewer you see a “good fit” (if you do) & want to work at the company. It shows you’re decisive and know what you want. Mention 1 or 2 of the “contributions” you could make. Then ask, “What else do you need to know about me?
Comments: Do you have any other Ideas of how to get hired by a “hot” Startup in Silicon Valley?