I’m Brennan and I make it look easy, don’t I? That’s cause it is.
This entrepreneur’s answers to how to get a startup job are so straightforward, so simple, that they make you think… Can getting a startup job really be that easy?
Brennan White, co-founder of Pandemic Labs, thinks the answer is yes. As long as you’re doing things the startup way.
THE TIPS
(GET the job tip) Easy as 1-2-3
Brennan answers the questions about getting a startup job – and his answer is briefs. Brief emails, that is. He has no problem with job seekers reaching out to him directly. In fact, he prefers it. But, he wants it brief. How brief? Very. Email him just this information:
- Explain how you know him (I saw your site, heard about you on Working for Wonka, whatever.)
- Compliment him. No, not his haircut or his sunglasses; compliment his company. (It’s not ego, there’s not an entrepreneur alive that doesn’t want to know that you love what they’re doing and want to be a part of it.)
- Ask for the job.
It’s that simple. He says 99% of the time, he’ll respond and ask to see the goods. So have the goods good to go when you first make contact.
Feel uncomfortable contacting a founder or CEO directly? Don’t. Brennan points out that he wants people who have that kind of self-confidence.
That’s the difference between a corporate job hunt, and startup job hunt. With the startup, go straight up to the top.
(KEEP the job tip) Stand and Deliver
Brennan says a star employee is one he can trust completely to get the job done. Even when he’s not involved.
That’s not all that unlike a corporate job. Every boss wants you to deliver on the task at hand. But unlike a corporate job, Brennan wants you to use your other hand to seek out projects outside the scope of your job and get those done too.
That’s a difference between succeeding in a corporate job and a startup job. At a startup, if you see something that needs doing, you do it. If you have an idea that’ll better the company, you better it. Even if that means working in an area of the business completely unrelated to why you were hired. You just get it done. It’s that simple.
(LEAVE the job tip) Mossy Stones
I put Brennan on the spot and asked him to share a potential sign that the company might be a problem. Most entrepreneurs like to answer my “why leave the job” question by explaining how the employee might not be a fit for the culture. But that’s too easy.
Turns out Brennan’s answer is still quite simple. Startups are about growth. If there’s no growth, there’s a problem. A problem that could end with you on the end of the unemployment line.
It’s another clear difference between a startup job and a corporate job. You can work for a large company for years and never actually feel the needle move. You feel it move everyday at a startup. And if you’re not feeling it, you probably need to start feeling a new job.
THE JOBS
Pandemic Labs has some great jobs open now at every level. (Hint-no moss growing there).
- They have account executive jobs – experienced as well as entry level. No worries if you don’t have social media experience.
- They have business development positions open for a sales manager and sales people.
- And developer positions for people with 3-5 years experience, but who are willing to work with some new technology.
You can apply on their website, but really? Did you watch the first video? Why would you do that? The exact jobs are not listed on their website, so watch the video for more detail. (It’s all of five minutes. If you’re looking for a job, you’ve got the time.)
THE INSIDE SCOOP
The startup spin on the Inside the Actor’s Studio questionnaire – spun with the topic of getting a startup job. Just to give you a little glimpse into how this entrepreneur’s mind works. Glimpse it before you reach out to Brennan directly for a job.
Check back each week for new Three to Get Ready interviews, with new tips and more open startup jobs. Up next week – Caroline Callaway of Bolt PR.
In the meantime, if you’ve got questions for the folks at Pandemic, drop them in the comment section. They’ll be watching.
About Pandemic Labs: They’re a social media strategy and marketing company. Yes, there are lot’s of them out there, but this one was one of the first. They know their shit, though they probably wouldn’t put it that way themselves. And, they’re growing. Like gangbusters. Which kinda says it all.
