How Should International Students Apply For Startup Jobs?

Why Startup?

If you are looking for an inspiring workspace, places where you can continue your learning, and building on your existing skill sets, startup jobs are for you. Companies are looking for people with the desire to learn and work—a passion for the industry and someone willing to work over the job description.

For you, this means opportunities to grow, as the company also grows quite swiftly. With the world changing so rapidly these days, the risks of getting involved in a startup Company are no less than working in a corporation where retrenchments and lay-offs are almost always on the table.

The startup sector might be the future of employment since these companies create millions of jobs worldwide annually.

How Do I Find A Startup Job?

Crucial to applying for the job, do not skip this part. Build your knowledge of the market. Learn about the Companies and roles they offer. 

By doing this, you can learn what each organization is aiming to achieve.

 It can be challenging finding the company’s job offers, but that is why we are here to assist with these guidelines.

Use Job Sites

By browsing different sites offering Startup jobs, such as Venture Loop, Angel List, or Join-Startup, you can get familiarized with the positions available.

Reach Out to Companies Directly

If you contact a Company directly, you have no assurance that they have positions open, but if they do, they can consider you since you will be in their database already. You can do this by sending a mail, which I will discuss in more detail later in the article.

• Tap into social media: Find and like pages that share information about startup jobs.
• Use Networking connections: A good starting point for networking may be sites such as meetup.com. 
• Networking connections: Networking connections will help you meet people and keep connected with jobs opening up, even before made public. You can also look for posts on LinkedIn groups.  

Join as many groups as you possibly can, and attend social gatherings of groups that connect people with startup business opportunities. Building your connections and meeting the right people can open doors for you much quicker than you think.

Applying for the Job

Ok, So Where Do You Start?

• After browsing all sites and offers, and sharpening your knowledge, make a list of companies you would like to be part of. Keep the list short and ensure that the Companies you are interested in hires International students.
• Now, research each company to help understand what they sell or what services they provide. Also, learn who the Founder of the company is, read reviews, familiarize yourself with their website or company apps, etc. This knowledge will be beneficial in your actual application and interview if you get invited.

Since the Companies may not have an HR Department yet, you should email the Founder. 

Response time when doing this is much quicker if they do have alternative application email addresses.  

Start your email with a catchy subject line. Something in the likes of, “You need to hire me, ask me why?” Or “Thinking of hiring me?”

In the body, explain what you think about the company – this shows the Founder you have done your homework about his company. Keep it short and simple, do not flatter excessively. 

Tell him about your studies, your skills, and projects or groups you are involved in that have direct application to his company. Add what you can contribute to his business and why you will be an excellent candidate to hire.  

Add links to your LinkedIn profile and social media profiles. (He will most probably Facebook stalk you anyway) 

Now he will be able to assess whether you will be a good fit on his team. You learn a lot about a person by scrolling through their Face book posts or tweets.

End off with prompting a response. E.g., “If you see fit, I would be happy to have a meeting with you at your office.”

Remember to attach your resume and cover letter.

The Interview

If your application was successful and you get invited to an interview, keep the following in mind.

Startup interviews are not as formal as corporate interviews. These interviews can happen on short notice, via phone call, video call, Skype meetings, or even a meeting at the company. The interview is mostly in a conversational style.

The company will mainly focus on getting to know you through your background experiences, your field of study or expertise, and what you want to gain from this experience. Always be well prepared for this phase of the application, since this is where you can convince them why you are the person they need to grow their business. Be truthful and honest, and leave the salary negotiating for when you receive an offer.

Let’s Get To It

The main thing to remember is that startup companies are looking for passionate individuals that want to grow in various fields of expertise. Seeing as you are a student, you are still in the process of learning and exploring your abilities. Plus point, I would say. They are looking for flexible and enthusiastic people who showed an interest in their business and knowledge of the industry.  

When applying to ensure you are well informed, well prepared, and ready to start pushing hours on day one. 

Be bold and confident enough to reach out to connect groups, get to know talented people in the sector through networking channels, and learn as much as possible about the market.

Filter your options, mail the founders, send your resume, and get ready to be part of the best experience of your life.

The bottom line is startup companies are great ways for a student to earn extra cash and new skills while studying.

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