3 Tips for Finding a Job at the Right Startup

3 Tips for Finding a Job at the Right Startup Working for a startup is typically both exciting and challenging. And for someone who’s spent their entire career climbing the corporate ladder or sitting in a cubicle from nine to five, expanding a job search to include startups can be an excellent way to reinvigorate your career. However, you must make sure that you choose the right startup. For every successful new company, there are dozens of duds that you’ll want to avoid. Importance of Location Before delving into some of the specific tips for finding the right opportunity, it’s imperative that you take the time to understand the significance of what entrepreneurs call the “culture fit.” The culture fit essentially refers to how comfortable an entrepreneur feels in a particular startup. In most cases, finding the right culture fit requires you to move to an area with a high concentration of startups in order to expose yourself to enough opportunities. If you’re currently living and working in a town with only one or two startups, you have seriously limited options. Odds are, you’ll accept an opportunity based on proximity, not fit. For example, New York has a vibrant tech culture with lots of startup job opportunities. Your odds of finding a culture fit in New York are much greater than if you were looking for an opportunity to work with a startup in the middle of North Dakota. 3 Tips for Finding the Right Opportunity Once you hone in on a location that affords you many different opportunities to find the right culture fit, you’ll want to turn your attention towards the specifics of different startups. In particular, you’ll want to evaluate the following aspects to get an idea of whether or not you’re on the right track. 1) Consider the Strength of the Concept Start with the concept. As an objective individual looking at the startup, do you believe the concept is strong enough to succeed? Does the product solve a relevant pain point in the marketplace? What does the competition look like? These are questions you need to answer. The last thing you want to do is get involved with a startup that has a flawed concept. 2) Study the Founding Team You can tell a lot about the future of a startup by studying the founding team. Are the founders ambitious, experienced, and creative? Or, do they appear to lack passion and drive? A startup’s immediate success may depend on the product, but long term profitably is often tied to the determination of the founding team. 3) Understand Where You Fit In “I cannot stress enough on this point. You must share the same vision with other people in the startup,” writes one entrepreneur. In other words, there needs to be a snug fit. Don’t confuse this with finding a startup in which everyone is just like you, though. The most successful startups are the ones where every individual brings something different to the table. What it comes down to is passion. Do you have the same passion and intensity for the business as everyone else? Make the Right Choice Working for a startup is a risky proposition. It can set you back, leave you unemployed, and seriously hamper your earning potential for a number of years. However, if you choose the right startup, the reward can be enormous. Consider the fact that when Facebook’s IPO went live, more than 1,000 of the company’s original employees instantly became millionaires. When searching for the right startup job opportunity, leverage the tips mentioned in this article and take your time. If you align yourself with the right company, it could pay off in a big way. Author: Larry Alton is an independent business consultant specializing in social media trends, business, and entrepreneurship. Follow him on  Twitter  and  LinkedIn.

A Review of Marfa Modern by Helen Thompson - Algrim.co

A Review of Marfa Modern by Helen Thompson - Algrim.co There are certain books that give me emotional responses. I think it is because of my own personal experiences and how that's intertwined into my personal life. But I'd like to think that others have shared similar experiences. Maybe you've visited the deserts of California. Or maybe you've been to West Texas where it's quite flat and open in an eerie way. If you have, or maybe if you want to feel those things, then this book is for you. Photography books are always great ways to place your mental psyche into a visual journey. But Marfa Modern does a particularly fantastic job of not only providing the visual portrayal of the design and architecture but also the setting. I initially found this book while visiting Austin, TX. I was sitting at San Jose Hotel, which has an incredible selection of goods, by the way. I was sipping a froze and then decided to gander at the books section. This immediately caught my eye and I had to take it with me to the table. They obliged, of course, seeing as they were such a kind group of employee's. Skimming through it was quite easy to see that I was going to go home and buy this book. It might not be one you reference all too often for something in particular. But its one of those coffee table books that you know you've got to have. Just simply for the collection of it. And for me, that's the purpose it served. I would rate this book a cool 7.8 out of 10. Its perfect for a coffee table to give you that explorer vibe. And also for your friends to skim through while you serve them cocktails.

Skills Portion of Resume An Outdated Way to Get Interviews

Skills Portion of Resume An Outdated Way to Get Interviews Do you have a Skills section on your resume? You know, the resume section some people carefully craft to include every keyword on the posting for their dream job. Even when they dont have the skills.It might look like this:Or this:What Recruiters Hiring Managers SeeWhen you include a standalone skills section on your resume, your readers see claims for your skills and experience, but no context. That lack of context causes all but the most naïve readers to feel skeptical about what you have written.They might even wonder if you just pulled keywords out of their job posting and plopped them into your resume.I dont read the skills portions of resumes. I expect them to be baloney, just meant to give me what Im looking for, whether the claims are true or not.Resume Skills Sections â€" Eye Tracking StudyAccording to this Business Insider video (H/T Phyllis Mufson), Im not the only person who skips right from your contact info to your employment info.Watch the video below to see how recr uiters eyes track as they view your resume:Resume Skills Sections â€" Survey ResearchDid you notice how readers skip right over the skills portions of resumes? I did.The results of the eye tracking study are further confirmed by a 2016 RiseSmart recruiter survey. About 70% of survey respondents said they look at your recent employers, job titles, and tenures first.Because the skills section is usually featured above the jump, you can eliminate it to get one more or jobs into this valuable visual space instead.Viewing below the jump requires your readers to click. You lose a certain percentage of readers every time they have to click.Instead of out-of-context skills, serve readers what they want to see â€" your experience.Resume Skills Section â€" What the ATS SeesThe conventional wisdom says that resumes must have skills sections to “beat” the ATS.Thats outdated advice.Here’s what Sovren, the world leader in resume parsing software, has to say about the resume skills section:â €œâ€¦candidates have learned to game the system. Candidates are well aware that by grouping their skills keywords into big “Skills” paragraphs at the top and bottom of their resumes, they can ensure that they will be ranked higher by the “density ranking” algorithm.So the density ranking algorithms often do not highlight the best candidates, but rather, the most annoying candidates, the ones who have learned to gussy up a feeble work history with dozens of buzzwords and keywords stuffed into extraneous paragraphs.That’s who density ranking algorithms are best at identifying: the candidates who play games with their resumes.”It sounds as though the companies that develop resume parsing software are on to this sham and have moved ahead with more sophisticated algorithms to identify top candidates.Thus, from an ATS perspective, the skills section is an outdated strategy that turns you into that person.Should You Include a Skills Section on Your Resume?Most recruiters dont l ook at or believe them. The ATS vendors have wised up. Thus, I say, “Nooooooo!”What Do Recruiters and The ATS Want?Instead of a skills section, use that valuable resume page space to tell recruiters and the ATS what they want to know, in a manner they find believable.Theyre certainly looking for keywords. You can find them in the job postings youre reading. You can also look at this infographic of 101 resume power words that have produced terrific results for my resume clients.Embed your skills in a brief narrative summary, job titles, job descriptions, accomplishment statements, descriptions of volunteer work, etc. They will be more believable when you place them in the context of your jobs and other activities.Beyond keywords, check out this peer-reviewed research on what recruiters do and dont like on your resume.Use your resume to tell your story, not to dump a long list of unsubstantiated, marginally believable keywords on skeptical recruiters and their applicant tracking s ystems.Image: Fotolia/pathdoc Updated February 2019 2015 2019, Donna Svei. All rights reserved.Donna SveiDonna Svei, an executive resume writer and former C-level executive, retained search consultant, and CPA, writes all of AvidCareerists posts. She has written for and been quoted by leading business, general, and career media outlets, including Forbes, Mashable, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, Lifehacker, Ask.com, Social Media Today, IT World, SmartBrief, Payscale, Business News Daily, and the Muse. Let her background and experience inform your job search strategy and decision making.Learn more about Donnas executive resume writing service or email Donna for more information. Resumes â€" Keywords (5 Posts)

Four Mistakes People Make When Hiring an Accountant

Four Mistakes People Make When Hiring an Accountant Hiring an accountant sounds like it should be pretty straightforward doesn’t it? If the qualifications are more or less the same, and the services offered are more or less the same, how hard can it be to just pick one from a list of Google search results? Or even from an ad in the local paper. True, it’s not hard to do that but if you make the wrong choice, then it can be a very hard lesson learned. We thought it might help to go over some of the key mistakes which people make when hiring an accountant, based on conversations we’ve had with our clients over the years. There are of course more than four possible mistakes, but these certainly seem to be the ones which people can most relate to from their own experiences. Mistake 1 â€" Assuming that all accountants are the same Just as all companies are not the same, all accountants are not the same either! It’s true that all businesses have income and expenditure, but that’s about where the similarity ends. As a contractor, you need a firm that not only understands the small business environment â€" as opposed to dealing with larger organisations but also one which has specific experience in dealing with contractors. This is especially important when it comes to giving advice on things like IR35, and other accountancy issues which only affect those working in the contractor marketplace. Mistake 2 â€" Picking the first high street accountancy firm you come across Despite the world of eCommerce and online shopping being thoroughly mainstream these days, when it comes to buying ‘services’, people still have a tendency to stay close to home. Whether that means looking in the local paper, asking a friend for a recommendation or even Googling what you want, followed by the name of your home town. But closer isn’t always better when it comes to accountancy. As already mentioned above, contractors need specialist services so prioritise that, and don’t worry about where the right firm might be based. Mistake 3 â€" Choosing a company that doesn’t quote a fixed fee This one is really vital. Part of what you need from an accountant will be a set of specific services â€" tax return, VAT return and so on â€" but a good accountant will do far more than that. You need someone who you can pick up the phone to, if you need some advice or to chat about any aspect of your finances that might be bothering you. And if you do that, you don’t want to be charged extra for the privilege. A good accountancy firm will wrap all of that into a fixed monthly fee, so you always know where you stand. Mistake 4 â€" Accepting a service which doesn’t provide a dedicated accountant As a contractor, you’re going to be busy all day, every day â€" but somehow you still have to deal with the admin side of running a Limited company. But if your accountancy firm doesn’t allocate a dedicated accountant to you, then you might find yourself spending more time on the phone reminding them who you are and what your situation is, than actually dealing with issues that need to be addressed. With a dedicated point of contact, who gets to know you and your business from day one, you’ll save time and you won’t feel like it’s Groundhog Day every time you speak to them. So there you have it. We hope this gives you some insight into the process of choosing an accountant, and helps you to make an informed choice, based on other people’s experiences. If you’d like to know more about SJD Accountancy, a specialist contractor accountancy services, we’d love to hear from you. Author: Rachel Smith is a technical writer for SJD Accountancy, a specialist contractor accountancy firm, serving the needs of contractors and freelancers since 1992. Image: Shutterstock

Writing a Resume With No Work Experience

Writing a Resume With No Work ExperienceYou will find a lot of resume templates in the internet, but most of them will not have the information that you need to write a resume with no work experience. That is why, it is very important for you to know what to put on your resume if you want to get hired. Make sure that you are familiar with the following tips before you start writing.The first thing that you need to do is to know which parts of your information should be given prominence. For example, you can use the section where you can explain the purpose of your education. If you did not have any prior job, you may put the information on how you became unemployed and what you learned from your unemployment. The other sections of your resume will be based on this information.In your interview, you will be asked about your academic achievements. This is something that you need to include on your resume with no work experience. Of course, the details will vary from company to company. However, the main idea is that you are more likely to get the job if you have some work experience.In the business world, this is also helpful because they need an outsider. Therefore, it is better if you can show that you can work with others and that you are flexible. However, you will still need to understand that it will be impossible for you to get the job if you only have a high school diploma.People who are employed in the field will have to make money every day, so the person needs to be informed. In this regard, you need to make sure that you are making enough money to live comfortably. The way you have achieved this will also need to be included on your resume with no work experience.If you need to mention something on your resume, it is the most important thing to include. You cannot avoid this, even if you are going to apply for a job that requires some experience. Therefore, it is important for you to know that you need to put some kind of qualifications on your resume with no work experience.You will find that there are some free tools available on the internet that can help you write a resume with no work experience. Although, these are not necessarily reliable, it will still be helpful for you. In fact, you will need to compare several of these resumes before you pick one that will fit your needs.However, you can use a free resume template that you can get on the internet and you will be able to write a resume with no work experience. The difference between this and a paid version is that you can put whatever information you like on your resume. However, you will have to make sure that it is the right information so that you will be able to get hired.

Mix and Mingle 8 Networking Tips for Young Professionals - Sterling Career Concepts

Mix and Mingle 8 Networking Tips for Young Professionals Mix and Mingle: 8 Networking Tips for Young Professionals This is the second of a two-part series offering career advice for new professionals. Being a young professional is exciting but also a bit nerve-wracking. You’re working your first real job, paying bills and trying to network, all essential adulting skills they never taught in school. If you’ve never networked before, it can be intimidating to cold email someone or walk into a room full of strangers, so we’ve rounded up our eight best tips for young professionals who are new to networking. Start with your existing networks. It’s always easier to network with someone that you’ve had previous contact with. Your family and friends are a good place to start, as are any bosses from past jobs and internships. Alumni from your college and any graduate schools you have attended are also an excellent resource, and many universities offer alumni portals that specifically help alumni connect with fellow graduates. In fact, if you’re still in school, your career center might even be able to make a direct introduction to alumni currently working in your chosen field. Which brings us to the next tip: Ask for an introduction. Chances are, if you’re chatting with an expert in the field, they’ll know many more people than you do. After all, the more experienced you are, the more people you meet and the larger your network grows. If the networking goes well, don’t be afraid to ask at the end of the conversation if the other person has any recommendations for additional people you should reach out to. They might be willing to provide contact information for them, or maybe even make a personal introduction if you all really hit it off. Reaching out to someone who’s been vetted by your new contact is also way more efficient than cold emailing random people who may or may not be able to help you. Look out for networking events. Most cities have networking organizations that target young professionals or, in the very least, host individual networking events catered to young people early on in their careers. If your alma mater has an alumni chapter in your city, they may also host networking nights or other events where alumni of the school can mix and mingle. Other events such as industry conferences and workshops are also great opportunities to meet new people in your field, so do some research in your city to discover what options are available and sign yourself up for a couple of events. Don’t be afraid to fly solo. It can be intimidating to go to a networking event alone, especially if you’ve never really networked before in the first place. While it may feel like you’re the only one there flying solo, trust us: A good portion of attendees at any networking event are attending by themselves. Going by yourself actually makes you more approachable, and it also makes it easier for you to mix and mingle with new groups. Plus, if you only confine yourself to events that your friends can attend with you, you’ll severely limit your networking potential. After all, you can’t meet new people if you don’t actually go to the events! Set goals for yourself. Networking is a little bit like looking for a job. You can control what you put into the process (i.e., how many events you attend or applications you submit) but not necessarily what you get out of it (i.e., how many new connections you make or offers you get). Rather than judging the success of your networking by how many new work BFFs you meet, set goals for yourself that you can control. For example, you might commit to attend one networking event per month and to talk to at least three people at each event. Goals like this will keep you accountable and focused on your own actions. Brainstorm good questions to ask. Whether it’s a one-on-one call over the phone or an in-person networking event, you should be prepared to ask plenty of questions to keep the conversation going. Before the call or event, do some research on the company or industry and brainstorm good conversation starters for your next networking event. While it may feel a bit silly at first, you’ll be glad you did it when the conversation peters out and you’re casting around for the next topic to discuss. You might also want to bring a small notebook and pen to the event so you can make notes to jog your memory later. Don’t be afraid to ask for contact info. Assuming you’ve run into someone at a networking event, you won’t have a way to get in touch with them unless you ask for their contact info. Sure, you might be able to look them up on LinkedIn afterwards, but that’s not a guarantee. So, if you all have hit it off, offer to exchange email addresses or business cards as the conversation wraps up (yes, people still use good old paper business cards!). By the same token, don’t feel obligated to exchange contact info with everyone you talk to if the conversation didn’t go well or things seemed weird. Not every person you talk to will turn into an ongoing professional relationship, and that’s to be expected. Follow up promptly and politely. Once you’ve got someone’s contact info, you want to follow up soon after the event while you’re still fresh in their minds. A quick email or note on LinkedIn will suffice. Make sure to say thank you and reference something specific from your conversation to jog their memory. Try to send your note the day after the event so it’s prompt, but not too pushy. If the other person offered to help you with somethingâ€"say, to introduce you to one of their colleaguesâ€"this thank you email is a great opportunity to gently remind them. _____________________ Networking for the first time may be intimidating, but preparing ahead of time will go a long way toward settling your nerves and setting you up for success. If you’re a young professional, follow these eight tips to ace your next networking conversation.

Dream Job Success Story Soul Search BEFORE You Job Search

Dream Job Success Story Soul Search BEFORE You Job Search Unemployment is holding steady at 9.2% but that doesnt mean you cant land your dream job.  To demonstrate, Ive asked one of my amazing clients to share her success story and lessons learned so you too can find work you love  Tell us about your new job what will you be doing and what do you love about it?I am a career counselor at a law school in NYC and my focus is on public service careers.   I work with law students who are interested in working at non-profit organizations or in the government.   I help them with finding internships, jobs after graduation, and counsel them in discovering what excites them about their careers.   I also organize career symposiums, workshops, and panels, facilitate student participation in pro bono work, and help them get involved in their communities.What I love about this work is the daily interaction with students and being able to guide their careers and encourage community engagement.   I also really enjoy networking and love being able to bui ld relationships with employers and acting as a matchmaker for students looking for employment.As a recent job seeker, how are you finding todays job market differs from the past?In the past, I found the job search to be a much shorter process.   In this market it took me about a year to secure the job I really wanted.   It required much more patience and diligence on my part to secure a position.   I had to do a lot more networking, informational interviews, and volunteering in order to get myself out in the field that interested me.What approach did you take to land your dream job?First, I became very clear with what I wanted.   This involved working with Maggie in determining my mission and vision for my career, what type of office environment I wanted to work in, and what values were essential in the work that I wanted to do.   Once I was clear, I started to do a lot of informational interviews with people in the same field, go to networking events, and apply to jobs online.   M y contacts would also send me postings and recommend me informally for jobs.  I found myself being first runner up for a few jobs and I was getting frustrated.   So I decided to get myself out there even more and volunteered at a career services office at a law school that I had done an informational interview with and knew might be hiring in the near future.   After two months of interning, they hired me for this position!Did it help that you had spent time Soul Searching and Researching BEFORE Job Searching?Yes!   I have realized from this process how important it is to be clear with what you want and have an understanding of how to get there before jumping in.   I put it out in the universe the type of job I wanted and let everyone in my network know so they could help me in my search.   Then I determined how I could get there through informational interviews, networking events, volunteering and doing research online.What advice do you have for others who are job seeking and fee l the pressure to take something less than ideal?I think it’s extremely important to feel passionate about the work that you do, considering how much of your daily life is spent working.   I think once job seekers are clear with what they want to do, (while being realistic on their finances and experience necessary for the jobs they want) they should not compromise on their vision.   I turned down a job that I knew was not the right fit in terms of my goals or the type of office I wanted to work in, and I’m very happy I waited for the right job to come along!How are you finding the job market?  Did you recently land a new job?  Would you like to and have questions about how you can Soul Search into your ideal career?  Share your comments and questions below.  Dont just have a job, have a mission. Civil Rights Leader Dorothy Height