Startups: where are they, and how are they hiring?

Heinlein

I'm an engineer, currently looking for a job. I don't want to go the usual path through recruitment agencies, landing at another boring 8 hour a day job where nobody cares about your true productivity in the end. Been doing that for more than two decades now. What I really want is to join a dynamic startup with interesting, creative people who want to change the world. Or, well, some part of it.

The question is: how to find them?

The online job boards are flooded with agency postings. They seem to have taken over the boards. Startups, on the other hand, usually look for candidates through personal contacts. They usually feel more comfortable with recommendations coming from those whom they know well. This is understood, but the problem is, I have practically no personal contacts here in Ireland and thus no chance to be recommended to someone who starts a startup.

So, is there a place or any way to get in touch with entrepreneurs and "offer myself"?

pietromas

Heinlein wrote: »

I'm an engineer, currently looking for a job. I don't want to go the usual path through recruitment agencies, landing at another boring 8 hour a day job where nobody cares about your true productivity in the end. Been doing that for more than two decades now. What I really want is to join a dynamic startup with interesting, creative people who want to change the world. Or, well, some part of it.

The question is: how to find them?

The online job boards are flooded with agency postings. They seem to have taken over the boards. Startups, on the other hand, usually look for candidates through personal contacts. They usually feel more comfortable with recommendations coming from those whom they know well. This is understood, but the problem is, I have practically no personal contacts here in Ireland and thus no chance to be recommended to someone who starts a startup.

So, is there a place or any way to get in touch with entrepreneurs and "offer myself"?

The way I get all my jobs is via email. Unsolicited email. Emails which are casual and demonstrate personality and eagerness for good work. That and a creative CV. None of the jobs I have had in my life have been advertised. Never have I had anything but my time wasted by recruiters.

My area is software development. I get my leads by googling. Maybe it's different in your arena.

GL.

Heinlein

pietromas wrote: »

The way I get all my jobs is via email. Unsolicited email. Emails which are casual and demonstrate personality and eagerness for good work. That and a creative CV. None of the jobs I have had in my life have been advertised. Never have I had anything but my time wasted by recruiters.

My area is software development. I get my leads by googling. Maybe it's different in your arena.

GL.

Thanks. Mine is software development too.

Sounds like a good idea, will try that of course, except one thing: perhaps the most interesting things are happening at companies which haven't set up their web site even. Something at the stage of seed investment and proof-of-concept coding. I was just wondering if there is any place - virtual or real - where the people of these seed startups can be found.

2Daphne2

Hi

Maybe you could contact the local enterprise board and see if they could link you up - not sure

pietromas

Heinlein wrote: »

Thanks. Mine is software development too.

Sounds like a good idea, will try that of course, except one thing: perhaps the most interesting things are happening at companies which haven't set up their web site even. Something at the stage of seed investment and proof-of-concept coding. I was just wondering if there is any place - virtual or real - where the people of these seed startups can be found.

My guess is that there are two types of start up. Ones where people know how to code, and ones where they don't.

The ones that don't will have to make themselves known to some extent in order to find people to do the actual work. Also, I reckon, when the people in charge aren't coders they tend to be more obsessed with marketing themselves as the next big thing before they even have a line written. So basically what I'm saying is, I think this group of start ups will have a website and press articles etc. so Google them.

The ones that can code may be less in need of your help, but they will be in need of people to chat to and generally impress with their awesomeness. They will hang out in local user groups and online communities. Ya got to network I'm afraid and starting listening for clues. People will always be indiscreet if you give them enough time and you may catch a name that can be turned into a lead.

But also bear in mind that companies consider themselves start ups until they start turning a profit (I know a company that has been around for over 10 years and has 40+ employees that calls itself a start up). Anyway, what I'm getting at is that 2 or 3 years is not too late to be joining a company and still get start up benefits.

Or of course just start your own. I got the ideas if you've got the money?

The Good Agent

Hi,

You can go through start-ups at all stages of formation and contact those for which you think you are a match at the following sites:

www.smallbusinesscan.com

www.startups.ie

www.seedups.com

www.younoodle.com

I really like your attitude, by the way. If you really are interested in this space you will find something.

Best of luck,
Barry