How to Get a Startup Job | Tips from a Head of Ops

Want to work at a startup?

Here’s how to stand out, from a Head of Ops who's reviewed and interviewed thousands of candidates.

Make your resume pop. Keep it crisp (1 page), tailored to the role, and packed with relevant keywords from the JD. Show a little personality too. Our team is #1 to me and our culture is paramount. Mentioning your love for rock climbing, baking, or volunteering? I notice.

You don’t need to be a “perfect fit.”No one is. The magic is in how you connect the dots and explain how you could leverage your skill sets and attributes in the role. Try this: "I saw the role calls for X, Y, Z. I’ve done 1, 2, 3, and here’s how it aligns." Have a few project examples queued up for your interview to share. Do your homework and share how an aspect of the role or company resonates with you. My first call with candidates is for 20 minutes. That kind of clarity makes interviews so much better and more efficient.

Stay on the radar. If you’ve been following a startup, stay in touch. For example, show up at ecosystem events (such as Greentown Labs,) introduce yourself, follow up with a thoughtful email. Some of our best hires were past interns who kept the connection warm.

Put yourself out there. Have a connection on the team? Reach out. At startups, hustle is welcome. A thoughtful message can make a big difference.

Level up your LinkedIn. My AI search agent lives on LinkedIn, it doesn’t screen, it finds. So fill in those details: affiliations, experiences, skills. It’ll help you show up in the right searches.

If you don’t get the offer, it’s not personal. A gracious reply to a rejection email? I just received one yesterday and I always remember it. If a role falls through or a better one opens up, you’ll be top of mind. Be real. Be proactive. Stay curious. And keep showing up. Startups love that energy. I know I do.

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