I recently received an email with an unsolicited application for a full-time position and it missed the mark so much that I decided to share my thoughts on how to apply for jobs, especially at a startup.

In the past few years, I’ve screened 100s of job applications across a few different companies and here is what nobody teaches you about applying for jobs.

#1: Forget the spray and pray

Many people believe that getting a job is a numbers game so the more applications you send, the higher the chances of getting an offer.

This is a huge mistake!

Applying for a job takes time so completing 100 applications turns into sending the same CV and cover letter to 100 companies, either through general unsolicited emails or LinkedIn “Easy Apply”.

I can guarantee you this will end with your application being thrown out.

Even in the best-case scenario where you get an offer, think about which kind of companies offer jobs to random people who put no effort into their applications…desperate companies who struggle to hire.

The harsh truth is that they did not choose you because you stood out or recognized your talent, they did because they were desperate. Desperation in hiring is a symptom of something really bad going on…so get ready for a nasty surprise.

And you call this the best-case scenario?!

#2: Use the Third Door

If the front door is for everyone and the back door is for VIPs, the third door is for the ones who get what they want, one way or another.

Instead of waiting for the perfect open position on a startup career page before applying, reach out to the founder on Linkedin or via email.

But how is this different from the “spray and pray" approach? Should I still be sending my CV?
Keep reading!

#3: Lead with value

Avoid being transactional at all costs. Nobody likes to be sold to.

Choose a few companies you’re interested in (bonus points if they are startups that just closed a funding round) and send a DM to the founder asking about their company. Be genuinely curious to learn more about what they are working on and see if the company is a fit for you.

Startup founders are always looking for smart and interesting people so you could also ask for a quick coffee chat to learn more about the company. Sometimes these are called “informal interviews” where both parties are screening each other. There is no need for a formal application beforehand and you can always send your CV later if needed.

The secret is to ALWAYS focus on why they would hire you and what’s in it for them (not for you).

I see this mistake all the time: mentioning how the role would be a great opportunity for you. Please don’t do this! (they don’t care about you, they care about how you can help them achieve their goals…sorry to break this to you)

#4: Going above and beyond (smartly)

Spending 30 minutes to put together a unique application (e.g. some research on the field with your insights, your thoughts on a company you are interested in, some investing ideas) sets you apart 100x in a sea of unanimous applications.

The secret is to be smart about it and avoid spending 10 hours each time. Hopefully, you’re applying to similar companies (for example early-stage medtech startups) so you might share some thoughts on recent news in the space (maybe there was a recent acquisition, a similar company got FDA approval or a large funding round caught your interest).

There is no limit to how creative you can be and if you talk about something you’re interested in, you should not have any problem finding ideas.

Whatever it is, you should be able to “reuse” it many times with little tweaks based on the company. This will also set you apart if you get an interview.

#5: Don’t mess up your CV

A few principles when applying to startup positions:

• Work experiences (even internships) should always go first 

• Keep your CV to 1 page

• Use a conversational tone - avoid prosaic sentences that make you sound like an old corporate stooge (nobody wants to read that)

#6: No buzzwords and no bullsh*t

If you’re a fan of those, at least save them for your corporate application.

Don’t make claims without backing them up. Focus on sharing facts and let the results speak for themselves.
Over-the-top claims like being a “creative innovator that challenges the status quo” will only make you sound fake and untrustworthy

Instead, use a simple formula:

You don’t need to have won a Nobel Prize to have tangible results…even sharing a single metric that you helped increase shows that you understand the impact of your work.

#7: No typos (please!)

Do I really have to say that?!

Spacing and formatting matter too, especially for people sorting through hundreds of CVs (hat tip if you found the typo in one of the examples above).

I recommend tools like Grammarly (not a sponsor) to make sure you don’t have typos and it also helps you with rephrasing sentences (very useful if you’re not a native English speaker)

Recap

Focus on what you can do FOR THEM, not why the job would be great for you!

If you enjoyed this issue, share it with someone who is looking for a startup role.

This week's top scientific reads

1. Apple's Vision Pro Enhances Surgeries (Business Insider)

2. First patient for Neuralink (WSJ)

3. Kidneys: longevity & regeneration (Nature Nanotechnology)

4. Advancement in Pig Organ Transplants (Mass General)

5. New Ultrasonic Sensors Improve Accuracy (Nature Communications)

Read the highlights of these articles here.

Latest European funding rounds in health & bio

• Alithea Genomics raised €3M to expand the manufacturing capabilities of its RNA sequencing products and expand to the US market 🇨🇭

• RebrAIn raised €3.7M for its neuro-surgery platform that helps surgeons identify brain regions to use deep brain stimulation 🇫🇷

• Rrreefs closed a €430k pre-seed round to build modular reef structures that regenerated degraded coral reefs 🇨🇭

• Senisca raised €4.3M to develop RNA-based therapeutics that target the process of cellular ageing 🇬🇧

• NuKoKo raised €1.3M to create the ‘bean-to-bar’ cocoa-free chocolate using the same fermentation process but with local beans 🇬🇧

• Anima closed a €11M Series A for their healthcare management platform that uses automation to help providers offer better care 🇬🇧

• Relation Therapeutics raised €32M to develop a therapeutics platform that leverages AI and ML for drug discovery 🇬🇧

• Eisbach Bio raised €4.2M to develop novel drugs that target molecular vulnerabilities arising in cancer cells 🇩🇪

• Cure51 raised €15M to build a clinical and molecular database of cancer survivors to help develop more effective cancer treatments 🇫🇷

• Spineart raised €20M to establish new production and training centres in Switzerland and the USA while continuing clinical trials 🇨🇭

More from us

1. 10 steps to join the startup world
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