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I asked some managers this once, and they all said that startup experience was at least as good as big co experience. It's in an essay I wrote; I forget which.
I remember because I translated it a while ago to Portuguese.
For the larger (possibly non-technical) companies, I would list the experiences and qualifications relating only to the directly applicable work you did (Developed this product, worked with that other thing, etc...). I would drop the title of "founder" and substitute it with "Lead Developer" or something similar.
For either a smaller company (where you may be expected to wear multiple hats) or a technological company (Google), I would put that "Founder" title right up there where it can be seen.
In the end, the resume is for getting an interview. There is nothing wrong with adapting it to reflect what the companies want to hear, provided that there is no stretch of the truth.
BigCo hiring manager: mild negative
People who hire generally look for the candidate that "fits" overall before passing the candidate on to more specific people. At a startup that's probably a bigger issue than at a large company, just because the culture is more malleable.
Startup hiring manager: big positive BigCo hiring manager: mild negative People who hire generally look for the candidate that "fits" overall before passing the candidate on to more specific people. At a startup that's probably a bigger issue than at a large company, just because the culture is more malleable.
We, like everyone else, look for evidence that you've done stuff. In a startup, what you've done is obvious.
I have an entry about a startup I co-founded that failed on my resume. I also explicitly put in the description: "I learned a lot...from the business' failure." I've been doing a lot of interviews lately, and most people are impressed that 1) I tried to start a company at all and 2) that I'm willing to admit that it failed I would definitely keep it on there, as long as it was a good learning experience for you.
I figure running a startup is like getting your MBA... but on crack.
Startup hiring manager: big positive BigCo hiring manager: mild negative People who hire generally look for the candidate that "fits" overall before passing the candidate on to more specific people. At a startup that's probably a bigger issue than at a large company, just because the culture is more malleable.
Strong disagree. I work at one of the biggest companies. I help out with hiring. Startups are a plus, and it's not just me. We, like everyone else, look for evidence that you've done stuff. In a startup, what you've done is obvious.
Most hiring managers haven't heard of it, question why I'm not mentioned more prominently, etc, worry that I will leave for some other pie-in-the-sky startup. The only interest I get is from early stage startups.
But again, it's all about fit. If you're 22 and messing with startups it looks like youthful experimentation. If you're 45 and messing with startups you get passed over.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Strong disagree. I work at one of the biggest companies. I help out with hiring. Startups are a plus, and it's not just me. We, like everyone else, look for evidence that you've done stuff. In a startup, what you've done is obvious.
It is? That hasn't been my experience. In my job hunt, and I'll admit that I'm well away from the center of things, my last position (co-founder of digg) is a distinct negative. Most hiring managers haven't heard of it, question why I'm not mentioned more prominently, etc, worry that I will leave for some other pie-in-the-sky startup. The only interest I get is from early stage startups. But again, it's all about fit…
One way or another, I hope you find a job you love.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
It is? That hasn't been my experience. In my job hunt, and I'll admit that I'm well away from the center of things, my last position (co-founder of digg) is a distinct negative. Most hiring managers haven't heard of it, question why I'm not mentioned more prominently, etc, worry that I will leave for some other pie-in-the-sky startup. The only interest I get is from early stage startups. But again, it's all about fit…
Ah, I bet that last point is key. I know nothing about how hiring works for senior positions. One way or another, I hope you find a job you love.
I was reading an article a while back about "older" entrepreneurs (mostly successful ones). Almost every one of them said their main motivation was lack of career opportunities.