How to find Startup Jobs
A quick guide to finding startup jobs that you won't find in LinkedIn.
4 Strategies to Find "Hidden" Startup Jobs
Layoffs have been all over my feed recently. If you are looking for startup jobs, here are 4 strategies I use to find those opportunities that aren't listed on LinkedIn.
This has helped several friends find job leads that turned into real interviews.
1. Track Recent Funding Rounds
Hiring almost always follows a fundraiser. When a company gets a cash infusion, the first thing they do is scale the team.
- GeekWire (PNW Focus): GeekWire Funding Report - Great for those in the Pacific Northwest.
- National/Global: Use TechCrunch or Crunchbase to track daily funding announcements.
2. Monitor Accelerator & Incubator Job Boards
Incubators maintain job boards specifically to help their portfolio companies succeed by finding top-tier talent.
- Y Combinator: Work at a Startup
- Techstars: Techstars Job Board
- Plug and Play: Job Board
- Capital Factory: Job Board
3. Follow Venture Capital (VC) Portfolios
Similar to accelerators, VCs want their investments to win. Many have dedicated talent partners and job boards.
💡 Pro Tip: Target VCs based on your geography. For example, in the Seattle area, I keep a pulse on:
- Pioneer Square Labs: PSL Jobs
- Madrona: Portfolio Jobs
- Ascend: Portfolio Careers
4. Use Startup-Specific Job Boards
If you want to avoid the noise of massive sites, use platforms built exclusively for the startup ecosystem.
- Wellfound (formerly AngelList): wellfound.com/jobs
- Built In: builtin.com (Great for city-specific tech hubs).
🎁 Bonus Strategy
Identify 5-10 startups you admire and follow their Founders and Head of Talent on LinkedIn/X. They often post "We're hiring" updates 1-2 weeks before the role actually hits a formal job board.
Please share this with your network or anyone currently navigating a job search. Good luck!