Finding that perfect job – made easier

Dear X, I am a results-oriented executive looking for my next challenge. I am hoping that you’ll have time to meet with me for coffee….

One of the rules of life is that people who are gainfully employed should forever agree to see those that are not, and come well-referred. But that doesn’t mean it’s always a good use of everyone’s time. Often, folks are well-prepared and focussed. Other times, you wonder if they are just going through the motions so as to show their spouse that they’re “workin’ it” by going downtown and pressing the flesh.

I was in a “coffee meeting” with someone currently in between assignments, and it dawned on me. There is an easier way for candidates to do this job search thing. For everyone looking for a role within the venture capital ecosystem.

Here it is:

1. Do some research before the coffee meeting. Most VC and Private Equity funds publish their portfolios on their websites. This is a treasure trove of information.

2. Determine which portfolio companies are of interest to you.

3. Rather than make the generic “do you know of anything?” request of the General Partner in question, tailor your pitch about your specific qualities and experiences in a way that might merry-up with the portfolio companies that are of most interest to you.

4. Ask for introductions to the specific portfolio company CEOs that appear to fit your interest. This is something concrete that the General Partner can do to help immediately.

5. Don’t say “please keep me in mind should you hear of anything”. That never happens. It’s not that people don’t want to help, but there is rarely an internal system that can track resumes and skills. We aren’t a headhunting firm, and there’s no software program with quarterly pop-up reminders about who is looking for a CFO role in a certain city. But you can take concrete steps to ensure you stay in contact: sign up for the firm’s news releases (there might be management turnover coming), follow their corporate blog, touch base with the GP after you’ve met the portfolio company executives. See if there’s any traction.

6. Build a dialogue based on your ongoing research and industry awareness. Take it beyond a “coffee date” into the beginning of a relationship. Very few of your competition are doing that, which will make you stand out that much more.

7. Go to industry events. There are probably 20 events a year in any major urban centre that draw the likes of VCs and Private Equity types. The Association for Corporate Growth, The Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Assoc., MARS, OCRI, Communitech, York Technology Association are just some example of groups who hold regular networking events. There you will find growing companies, folks with money, lawyers, accountants, and industry advisors. What an efficient place to meet folks.

And don’t forget the cardinal “Do unto others” rule: When I’m looking for my next assignment, it’s your turn to buy the coffee at Starbucks.

MRM