In the fast-paced world of tech startups, a cover letter can make all the difference.
But for it to work, you really need to understand that startups are a completely different beast…
Why Are Startups Different
Unlike traditional companies, which tend to be risk averse and enamored with pedigree, startups tend to be more practical, seeking a mix of technical skill, cultural fit, and innovation.
Furthermore, their leaders have personality profiles that deviate significantly from the general population…
A study published in Nature Scientific Reports shows that leaders of successful startups have distinct personality traits that are crucial for success. These traits are not just for window dressing; they make a tangible difference to the success of the firm, while also inevitably shaping company policies and influencing how candidates are selected.
To stand out, you must tailor your cover letter to reflect these qualities.
Ready to make an impact? Here’s a guide to crafting a compelling cover letter for tech startups.
Understand the Startup’s DNA
Before you put your fingers on a keyboard, just as you would with writing any cover letter, research the startup thoroughly – inside out.
Go through their website. Look for their social media, press releases, and founder talks. Dive into their mission, values, products, and culture.
Startups are not just looking for skills; they want someone who aligns with their vision and can contribute to their specific environment.
Remember: it takes a lot of energy to create a startup. The founders, as well as early leaders, don’t see their job as “just a job” – it’s their “baby”. It’s their opportunity to “do things the right way”. They are deeply and emotionally invested in their firm.
And they are looking for individuals who will bring a similar attitude and level of care toward their business.
- Company Research: Start by exploring the startup’s website, social media channels, and recent news. Understand their product or service, and identify any recent achievements or challenges.
- Cultural Fit: Look for clues about the company culture. Are they more laid-back and innovative, or do they have a more rigid approach? Are they trend-setters or disruptors? Is it an office or a garage? Pay attention, and reflect their aesthetic back to them in your tone and style.
Understanding Startup Funding Phases
Not all startups are the same.
Not all periods of the same startup are the same either. The company transforms over time…
Understanding the funding phase of a startup can help you craft more targeted letters, while also preparing for what to expect:
- Seed Stage: Startups at this stage are focused on product development and discovering initial market fit (aka customer development). Emphasize your technical skills, innovation, and how you can contribute to early growth. Demonstrate your willingness to wear many hats, and function outside of your title.
- Series A: At this phase, startups are scaling their operations and looking for team members who can drive growth. Showcase your ability to handle as well as drive rapid growth, improve processes, and contribute to scaling efforts. Demonstrate your understanding of market expansion, as well as hiring and scaling teams.
- Series B and Beyond: Startups in these stages are focused on scaling operations and optimizing performance. Highlight your experience with large-scale projects, managing teams, and improving systems. Emphasize how you can bring strategic insights and drive significant impact.
(Pro tip: Not all seed stage startups will be appropriately funded. Make sure you ask the right questions and develop a clear understanding of the company’s finances as early as possible.)
Matching and Reflecting the “Startup Leader Persona”
When you’re applying to a startup, it helps to know what traits successful startup leaders often have. Research shows that these leaders usually share a few key personality traits:
- Love for New Things: Successful entrepreneurs are drawn to variety and new ideas. They enjoy starting fresh projects and exploring uncharted territory. In your cover letter, highlight times when you’ve tackled new challenges or brought innovative ideas to the table.
- Charisma and Energy: Startup leaders often enjoy being in the spotlight and are very energetic. They’re not shy and are often quite outgoing. Reflect this in your cover letter by showcasing your own enthusiasm and how you’ve confidently led or participated in key projects.
- Personality Types: There isn’t a single “Founder-type” personality. But… Successful startup leaders cluster around six personality types. Aligning with one of these types can help you better connect with what startups are seeking:
- Fighter: Emphasize your emotional stability and ability to manage stress effectively.
- Operator: Highlight your strong organizational skills and humility in working with teams.
- Accomplisher: Show your high energy, extroversion, and drive in leading projects.
- Leader: Reflect your creativity, empathy, and ability to connect with others.
- Expert/Engineer: Demonstrate your analytical thinking and innovative problem-solving.
- Developer: Indicate your adaptability, combining traits of resilience with high extraversion
(Pro tip: Identify the personality type of the founder and emphasize those traits.)
Aligning your cover letter with these traits shows that you understand what startup leaders value and that you’re a good fit for their team. It’s not just about fitting in – it’s about showing how you can bring something valuable to the table.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience
As usual, communicating your value in a concrete, tangible, practical and specific way is crucial for a successful cover letter.
In this context, tech startups value practical experience and skills that align with their immediate needs more than anything else. They are usually not as uptight about your pedigree (which college you graduated from), or specific job title either. This can be an advantage…
Focus on demonstrating – practically – how your background and expertise are directly and immediately applicable to the role you’re applying for.
- Match Skills to Job Requirements: Carefully read the job description and highlight specific skills and experiences that match the requirements. Emphasize your technical abilities, but also demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
- Re-emphasize Adaptability: Read through your letter at least one additional time, and find ways to demonstrate that you can “roll with the punches”, and “do things outside of your official job as needed, with a massive smile on your face.”
- Showcase Achievements: Provide concrete examples of how you’ve applied your skills in previous roles. As with all cover letters, use metrics and specific outcomes to illustrate your impact.
Demonstrate Your Enthusiasm and Fit
Startups are – pretty much unanimously – driven by passion and enthusiasm.
Even when their founders are hyper-shrewd “lets just make a ton of money” types, they have to create and project a culture of passion and enthusiasm.
This means, you MUST convey your genuine interest in the company and the role. Explain why you’re excited about the opportunity and how your values align with theirs.
- Personal Connection: Share a personal story or insight that connects you to the startup’s mission or products. This could be a relevant project or a personal experience that aligns with the company’s goals. (See how to use archetypal stories to create a career narrative that wins people over.)
- Future Contributions: Outline how you envision contributing to the startup. Be specific about how your skills can help them achieve their objectives and overcome challenges.
Structure Your Cover Letter Effectively
A well-structured cover letter is easier to read and makes a stronger impression. Follow a clear format:
- Introduction: Start with a compelling opening that grabs attention. Mention the role you’re applying for and briefly explain why you’re excited about it.
- Body: In the main section, delve into your relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Address how your background aligns with the startup’s needs and culture.
- Conclusion: End with a strong closing statement and a call to action. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and express your eagerness to move forward
Example Cover Letter for a Tech Startup
Let’s put it all together…
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I’m applying for the [Position] role at [Startup’s Name] because your company is solving real problems, and it resonates with my expertise and interests. I see an opportunity here where my skills can genuinely make a difference.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I [describe a relevant achievement and/or an example of wearing many hats]. This experience has given me a solid understanding of [specific skills or technologies relevant to the startup]. I’ve tackled challenges similar to those you’re facing and delivered results that matter.
I’m also super impressed by [mention something specific about the startup’s recent work or culture]. It’s clear that you’re pushing boundaries, and that’s exactly the kind of environment where I can apply my [relevant skills or experience] effectively.
Let’s discuss how my background aligns with your current needs and how I can contribute to your team. I’m looking forward to the possibility of working together.
Best,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
A well-crafted cover letter can set the stage, but it’s just one piece of a larger puzzle.
Sure… It’s important to make a strong first impression. But other elements of your application – such as your skills, experience, and how you articulate your value – are even more crucial.
For a competitive edge, focus on mastering The Language of Value. This approach emphasizes how to communicate your worth effectively and align it with what employers are actually seeking – but don’t tell anyone openly.
Next, be sure to understand and develop the Five Core Skills and Seven High Value Disciplines. This will not only ensure you have the comprehensive expertise that startups value, but will also help you build automation proof skills for future proof jobs.
A standout cover letter is just the beginning…
Invest in refining these areas to truly differentiate yourself in our hyper competitive job market.
Remember: it’s going to get much, MUCH more competitive…