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Hiring for Start-Ups

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I consider myself a recruitment expert. I’ve built a career in Human Resources and pride myself on the ability to hand pick the cream of the crop for unique roles and to add value to both business and organizational culture. My track record speaks for itself.

So you can imagine my surprise (and to be honest, dismay) when I realised that start-ups were a whole other beast and perhaps this fancy pants recruiter (with a start-up recruitment business) had a lot to learn!

It’s a good thing I love learning and I especially love sharing learning experiences… so here’s my advice when hiring for start-ups…

Choose people who don’t mind getting their hands dirty.

Let’s face it, the reality versus the glamour of a start-up are worlds apart. Money is tight, resources are tight and we all have to chip in even if it’s not in our job description!

Choose people with diverse skills and knowledge.

Whilst we’d all love to hire those specialist positions – the people who are top of their game and experts in a niche area, there’s far more value to be gained for a new business when skills can be transferred. Get a Business Development Manager with marketing panache and an Office Manager with basic accounting skills – you’ll get more value and ensure your business has a cross section of skills.

Choose people with ideas.

A start-up should be a melting pot of new ideas and innovative concepts. I love it when my Admin staff come to me with ideas for client acquisition or my Marketing Executive thinks up new ways to cut costs without compromising quality. Choose people with creative minds who aren’t afraid to share their thoughts.

Choose people who are resilient.

When I interview I ask ‘are you prepared to get knocked down and get back up again, and get knocked down and get back up again… a hundred times?’ because sometimes that’s what it feels like in a start-up business. You’re new, you try new things, you sometimes have no idea what will work and what won’t work – it’s not always easy, nobody forged the path before you. Only the resilient need apply.

Choose people who embody the culture you want for your business.

When you have a team of 300 people, sure the new person should still be a good culture fit – but the culture is already there, they don’t have to build it from scratch. When starting a new business, choose people whose natural style compliments your vision for the business – it takes the hard part out of building a culture.

Choose people who have been involved in start-ups before, or have shown you that they truly understand the thrills and challenges.

It doesn’t matter if their first start-up was a failed one, ask them what they have learnt. The very fact they’re coming back for more tells you that entrepreneurship is in their blood. Many people are drawn to the idea of a start-up but aren’t so thrilled with the reality of it. For the people who like to sit in a comfort zone, it’s not the right fit.

Leave a comment and let me know any other tips you have for recruiting for a start-up!

KATE HARDEN is the Co-Founder and CEO of International Alumni Job Network. Kate has over 10 years experience in contemporary HR and Recruitment in Australia and Asia. Kate is passionate about people, learning and working together for positive outcomes.

Countries International Students and Alumni can study for (almost) FREE!

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When we think about studying abroad, often we’re overwhelmed by the high price tag we assume comes with such opportunities. But did you know – some countries in the world offer a FREE education or very low fees, even for international students!

Here are some of our favorites, all with universities in the top 200 in the world:

Finland

Finland universities are fee-free so long as international students can cover their own living costs which makes it an attractive choice for studying abroad.

Germany

Universities in Germany are all free. The government funds the education of all its people and includes foreigners. Over 900 undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in English which means non-German speakers can apply!

Sweden

Sweden is one of the wealthiest countries in the world and its tuition fees are low cost, but not entirely free. It has almost 1000 programs at 35 universities that are taught in English, which means so long as you can speak English, you can get a degree!

Norway

Norway does not charge tuition fees for international students, and it is known for having small classes, with easily approachable professors. English courses are offered at many universities, making it a popular choice for many foreign students.

France

In France most public universities charge only about $200 USD, but if your parents are unemployed, you can study for free.

So before you rule out an international education due to financial constraints, investigate further and be sure to research scholarship opportunities too – you’d be surprised what’s available!

Thanks to our friends at cashkows.com for the useful information and research fodder!

Story Teller Series: Life – a learning journey

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The first in IAJN’s ‘Story Teller’ series, Australian Scientist and education enthusiast, Emma-Jane Watson shares her story.

Life – a learning journey

As children we easily absorb everything around us. As adults, it is a lot harder to learn because we form opinions and preferences and close ourselves up to information. This is why it is so important to never stop asking; why, where, how, when and what if?

My name is Emma, and I am a scientist by day and criminologist by night. That may sound like a good character theme for a super hero but I am no super hero, I just love to learn. I never want to stop learning! There are so many wonderful things in our universe to learn about and as a scientist I know there are so many more to be discovered.

In my professional career

I am continually learning new analytical methodologies, technologies and skills. This is an essential element for all staff at my research organisation so we remain current in a fast moving and highly competitive industry. This is what makes my job so interesting, the necessity for me to be learning all the time, pushing myself to become more knowledgeable and challenging myself to become an expert in new technologies and research areas.

As much as I love everything about my job I also enjoy studying things outside the realm of my professional career. This is why I study a Masters in Criminology and Criminal Justice through Griffith University, Australia.

But I am getting ahead of myself. Let’s start from the beginning.

I grew up in a small country town where I attended high school and learnt how to work hard on the farm. My country life taught me to how to pick grapes, cut apricots, fix cars, look after the chickens, cows and sheep and I even helped my father build a small aeroplane. As a child I always wanted to be a lawyer but as I neared the completion of high school I realised that I was more suited to a laboratory. I moved to Adelaide city where I received my Bachelor of Biotechnology with Honors from Flinders University. My Honors project investigated symbiotic bacteria in wheat plants and how we might stop disease and increase growth rate by inoculating the seeds with beneficial bacteria. This project was very successful and since then other students have gone on to develop the concept further. I left plants behind me and moved to humans. I now work in gastrointestinal health and study symbiotic gut bacteria and how they can prevent disease and improve total wellbeing.

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In 2013 I took a break and moved to Vietnam where I taught science to students of all ages. In Vietnam I learnt how to be a teacher, I learnt how to speak limited Vietnamese, I learnt how to ride a motor bike, and I learnt how I missed my family when I was so far away. So I moved back to Australia and continued my work in gastrointestinal health.

While all of this was happening I started my Masters of Criminology and Criminal Justice and after several years of part time study I am now nearing its completion. Many people ask me what I intend to do with my Master’s degree. I cannot answer this yet as I am not really sure. But I do know that the study of my Master’s has given me many things aside from the theory and skills to work in the field of Criminology.

I will outline a few of these things briefly.

  • It has taught me to think differently. My professional career requires that I test and observe mechanisms of the human body in detail. Criminology sits in a sociology setting where interpretation of research is very different to mechanistic biology.
  • I have become more sympathetic to the range of life situations people find themselves in. I now have a solid understanding that societies are big, loud and complex creatures with a wide range of different individuals with different beliefs, wants, needs, stressors and characteristics. It is no small feat to ensure these societies run smoothly.
  • And I have learnt a lot about myself, my behaviours and how they could be viewed differently by different cultures or in different situations. What determines if something is a crime, it is an exercise in philosophical thinking.

My Master’s degree

has allowed me to apply different skills to a different field of study, learn a whole range of interesting concepts and theories, as well as challenge and change some of my opinions and beliefs and I am now a different person.

What do I have planned for the future?

I intend to study more.

knowledge

Study doesn’t need to be about career development.

It should be done because you love it and want to develop as a person. It is about the desire to obtain knowledge and you can get this knowledge from many different sources. It can be picking up a book about something you don’t understand, talking to people from different industries, cultures and countries, watching a documentary that discusses a topic from a different angle to your beliefs, and of course the internet is a fabulous thing.

Study not only gives you a parchment,

it also teaches you to question the world and what you are told about it. Question why things are done and if they can be done better. Question why things happen and how we can prevent it. Even question why we can’t do something and determine how we can. This is how knowledge, technologies, societies and the human species as a whole moves forward. The world has so much information to offer and it is all out there for you to grab.

So once you have finished that degree, masters, doctorate or landed that dream job, don’t stop learning. Your study has given you the tools to start your learning journey, otherwise known as life. So go out there, learn a new language, learn how to knit, learn how to cook, learn about an ancient race, learn how to fix a car. All of these things will gift you a wide range of knowledge, develop you as a person, make you more open to ideas and concepts, allow you to contribute in many different forums and help you leave your mark on the world. Go forth and learn.

 

emma-jane-watson EMMA-JANE WATSON has worked in the field of science for over 10 years for one of the world’s leading scientific organisations, CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation). Emma is not only passionate about self-driven learning but is an advocate for sharing knowledge, evident in her work as an educator and facilitator of work experience programs.

The DO’s and DON’Ts of Choosing a Career

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While some people feel like they are ‘born’ to follow a certain pathway, or have an epiphany moment; the reality is that most people agonise over which career pathway is right for them.

Perhaps you are considering what to study.

Maybe you have completed your education and are looking for ways to apply it to the workforce.

Or you might have already started down one career track, but are looking to change direction.

Let us help you navigate your options!

DO consider what you are passionate about.

What do you love to do? The old adage that says ‘he who loves his work, never works a day in his life’ is pretty accurate. Think about which jobs allow you to do what you love.

If you love socializing and meeting new people – consider a job in Sales, Communications or PublicRelations.

If you’re a computer geek and proud of it – chase that IT career.

If art and drawing is your thing – explore working as an Illustrator, Graphic Designer or even an Architect!

DON’T choose what your best friend / girlfriend / boyfriend is doing.

What works for someone else, is not guaranteed to work for another. A decision made for short term reward, is unlikely to bring long term satisfaction.

DO consider the benefits and sustainability of your career choice, but don’t only think about money. Also think about:

  • Work/Life Balance – is family important? Perhaps a job where you are on call 24/7 isn’t right for you.
  • Job Description and Tasks – Some jobs sound glamorous but what do those people really do?Research or speak with someone in the industry to gain insight.
  • Team Environment – Do you prefer to work alone or in a team? This is an important part of choosing the right job for you.
  • Job Status – Do you dream of being someone of high social/political/professional status? The career you choose can play a part in this.
  • Opportunity for Advancement – Are you ambitious by nature? If you envision climbing the corporate ladder, make sure you choose a pathway with clearly defined opportunities for promotion and career progression.
  • Non-Financial Benefits – Do you love to travel? Do you desire flexible working hours? Do you want a job where you can learn while working? These and many other factors should contribute to your choice.

DON’T ignore your gut feeling.

If there’s a career that just keeps popping back into your mind. If your instincts tell you to make a certain choice, the chances are it’s the right one for you.

DO consider your personal ethics.

If you’re passionate about the environment, don’t work in an industry that compromises your values. If you want a work place with gender balance and equal opportunity, research your potential employers.

DON’T be disheartened if you can’t choose the career you really dream of.

There are many possible pathways for every individual. There is not job in the world that will make you happy 100% of the time – it’s all about finding the right fit for you. Don’t be afraid to intern a few different options –it’s a great way to try before you commit!

Why ‘Sales’ will be the Most Valuable Job you ever had

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Whether it’s a lifelong career in sales and business development, or a short term stint working retail whilst at university, many of us at some point in our lives find ourselves taking on a role that requires us to sell something.
It could be products in store, memberships over the phone or an experience online. Tangible or non-tangible – any business with a product or service to share, needs people to influence and inform others of the benefits they can gain.
In fact, there are few who truly love the art of selling – they are the hunters who thrive on the adrenalin of winning. They have the natural instincts, adaptability and willingness to go to great lengths to secure the sale. They are personable, knowledgeable and charismatic – they are born to sell.
But even those of you to which selling makes you feel slightly uncomfortable, I guarantee you, working in sales at least one time in your life will benefit your entire life and career in ways you never imagined.

Self-Confidence

Sales usually requires the seller (you) to approach the client and take the lead. It’s the salesperson who navigates the journey and this requires the confidence to start the process and follow it through.
Self-confidence is an essential ingredient in your career and will help you when you need to make a presentation at work, or wish to speak up in a meeting.

Building Rapport

The very first step of sales, before you even start discussing what it is you’re wanting to sell, is building a relationship. Starting a conversation, finding common ground, making a joke – building rapport is the foundation to a successful sale. You’re gaining trust and building an alliance.
This valuable skill translates to so many real life experiences from attending a job interview to meeting new work colleagues, being able to quickly and sincerely build relationships with people will be a lifelong asset.

Perfect the Art of Listening

A true salesperson will always take time to listen to the client first. If we don’t know what their needs are, it makes it harder to sell our product. Asking open ended questions and really listening to what they want will make it easier to match them with the right product or services.
Listening is an often forgotten skill when it comes to all interactions in the workplace and beyond. When people feel heard they are happier, more productive and more willing to listen in return.

Identifying needs and how you can meet them

The next step from listening is to figure out and understand what the client needs and how you can fill the gap. If your client wants a green tractor, don’t try and sell them a red sports car.
In business and life, the same principles stand. Are you a Manager? Find out what your team need from you, don’t assume. Is your neighbor angry? There’s no point trimming back your garden if the real issue is the loud music coming from your house. Identifying people’s needs leads to quicker, more effective solutions.

Persuasion

Let’s face it, the key to sales really comes down to being able to convince someone that they need what you are offering.
Learning the art of persuasion through language, non-verbal cues, eye contact and body language will leave you with the ability to influence and persuade others in all aspects of life, and all with a smile on your face!

Forthrightness

A great salesperson must feel comfortable asking for the sale, coming right out and saying ‘so how would you like to pay for that?’
The confidence to say exactly what you want and how you want it (and perhaps more importantly, knowing when to say it) will see you moving forward in life. Deserve that promotion? You’ll know exactly how to ask for it!

Your career in Sales, no matter how short or lengthy, may not be your favourite job but when you look back at all you have learnt and the impression it has had on your career, I’m sure you’ll agree on its lasting impact and value.

KATE HARDEN is the Co-Founder and CEO of International Alumni Job Network. Kate has over 10 years’ experience in contemporary HR and Recruitment in Australia and Asia. Kate spent 3 months as a student challenged with an outbound ‘cold’ telemarketing role before building her career in the dynamic retail industry. Kate attributes much of her success to these foundation years in sales.

Let LOVE lead the way to the career you want

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“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

-Confucius

You know that feeling of falling in love? Where every moment of time you can spare, you want nothing more than to spend it with the object of your affection. Where you walk around in a bubble of happiness and find your mind wandering often – thinking about future possibilities.

We follow the same patterns when we truly love our work. We spend extra hours in the office, because we care about our work and enjoy building successes. Our positivity oozes out of us with every client and colleague interaction. We constantly find ourselves thinking about our work and dreaming up innovative new ideas.

When you love what you do, that’s when the magic happens.

It doesn’t mean that you’ll never have a rough day, be overloaded with work or feel the pressure of a looming deadline – but it means that when the going gets tough, your ultimate love for your work will keep you strong and focused. Like a relationship, you know that you have to ride the storm out in order to enjoy your job at its brilliant best.

To your boss, your passion is likely your most valued attribute. In circumstances where your skills may be lacking or your experience insufficient, they’ll have faith that your enthusiasm for what you do will see you work hard to improve. They know that your positivity is contagious and contributes towards workplace culture. As they see you grow, they’ll open doors for you.

So long as you’re equally committed to learning new things, your passion will help you build your career and drive your success.

Author Stephen C. Lundin, when talking about work / life balance once said ‘work is not separate to life, work is part of life, it’s all life’. When work is such a big, time consuming part of our lives we can’t afford to not be happy. Love what you do and do what you love and you’ll be rewarded with a successful career and even more importantly; a happy life.

We Want You!

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Why International companies in Asia want international graduates

As an employer in Asia let me tell you why we want International Alumni to work for us. You have the three B’s that make you the most likely to succeed in an international company operating in Asia, adding value as an employee and bringing soft skills that only an international education can deliver.

Bi-Cultural

You are bi-cultural, with experience both in your home country and also in the cultural of your academic studies. This understanding of the similarities and differences across cultures is invaluable to employers wanting to operate in Asia. Your knowledge of different cultures is in high demand.

Bi-Lingual

You are bi-lingual and have a native speaker ability in your mother tongue and a competency in a foreign language (English, German, French) that allowed you to study at an international university in one of the leading education destinations in the world.  Your language ability and soft skills are in high demand.

Bi-Experienced  

You have completed studies in both local and international schools, you have work experience in both local and international locations, you have professional and social relationships with people in your home country and people you have meet abroad. You are able to adapt and excel in familiar and new situations. Your life experience is in high demand.

 

You have done the hard work to complete an internationally qualified certification in a second language, you are adaptable and not afraid of  challenge and for these reasons employers want YOU to work for them. Connect with them today on the International Alumni Job Network. http://www.ia-jn.com/

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