Tips for Finding a Startup Job

Today I had lunch with an entrepreneur that’s been working on his own self-described lifestyle business for the past six years, making good money facilitating investment deals, and now wants to join a technology startup that’s building a great product with long-term value. He has a desire to be part of something larger than himself. I get introduced to many people that are looking for career and community advice like this but he came more prepared than most people I meet.

Here are some tips for finding the next startup job:

• Seek out warm introductions though mutual friends
• Develop a “hit” list of the top 50 startups in your community that you’re interested in and have this list ready to get introductions and feedback from whomever you meet
• Be specific about the types of roles and responsibilities you want
• Provide social proof that you’re smart and gets things done
• Look to pay it forward and help those you want help from

With all this said, the most important thing is to develop a game plan and execute against it. Work towards finding a great startup to join just like you would to get a startup off the ground — luck happens when opportunity meets preparation.

What else? What other tips do you have for finding a startup job?