Re:Post Startup Founder Feeling Lost, Career Advice Appreciated
by debacle on Monday April 02, 2012 @09:36AM
(#3787995)
> Has anybody else found themselves in a similar position after selling a start up? If so, what did you do at this point?
Yes. I did a lot of research. I talked to HR people I knew, people who had owned businesses and sold them (online and in person), and hiring agents (recruiters). I probably revised my resume ~50 times before I had something that I was comfortable with.
You need to explain your lapse somehow. The reality is that companies don't want to hire people that might leave. Being that you've got a four year gap in your employment history AND you were self-employed, they take you for somewhat of a one night stand. You need to write a good cover letter to explain what you got out of your entrepreneurial phase and what you're looking for now.
Finally, if your skills are out of date your skills are out of date. I don't want to be harsh, but in 2012 it's inexcusable to not know OOP PHP (or even OOP Perl!). Your skill set seems to fit the role of crufty systems administrator very well. Is that what you're looking for?
My final piece of advice would be to find an amazing recruiter (easy, right). I was placed within six weeks of starting to look (after only a two year lapse, though) because my recruiter was incredibly honest with me about my skill set and what other companies were looking for.
Yes. I did a lot of research. I talked to HR people I knew, people who had owned businesses and sold them (online and in person), and hiring agents (recruiters). I probably revised my resume ~50 times before I had something that I was comfortable with.
You need to explain your lapse somehow. The reality is that companies don't want to hire people that might leave. Being that you've got a four year gap in your employment history AND you were self-employed, they take you for somewhat of a one night stand. You need to write a good cover letter to explain what you got out of your entrepreneurial phase and what you're looking for now.
Finally, if your skills are out of date your skills are out of date. I don't want to be harsh, but in 2012 it's inexcusable to not know OOP PHP (or even OOP Perl!). Your skill set seems to fit the role of crufty systems administrator very well. Is that what you're looking for?
My final piece of advice would be to find an amazing recruiter (easy, right). I was placed within six weeks of starting to look (after only a two year lapse, though) because my recruiter was incredibly honest with me about my skill set and what other companies were looking for.