Tis’ the season for grads - and now with COVID19 and a global recession on the horizon, it's going to be a marketplace where there are a lot of graduates - all seeking employment and new opportunities.
However, if you are recruiting in such a marketplace, with so many CVs to potentially consider, how can you ensure that you find the best graduate for your tech startup or scaleup? Here are some basic tips on how to assess those CVs and do just that.
1 The key characteristics
Whilst there are certain skills that will be mandatory and which will vary by tech startup, there are other key traits and qualities which you should always look for when you're looking for a grad for your startup - no matter what sector your business is in.
You should look for grads that show they are driven and ambitious and thereby can help you as you grow your startup. You'll also need someone who can demonstrate how adaptable they are and how they are keen to roll their sleeves up and just get stuck right in, whenever and wherever your tech startup or scaleup requires it.
An element of curiosity is another great trait to look out for - having a grad who shows they are willing and keen to learn new things is a must.
2 CV Format
When you’re reviewing a CV, take a look at how much TLC has actually gone into creating it. Are there lots of typos? Is it a standard template that has been downloaded and adapted just a little or, perhaps not at all? Have they done their Duke of Edinburgh? What level did they get to?
The bronze level might indicate that they gave up and therefore have no sticking power, whilst Gold level is excellent, showing you that they have willpower, they’re adaptable and can cope with being taken out of their comfort zone, and will always know how to put up a tent in the rain.
Does their CV show that they’ve done something a little quirky or unusual, that would differentiate them from others? Have they included their LinkedIn profile?
3 Part time jobs, side hustles and a year in industry
Have they already had some work experience? If they have done some part-time jobs whilst studying, they perhaps, therefore, have experience of working in a team and communicating with others. If they have shown that they had any supervisory responsibilities or were promoted, this will indicate to you that they have the drive - again vital for a recruit for your startup.
Maybe they’ve gone down the entrepreneurial route and have had a side hustle whilst at uni. Whether that has been selling things online or elsewhere, or running events this will show you that they have ambition and are a go-getter. If the grad has already had a placement or a year spent in the industry, this will show you that they will already have invaluable experience. They will have already made mistakes and hopefully learnt from them!
4 Hobbies and interests
The hobbies and interests that graduates show on their CVs are also a great way of helping you to assess how they will fit in your startup. If they were an athlete or involved in any sports, they’ll be demonstrating to you their commitment and dedication. If they were involved in any societies or groups at university, this will again show you their ability to work in a team and, if they actually set the society up in the first place, even better! Involvement in charity work is also great to see - whether it’s undertaking races or runs, actively fundraising or volunteering, it all goes to show you passion and drive - again vital characteristics for your startup team.
As we know, travel broadens the mind so if this is an interest, great! Any examples of solo travel will show you drive, an adventurous spirit and of course, confidence. Reading or listening to audiobooks or podcasts, particularly if they are tech or business-related, are also a great indicator of genuine passion and enthusiasm and ultimately commitment - which you would most certainly want in any new grad that you hire.
5 Evidence of extra learning
If their learning didn't stop once they graduated, great! So, if they have a Google Digital Garage certificate or examples of any online courses they’ve undertaken, such as those on Coursera or FutureLearn, this will show you that they’re keen to develop and curious to learn. If they have been proactive in how they spent their time during lockdown, all the better!
6 Academics
Qualifications do matter - you will most probably be looking for a grad with pretty decent A-Level grades, and of course a good university grade, ideally in a subject that relates to your startup and the sector you operate in. These can’t be looked at in isolation though - the overall CV can build up a much more complete picture of how they are as a person and therefore how they’ll fit into your startup.
7 Soft Skills
And whilst sector-relevant skills and qualifications are important, soft skills matter too. How they speak on the phone, how effective a listener they are and how they interact with others will go a long way to demonstrating the grad’s personality and therefore help you determine if they will be the right choice for your tech startup.
Who we are
Offering personalised, consultative service, at TableCrowd Talent we’re a specialist recruitment agency with our finger on the pulse of the startup and scaleup scene. We are committed to matching graduates, professionals and C-level executives to exciting startup and scaleup jobs across London, the UK and Europe.
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