Advice for resume/position with big VC
4 comments
1) Is this a job interview or a pitch opportunity? Unclear from OP. Obviously this effects things a lot.
2) In general VCs will not be impressed by numbers that are good for a bootstrapper. They're used to people spending a million dollars to get a million dollars worth of sales.
VCs over-emphasize dealmaking as a business skill, since it's what they do all day. So use statements hings like "I was responsible for negotiating affiliate deal X with partner Y".
VCs value raw growth, even on a low base. So say things like "I've been driving traffic numbers up 50%/month for the last several months".
2) In general VCs will not be impressed by numbers that are good for a bootstrapper. They're used to people spending a million dollars to get a million dollars worth of sales.
VCs over-emphasize dealmaking as a business skill, since it's what they do all day. So use statements hings like "I was responsible for negotiating affiliate deal X with partner Y".
VCs value raw growth, even on a low base. So say things like "I've been driving traffic numbers up 50%/month for the last several months".
Thank you both. This question pertains to both my resume and the (hopefully) the subsequent interview. This is for an actual job with the VC, not a pitch for VC money.
Re: resume, I'm searching for how to phrase/summarize my experience and accomplishments without it looking like a bunch of fluff and/or irrelevant data.
Re: resume, I'm searching for how to phrase/summarize my experience and accomplishments without it looking like a bunch of fluff and/or irrelevant data.
I'm confused - are you writing a cover letter or actually doing an interview? Might help us give better answers.
A couple thoughts off the top of my head: in general, I think your experiences as an entrepreneur will be really valuable to working at a VC firm. You might want to emphasize your ability to evaluate and advise the founders early stage companies (because you've been there). Also, there's nothing wrong with a mother-oriented site - women spend lots of time and money on the internet and that domain knowledge will help you and the firm pick good companies and make money.
Good luck!
A couple thoughts off the top of my head: in general, I think your experiences as an entrepreneur will be really valuable to working at a VC firm. You might want to emphasize your ability to evaluate and advise the founders early stage companies (because you've been there). Also, there's nothing wrong with a mother-oriented site - women spend lots of time and money on the internet and that domain knowledge will help you and the firm pick good companies and make money.
Good luck!
@jboutelle makes some good points, especially wrt deal making. I'd definitely focus on that side of your past experience. Do you have any experience outside of bootstrapping?
Yes, I have 7 years of experience in real estate development and finance. I have no problem characterizing these accomplishments as they are so straightforward.
Now, all of the sudden, I don't know what to say about the last 3 years of startup work, esp since these sites were in the ramen/lobster profitable realm, not the multi-million dollar I'm-on-a-boat realm....
Now, all of the sudden, I don't know what to say about the last 3 years of startup work, esp since these sites were in the ramen/lobster profitable realm, not the multi-million dollar I'm-on-a-boat realm....
I've never heard the term "lobster profitable." What does it mean?
If they become any less profitable, their investors have the right to boil them alive and eat them with lemon and drawn butter.
I'm guessing it means you can afford a lobster dinner. no?
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Here are some accomplishments I'd like to highlight, but I'm not sure how to phrase them -- or even if to include them at all...
-- the fact that I am bootstrapped (perhaps this is a bad thing?) -- I currently monetize the site through affiliate programs -- I've had over 100,000 pageviews (which sounds GREAT to me, but to a VC will sound really weak) -- my site pertains to motherhood (will this hurt my chanced because they will think I am too family oriented?)
Anyone have advice for: what to to highlight, what to omit, what do they really care about, etc? TIA