Hey there,

Welcome to this month's newsletter, where we're diving into the world of startups and much more.

Ever thought about transitioning your career? Curious about personal branding's power? Ready to conquer networking as an introvert? Or perhaps you're a designer aiming to become a manager? Well, you're in for a treat because we're covering it all.

In this issue, you'll discover insightful articles on these topics and more, each designed to help you navigate your career journey with confidence and purpose.

So, whether you're eyeing that startup gig, pondering a career shift, or looking to boost your professional brand, this newsletter has you covered. It's a roadmap to success, tailored just for you.

Let’s get started!

Landing Your Next Startup Role

Searching for a job in a startups can be exciting, if done right.

In this article, we're going to break down everything you need to know about snagging that dream startup job. Whether you're fresh out of college or switching gears in your career, the startup scene is buzzing with opportunities.

We’ll be tackling this topic with the help of Anthony Nardini, a seasoned expert in talent acquisition and career development. We'll talk about how to be intentional in your job search, set some clear guidelines, network like a pro, and even get a bit creative to stand out from the crowd.

Before we dive into the specifics of landing your ideal startup role, let's get to know Anthony a bit better.

Meet Anthony Nardini

Anthony Nardini boasts an impressive career that spans over a decade at Goldman Sachs in Private Wealth Management across multiple global offices. He transitioned into the dynamic startup arena, founding his own coaching practice.Beyond coaching, Anthony's impact reverberates through his roles as the driving force behind the On Deck First 50 community, supporting over a thousand fellows in their startup endeavors, and as the Head of Talent at VC firm Contrary, where he cultivated a community for entrepreneurial engineers.

Today, Anthony is the Founder & Chief Job-Seeker Advocate of NEXT, a vibrant community empowering individuals to strategically plan their startup career moves. Known for his discerning eye for potential and innovation, he's a sought-after advisor in the startup ecosystem.

Running An Efficient Search

When you start looking for a new job, it's easy to apply to everything that comes your way.

But a more thoughtful approach can save you time and lead you to better opportunities. Anthony Nardini suggests that you need guiding principles to focus your job search. These principles should cover four areas: Mission, Sector, Stage, and Role.

But, why does this matter? Well, aligning these principles with your search means you'll focus on the right kind of opportunities, essentially increasing the number of "high-quality inputs" in your decision-making.

Crafting Your Guiding Principles

Guiding principles help you understand what you're really looking for.

Ask yourself questions like:

• What is the core mission that excites me?

• What sector (tech, healthcare, finance, etc.) am I interested in?

• What stage of a startup fits my career goals?

• Am I looking for an early-stage startup or a more established one?

• What role do I see myself in?

By answering these questions, you create a filter that you can use to evaluate job opportunities.

Setting Personal Goals and Preferences

After setting your guiding principles, you should also think about your specific needs and wants. Here, think about your non-negotiables and flexibilities.

Keep reading→ 

I hope you enjoyed the articles and insights from this issue of Blueprint.

If there's anything you'd like to share or discuss, just hit reply.

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Kasra Khalili - Editor, Blueprint