A few people have recently asked me for some hints and tips on how to best use our database to find their next job. Whether they’re just looking for the next big thing, aren’t happy with their existing job, because they’re moving, or their startup is on shaky ground, we find there are quite a few job seekers using our services.

As most of you know, part of our site is a database of technology companies in Southern California. We believe we have the most comprehensive site listing technology firms from Santa Barbara to San Diego, including both venture funded and non-venture funded companies.

So, here’s a few tips on using our database for your job search:

1. Use it to uncover those “hidden gems” in your industry. Usually, people are aware of the big players in their industry, but aren’t aware of all the startups, mid-sized companies, and even large (quiet) companies who are in the area. You can search by industry, and keyword, for the many companies in the local area who could use your skills and knowledge.

2. Figure out who is likely to hire–or not. You can use or database to figure out some qualitative info about companies — stuff you can’t get out of a company’s web site or marketing materials. For example, it’s probably good (though not always) if a company has raised capital within the last 3 months, because that probably means they are hiring new employees or have the cash for new employees. It’s probably not so good, if a company hasn’t raised capital in awhile and you haven’t heard much news from them. On the other hand, if a company appears to be going strong (new products, people, partnerships) and hasn’t raised money in a couple of years, that could be a very, very good indicator that they’re profitable and doing well.

3. Gauge executive confidence at a firm. We track executive moves (new/moved/departed) CEOs, CFOs, VPs, etc. Good signs: new CEO, founder becomes CTO. Hires their first VP of Sales, and a sales team. Bad signs: third CFO this year. Founders have all left the company. Lost a string of VPs. You know the signs–you can use our database to track this easily.

4. Find contact names. Figure out who the right people might be to speak to at a firm. Smart job seekers tell me that they try to target the hiring managers or, at very least, the VP in the division they’re looking to join at a company. We provide a lot of this info in our database, which is particularly helpful for companies which are fairly quiet about who their executives are (lots of companies, believe it or not). Of course, jobs are best found by networking with employees at the companies, but it’s a useful place to start rather than in that big resume bucket in the sky.

5. Track down the good companies. One way to figure out who the good companies are, is to use the quality of the venture firms that are backing them as a proxy. Generally, top tier VCs are going to stand behind their companies in good times and bad, help drive companies forward to expand and grow, etc. It’s not always that easy to figure out who those companies are — but you can find that and more through our database.

Filed under:
Uncategorized by Benjamin Kuo