Startups don't want experienced marketers - prove me wrong

New / Product
FMLinCA

New Product

BIO
25+ years in tech, 15+ years in product marketing / strategy for companies of all sizes / stages in their evolution. Looking for new opportunity.
FMLinCA
Yesterday 8 Comments

I recently learned about a startup in a market I know lot about and more importantly, how it has changed over the years and even worked at the leader in the space for almost 3 years.

I even got a referral from a friend of mine who worked with the CMO at the company. I noticed two strange things about the position - it required 10 years in tech, but only 2 yoe of marketing experience for a Director level role and it reported to the "Head of Growth" when it should report directly to the CMO himself.

Spoke with the recruiter who told me I not only had the hard skills needed for the job, but also would fit their culture so she eagerly connected me to the hiring manager.

I spoke with the hiring manager and apparently she was impressed with my background and knowledge, but she decided not to go forward because she had a few other candidates that were closer in terms of state of growth than I was. Most of my experience has been with startups and scaleups so this doesn't make sense.

Oh... I guess I should mention I am a white male over 40 so I guess if I am in tech, I might as well drive off a cliff or something.

TC: 🥜 YOE: 15+

#wantrapreneurs #kidsthesedays

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TOP 8 Comments
  • AKASA / Eng
    Enzj16

    AKASA Eng

    Enzj16
    Why would this make any sense? You could have been rejected for a wide variety of reasons. You'll never know but it doesn't make sense to think that a startup wouldn't want someone experienced. If for some reason that's the case, then you're better off not joining the firm anyway.
    Yesterday 2
    • New / Product
      FMLinCA

      New Product

      BIO
      25+ years in tech, 15+ years in product marketing / strategy for companies of all sizes / stages in their evolution. Looking for new opportunity.
      FMLinCA
      OP
      You're right about that. Need to get another job soon though. Tired of these mind games.

      I am waiting to hear back potentially to schedule an interview with the CMO at another company, but they are starting to slow down too.
      Yesterday
    • AKASA / Eng
      Enzj16

      AKASA Eng

      Enzj16
      I feel that. Startups are definitely chaotic and most of them do not have their shit together. Keep your head up, stay positive and confident in your own experience and skill set and something will come down the pipe eventually.
      Yesterday
  • There are many reasons why any one person wouldn’t be moving forward in the interview process for any one job.
    Yesterday 4
    • New / Product
      FMLinCA

      New Product

      BIO
      25+ years in tech, 15+ years in product marketing / strategy for companies of all sizes / stages in their evolution. Looking for new opportunity.
      FMLinCA
      OP
      Thanks piers. Mind if I ask what group you are in at LI?
      Yesterday
    • I am not at LinkedIn anymore. I’m at a small startup.
      Yesterday