How Entrepreneurs Can Position Themselves to Re-enter the Job Market
from CEO baddie to corporate boo
I’ve been an entrepreneur for over ten years and throughout that decade, I’ve pivoted between full-time corporate boo and full-time business owner baddie, many times. It’s not uncommon for former founders to find themselves on the job market. Sometimes you might need to switch to full-time work at a moment's notice for various reasons; maybe you're between gigs right now and need some extra income. Maybe your career goals have changed or you’re just at a phase of life where you need the security of a full-time job right now. Whatever the reason Sis, that’s your business and there’s no shame in that.
Now, I won’t sugarcoat it. When you have “founder” on your resume, recruiters may see this as a red flag. Studies have shown that former founders receive fewer callbacks from recruiters than non-founders. However, whether you’re a former full-time business owner looking to get back in the job market or run your business part-time on the side, it’s not impossible to get hired. Former founders are the hidden talent of the job market. So it’s time to show those skills and results you’ve gained as a business owner and bless the corporate world with those sought-after skills.
Today, I’m going to tell you the six things ex-entrepreneurs can do to position themselves for full-time employment.
Embrace your entrepreneurial skills
Let’s get one thing straight: Your entrepreneurial background is your superpower! Don’t let anyone tell you differently. It can be easy to doubt yourself when getting in front of an employer but stay focused on what you already bring to the table. As an entrepreneur, you automatically have skills in being resilient, adaptability, and let’s not forget, a killer work ethic. These qualities are gold in any workplace. Grab 2-3 examples of challenges you've overcome and client projects you've successfully executed. Be sure to tailor these examples to the role you’re applying to. Create a skills-based resume highlighting your key skills and achievements. And don’t be shy about showing those numbers! Use quantifiable metrics to showcase your impact, such as revenue growth, the outcomes of successful client projects, or teams you’ve led.
Be Proactive
While oftentimes employers claim to value the tenacity and innovative thinking of entrepreneurs, recruiters might see founder on your resume as a “red flag”. You’ll need to get around their assumption that entrepreneurs only want to “be their own boss” and will ultimately leave the firm quickly to start another company. During interviews, proactively address any concerns about your return to the traditional job setting. Explain how your entrepreneurial journey has equipped you with a diverse skill set and your commitment to aligning with the company mission. For me, when I was hired to join an ed-tech firm, I was genuinely passionate about helping aspiring Black women engineers and data scientists make a career pivot into the tech space. My role as a founder directly prepared me for the role and I had the proven skills from running my company. This showed my commitment to the company’s mission of helping job seekers find careers they love.
Personal Branding 2.0
Going into a new chapter of your career is cause for a refresh of your personal brand. Be sure to update your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect the skills and experiences you’ve gained during your entrepreneurial journey. Prepare a short, compelling personal brand statement that addresses your transition and the opportunities you’re looking for. Highlight how your entrepreneurial experiences have equipped you with the specific skills for the role. Own your story and practice delivering your narrative with confidence. Create an online portfolio like a website that highlights specific projects, testimonials, and results from your entrepreneurial ventures. This is how you build a consistent brand.
During my job hunting days, I remained active on LinkedIn. I have been sought out by recruiters several times so it helps to refresh your profile and stay active on the platform. You are more likely to get in front of recruiters who are looking for people with your credentials.
Leverage your contacts
As a business owner, you know the power of connections. It’s likely that as an entrepreneur you’ve accumulated hundreds of contacts whether they be former clients or fellow business colleagues. Leverage your existing network and tap into new ones. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and don't be shy about reaching out to potential mentors. The more connections, the better. Networking remains a powerhouse in career transitions. Again this is where a strong LinkedIn strategically will help you. Optimize your profile with an updated professional photo, a concise headline, and a detailed summary. Personalize connection requests, explaining your transition and expressing interest in connecting for mutual benefit.
When I started my business in the early days, I reconnected with all of my contacts at the time to inform them of my new venture. Similarly, when I was job seeking, I again reached out to my network to let them know I was in the market and the types of opportunities I was looking for. I set up coffee dates with my contacts like no one's business to update them on my status.
5. Stay Tech-Savvy
The business world is evolving, and so are the tools. Stay updated on the latest tech trends relevant to your field. Highlight any certifications or training you've completed to showcase your commitment to learning and staying ahead.
As a founder, you’re no stranger to continuous learning. Keep that same energy when applying to full-time roles. Tap into online courses, workshops, or certifications to update your skills. If you haven’t learned about ChatGPT yet, now might be the time as more and more employers are embracing this new technology. And of course, mention these new skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
6. Take Care of Your Mental Health
And you know we can’t end without a nod to your mental health. Transitioning can be an emotionally taxing process. Prioritize self-care to maintain your mental well-being. Make sure you’re doing things that bring you joy and relaxation. Schedule breaks and downtime to give your brain a break. Develop a routine that includes regular meditation, exercise, time with friends, or hobbies you enjoy. Know what your boundaries are when it comes to interviews with potential employers to ensure you have a healthy work-life balance. If this is something you struggle with, don't hesitate to seek support from a coach, mentor or therapist.
Remember: being an entrepreneur doesn’t make you unemployable. Your entrepreneurial journey makes you a unique candidate for employers and has equipped you for success in any professional setting. Embrace this exciting new change, big up your brilliance, and keep that same fierce determination that made you an entrepreneur in the first place to land the job you want.
Over to you. Are you navigating a career transition right now? In what ways can you use your entrepreneurial background to land the job of your dreams? Let us know in the comments!
PS: To learn more about my work visit me at www.arianehunter.com. To get in touch about my one-on-one coaching programs, career equity consulting or for speaking engagements, reach out here. To support my writing, consider becoming a premium subscriber today.