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Job Search Strategies: How can a failed 40 year old tech entrepreneur find a job at a startup?
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Farouq belhaj, Multilingual expert translator with proven skills. answered:

Hello, and thank you for sharing your story—it takes courage to be this honest. Your experience founding and growing two companies to significant revenue levels is valuable and demonstrates leadership and resilience, even if the ventures ultimately closed.

Here are some tailored suggestions to help you find a role in a startup:

1. Reframe your narrative:
Instead of focusing on the closures, highlight what you learned and achieved: scaling teams, managing revenues of $1-2 million, overcoming challenges. Startups value grit and lessons from failure.

2. Target startups that value experience:
Look for companies at growth or scale-up stages where your operational and leadership skills are crucial. Smaller early-stage startups often prefer younger, flexible candidates, but growth-stage startups want proven operators.

3. Update your resume and LinkedIn:
Emphasize your startup accomplishments, leadership, and ability to manage cross-functional teams. Use metrics and stories that show impact.

4. Network strategically:
Leverage startup events, accelerators, and communities. Connect with founders and executives who understand the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

5. Consider advisory or interim roles:
Offer your expertise as an advisor or interim executive. This can open doors to full-time positions.

6. Show willingness to learn and adapt:
Emphasize openness to new roles, technologies, and company cultures.

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Your age and experience can be a huge asset if positioned correctly. If you want, I can help review your resume and LinkedIn profile and prepare you for interviews to maximize your chances.

Feel free to book a call to discuss your situation in detail!

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