Working for a Unicorn

Landing a job at a unicorn startup—a private company valued at over $1 billion—is a dream for many ambitious professionals. These companies aren’t just businesses; they’re engines of innovation, disruption, and rapid growth. Unicorn startups like Stripe, Canva, SpaceX, and ByteDance are transforming industries ranging from fintech to design, aerospace, and entertainment, respectively.

So, why work for a unicorn? For starters, these companies often offer the chance to be part of something groundbreaking. Unlike traditional corporations, unicorns are typically fast-moving, culture-driven, and laser-focused on solving big, meaningful problems. Employees have opportunities to contribute directly to the company’s growth, often taking on responsibilities that might take years to achieve in more established organizations.

There’s also the thrill of being surrounded by brilliant, like-minded individuals. Unicorn startups tend to attract top-tier talent, creating an environment where innovation thrives. And let’s not forget the potential rewards: working at a unicorn can be financially lucrative, especially if the company eventually goes public or is acquired.

But while the allure is undeniable, competition for roles at unicorns is fierce. These companies look for dynamic individuals who can keep up with their pace, adapt to their challenges, and bring fresh ideas to the table. Here’s how you can set yourself apart and secure your spot at one of these sought-after companies.

1. Understand the Ecosystem

Before you can land a job at a unicorn, you need to deeply understand the landscape. Unicorns span a wide range of industries and missions, and each has its own culture and set of challenges.

Examples of Notable Unicorns:

- Stripe (Fintech): Revolutionizing online payments with elegant, developer-friendly solutions.

- Canva (Design Tech): Empowering millions to create professional designs with simple, intuitive tools.

- SpaceX (Aerospace): Transforming space exploration and making interplanetary travel a possibility.

- ByteDance (Entertainment/AI): Creators of TikTok, leveraging AI to reshape how people consume content globally.

- Figma (Design Collaboration): Providing real-time collaboration tools that are redefining how teams design together.

Each company represents a unique intersection of cutting-edge technology, innovative thinking, and ambitious vision. Understanding the mission, values, and recent milestones of your target companies will not only help you decide where to apply but also enable you to tailor your approach.

2. Why Unicorns Are Different

Unicorn startups are characterized by their rapid growth and bold goals, but working at one comes with unique challenges:

- Fast Pace: Projects move quickly, and priorities can shift overnight.

- High Impact: Roles are often fluid, with employees expected to take ownership and deliver results.

- Team Spirit: Collaboration and alignment with company culture are critical, as the stakes are high and teams are small.

When preparing to apply, ask yourself: are you ready to thrive in this dynamic, high-energy environment?

3. Build a Unique Skill Stack

Unicorn startups are looking for candidates who can stand out—not just in terms of qualifications but also in their ability to bring a unique perspective to the table. Developing a unique “skill stack” can help you do just that.

What Is a Skill Stack?

A skill stack is the combination of skills that, when layered together, make you uniquely valuable. For example:

- Technical + Leadership Skills: An engineer who can also lead cross-functional teams.

- Creative + Analytical Skills: A marketer who excels at both storytelling and data analysis.

- Domain Knowledge + Emerging Trends: An operations manager who’s fluent in AI-driven optimization tools.

How to Build Your Skill Stack:

1. Core Skills: Focus on the essentials for your role (e.g., coding, UX design, sales).

2. Complementary Skills: Learn skills that are tangentially related but increase your versatility (e.g., learning SQL as a product manager).

3. Emerging Trends: Stay ahead of industry trends by exploring new tools, frameworks, or methodologies.

Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning are great for picking up these additional skills. The more distinctive your combination of abilities, the harder it will be for others to replicate your value.

4. Immerse Yourself in the Ecosystem

Unicorn startups thrive on community, and being part of their ecosystem can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Get Involved:

- Attend Events: Many unicorns sponsor or participate in hackathons, meetups, and industry conferences. These events are excellent opportunities to meet employees, learn about the company, and demonstrate your passion.

- Engage in Online Communities: Platforms like Slack, Reddit, or Discord often host discussions around startups, tech trends, and job opportunities. Participating actively can help you make connections and learn about openings early.

- Follow Industry Leaders: Keep an eye on blogs, podcasts, and social media accounts of leaders in the unicorn ecosystem.

Being visible in the ecosystem signals that you’re serious about joining the space and aligns you with the startup community’s collaborative ethos.

5. Network Strategically

Networking is often the key to breaking into a unicorn startup. Many roles are filled through referrals, making your connections critical. When attending ecosystem events, identify the key representatives you need to talk to.

How to Build Your Network:

- Start Close: Use your school alumni network, former colleagues, or mutual connections to get introductions to employees at your target company.

- Be Proactive: Reach out on LinkedIn with personalized messages that express your admiration for their work and ask for advice—not a job.

- Follow Up: After attending events or connecting with someone online, follow up with a thank-you note or continued engagement.

6. Tailor Your Application Materials

Once you’ve built the skills and connections, make sure your application materials highlight them effectively.

Your Resume:

- Quantify Achievements: Use numbers to showcase your impact (e.g., “Increased team productivity by 30% through process improvements”).

-Keep It Relevant: Tailor your resume to each job posting, emphasizing experiences that directly align with the role.

Your Cover Letter:

-Show Passion: Highlight why you’re excited about the company’s mission and how you can contribute.

- Personalize It: Reference recent news or milestones to demonstrate that you’ve done your homework.

7. Prepare for a Rigorous Interview Process

Unicorn startups often design their interview process to test for cultural fit, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability.

What to Expect:

- Case Studies: You may be asked to solve real-world challenges. Prepare by practising problem-solving frameworks.

- Behavioral Questions: Highlight experiences where you handled ambiguity, thrived in high-pressure situations, or took ownership of a problem.

- Cultural Fit: Research the company’s values and align your answers with their mission and ethos.

Final Thoughts

Working at a unicorn startup isn’t just about landing a job—it’s about joining a mission to change the world. These companies seek passionate, skilled individuals who can contribute to their growth and adapt to their fast-paced environments.

By understanding the unicorn landscape, building a unique skill stack, immersing yourself in the ecosystem, and networking strategically, you can position yourself as an ideal candidate. The journey to securing a role at a unicorn startup may be competitive, but with preparation, persistence, and the right mindset, you can achieve your goal—and become part of something extraordinary.

Snapshot of Forbes Australia: Fallen Unicorns