I was laid off three months ago from a mid-level product role at a startup that suddenly downsized. I’ve applied to dozens of positions, but most companies seem to pause at my lack of experience at a ‘big name’ tech firm. How can I make my startup experience still demonstrate high value?

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You're definitely not alone in that experience. A lot of companies say they want “startup grit,” but hesitate when they don’t see the traditional ladder progression. The trick I’ve seen work well is reframing your startup experience as breadth: fast-paced decision-making, wearing multiple hats, resourcefulness under pressure. That’s gold in the right context. Keep telling that story—your skills are real, even if they weren’t acquired in a corporate structure.

It sounds trivial, but having worked at a startup is a plus for startups, but not for enterprises and vice versa. You'll have a harder time trying to get cross one or the other. Just don't give up and keep pushing, you'll eventually land a job.

Startup experience can be gold if framed right. Highlight ownership, measurable impact, and the breadth of skills you handled. Recruiters often value real-world problem solving over brand names.

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