Finding the Right Role

When Tanish Shishodia began his job search, he did what most people do — sent out hundreds of applications through job boards and LinkedIn.

Despite his solid SDR experience, he barely received responses. “It felt like applying into a void,” he said. “I knew I had the right skills, but I wasn’t reaching the right people.”

That changed when he connected with Clera, an AI-powered talent agent built to cut through the noise.

Clera’s matching system analyzed Tanish’s background and identified roles that aligned with his skills, experience, and career goals.

Instead of sending mass applications, he focused on a few high-quality matches where he could stand out, including a Sales Development Representative position at Alex AI, a fast-growing Series A startup developing AI that automates recruiting calls.

“Clera didn’t just show me jobs,” Tanish said. “It connected me with opportunities where I’d actually thrive and supported me every step of the way.”

That support proved essential. For the same SDR role at Alex, over 1,100 people applied, but Clera’s advocacy and proactiveness helped Tanish stand out and move quickly through the process.

“From the start, I could tell Clera was different,” he added. “There was no guessing, every step felt intentional and transparent.”

The Interview & First Week at Alex

Tanish described Alex’s interview process as “refreshingly direct.”

Rather than focusing on past experience, the team emphasized how candidates think, communicate, and perform in realistic sales scenarios.

“The interviews mirrored the actual work,” he explained. “There were cold-call demos, objection-handling tasks, and short writing exercises. It was about how you’d perform day to day.”

That practical approach helped Tanish show his strengths immediately. Within a week, he received an offer, and four days later, he started the job — just three weeks after Clera’s initial introduction.

“The whole process was faster and smoother than anything I’d experienced before,” he said. “There was no waiting or uncertainty. Clera kept me updated the entire time.”

Once he joined Alex, Tanish adapted quickly. By his third day, he was already making calls and contributing to outbound campaigns.

“The culture at Alex is fast-paced but supportive,” he said. “There’s no micromanagement. You’re trusted to learn by doing, and it’s unstructured in the best way because you get real ownership early.”

Two weeks in, he was fully productive, learning both sales strategy and the technical side of Alex’s AI recruiting platform.

Looking back, Tanish credits his success to preparation and precision: “I treated the interview like the first week of onboarding,” he said. “That mindset and Clera’s matching made all the difference.”

Tanish’s Advice

“I got my dream job with Clera. Now it’s your turn — reach out to explore which opportunities you might have slept on.”

Ready to experience the future of AI startup recruiting? Whether you’re a talented professional seeking your next opportunity or a startup founder building your dream team, Clera↗ connects mission-driven candidates with innovative AI startups. Discover how AI-powered matching combined with startup ecosystem expertise can accelerate your journey.

---

FAQ

Q: What should candidates expect when applying for entry level AI startup jobs?

A: Entry-level positions at AI startups often offer broader responsibilities than similar roles at larger companies. Expect to wear multiple hats, work directly with senior team members, and potentially contribute to both technical development and business strategy. The learning curve is steep, but the growth opportunities are exceptional.

Q: How important is location for AI startup jobs?

A: While remote work has become more common post-pandemic, many AI startups still prefer local talent for easier collaboration, especially for roles requiring close coordination on technical architecture and research. AI startup jobs in SF remain highly concentrated due to the ecosystem effects of universities, investors, and established tech companies. Read more on Best Cities for AI Startup Jobs in 2025 — And How to Pick Yours in our blog.

Q: What questions should I ask before joining an AI Startup?

A: Check out our article “5 Questions You Should Ask Before Joining an AI Startup”↗ in our blog.

Q: What makes Clera different from other recruiting platforms?

A: Clera↗ blends the reach of a job board with the precision of a headhunter. We list only roles from companies we partner with, enabling direct introductions to founders and hiring managers. We focus on VC-backed startups. Our AI learns talents’ skills and preferences and alerts you when a role is a strong match.