Hiring Tips from a Startup CEO
We know startup hires are incredibly different than any other hires out there. It is a challenging task for any team. This is due to a number of reasons. Startups required highly skilled individual but with generalist skills. Sounds a bit contradictory. What this really means is that there are times where team members have to step into an area where they have no background or expertise. Having a “Jump in and Own it” trait is needed. For this week’s post, we bring you some tips from Transit App CEO — Sam Vermette. Transit app is an innovative mobile app based in Montreal that helps you get around in the city! Here are some tips to think about when hiring your next hire:
The strength of your team will directly impact whether you are are going to succeed or not. Often we hear about startups’ success and it’s all because of the team.
Building a great team is not about hiring fast and firing fast. It’s about knowing your core values and building on your culture every single day. Whether it’s sending team members with a smile or helping your team members reach their career goals.
The #1 thing to look for in a candidate is passion. Passion over talent. Passion over experience. Passion over salary. Passion separate individuals because they reach new heights. They can achieve the impossible. They are not satisfied with the status quo. Consequently, they can propel your team forward!
A sentence or two about your company. You must be able to detect if the candidates have an interest in working at your company. If you receive a generic “Dear Hiring Manager, my name is blah blah…” with no mention of your company this show the candidate didn’t put the time and effort to read more about the company.
Ask the candidate how you can improve your product. If you are going to be run by best ideas, let the experts think about your product. It will bring massive value to your startup but also for ways you can find out how you can get to the next level.
Ask them about the industry. What do they know about your industry? How can their skills align with your mission? While they may not know all the details for that industry, you’re looking for that expressed interest from the candidate with that industry.
Got great hiring tips? Let us know @KeyobiTalent. See you on the platform!
