Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned veteran of the job interview process, when it comes to interviewing for a startup, there are a few tips you may need to help you land the gig. Startups are not like your every-day business, they are a unique form of company that requires equally unique interview tactics. Talent services company Sutra HR has made a name for themselves in India for helping startups find the right hires, and recently they wrote about ways to survive a startup interview.
Before the interview, make sure to take the necessary steps to be fully prepared. While this may seem obvious, there are a few things you can do to prepare for a startup interview, such as trimming your resume and researching the company. Startups are usually on the cutting edge of their industry, and while resumes are still important, they are emphasized less and less these days.
That being said, take the time to go through your resume and trim the fat, being careful to not over-elaborate anything. Stick to what you know and what you do well, and in most cases you should be able to keep it to a single page. Spend some time reviewing the company, its founders, its business model and its competitors. With the rapidly evolving landscape that is startups, recognizing the potential of possibly viable companies is critical to a sustainable future.
After the research and preparation, when it comes time for the interview, make sure not to overdress for the occasion. For men, Sutra HR recommends skipping the suit and tie for a nice striped shirt and a nice pair of unripped, unfaded jeans. As for women, the agency simply suggests not wearing anything that would draw unnecessary attention in order to avoid being hired for the wrong reasons – just keep it semi-formal.
During the interview, Sutra HR suggests not trying to sound like a robot with your responses. Keep it natural and flowing; just have a conversation with the interviewers. And finally, they suggest to not fear talking about salaries, benefits, stock options and bonuses, but to rather to be cautious, respectful and honest when discussing your value.
