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Ask HN: How should I evaluate a startup as I job hunt?

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Re: Ask HN: How should I evaluate a startup as I job hunt?

#61

Post by pearkes »

zaptheimpaler wrote: post #60
pearkes wrote: post #56

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What happens when you make a mistake? How do your manager and peers react?

I haven't made any mistakes yet as in I'm working on a completely new project - I haven't interacted with any of the pre-existing code at all, so I haven't had any chances to screw something up. When I'm done, I'll merge my project into their codebase and that'll be it.

Hm, I ask because it's a good way to see what type of learning environment it will be. Maybe pay attention to how the people around you are treated after a mistake is made.

Re: Ask HN: How should I evaluate a startup as I job hunt?

#62

Post by zaptheimpaler »

pearkes wrote: post #61
zaptheimpaler wrote: post #60

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I haven't made any mistakes yet as in I'm working on a completely new project - I haven't interacted with any of the pre-existing code at all, so I haven't had any chances to screw something up. When I'm done, I'll merge my project into their codebase and that'll be it.

Hm, I ask because it's a good way to see what type of learning environment it will be. Maybe pay attention to how the people around you are treated after a mistake is made.

I did make a mistake on a personal note and my boss was very relaxed and fair about that. In general, people don't seem to have any problems helping each other out at all. Now that I think about it, its a great work environment, and the CEO has a very good track record too. Also judging from our funding and customers, we're going to do well! Guess that answers my questions then :p.

Re: Ask HN: How should I evaluate a startup as I job hunt?

#63

Post by srathbun »

jacques_chester wrote: post #22
pg wrote: post #21

Financially, as if you were an investor. They're the people whose job it is to evaluate startups' prospects, and they care above all about two things: the founders and the market. The founders should be relentlessly effective, and the market should ideally be of a size that can only be obtained by riding on trends beyond the startup's control (but visible to few besides the founders, or the market would already be fu…

I respectfully disagree. If you receive equity, then sure, take this into consideration. But OP isn't a professional investor. He isn't risking other people's money. He is betting his own financial stakes on the venture. The outer scope is as you say -- will this company go on to greater heights? But the inner scope is -- given my personal appetite for risk, can they make pay day? This person is, I presume, young and…

This is one thing I don't understand about people working in startups. You are in the business of you. The startup is in the business of the startup. Don't conflate the two.

Re: Ask HN: How should I evaluate a startup as I job hunt?

#64

Post by chives »

I think the real question you should be asking yourself is: If I I get hired on to a start-up that fails (as most start-ups do) where is my CS degree, 1 year professional experience at name brand company, and x years experience at no name/failed company going to leave me?

If you think you are going to be sitting pretty after the worst case scenario (which also happens to be the most likely scenario btw), then you should consider working at a start-up. I think some other commenters have touched on this topic as well.

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