Speaker Q&A: How to Secure Those Hard To Find Hires | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Experts discuss the challenges and strategies for finding and hiring the right talent for early-stage startups.

Key Insights

• 👨‍💼 Hiring for startups should focus on finding individuals who align with the business and can achieve desired outcomes rather than solely relying on CV qualifications.
• ⌛ Founders need to spend a significant amount of time on recruiting, especially in the early stages of the company.
• 🗯️ Networking and building relationships are crucial for finding the right talent, and founders should leverage their network and seek advice from other startup founders.
• 😫 Early-stage hires should possess a holistic skill set and be able to adapt and take on various tasks beyond their defined roles.
• 😥 Startups should be honest about their challenges and pain points during the hiring process to attract candidates who are energized by problem-solving.
• 💦 Time zone considerations are important for remote hiring, but finding a balance between synchronous and asynchronous work is necessary.
• 🎚️ Startups should prioritize values and cultural alignment when hiring C-level and executive-level positions.
• 💦 References and testimonials from previous colleagues can provide valuable insights into an individual's work ethic and compatibility for startups.

Transcript

may I have your attention please welcome TechCrunch reporter hayaan camps Chris heard founder and CEO first base Janine O'Neill Talent director Sequoia and Emile Jurgen vice president of talent at gusto wait till the Music Stops hello everybody thank you for joining us for this wonderful q a session about how to secure the first how to find hires I... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How can startups find their first employees?

Startups should prioritize recruiting and spend about 70% of their time on hiring. They should start by hiring engineers and sales professionals and network extensively to expand their talent pool.

Q: What should startups look for in early hires?

Startups should look for individuals with a holistic skill set, including grit, adaptability, and a willingness to take on various tasks beyond their defined roles. Cultural fit and alignment with the company's mission are also essential.

Q: Is there a role for apprenticeships or junior staff in early-stage startups?

Yes, apprenticeships can be valuable for hiring and training junior staff. Startups should provide in-person onboarding and mentorship opportunities to help develop essential soft skills and foster collaboration among team members.

Q: How important are time zones in remote hiring?

Time zones can be a consideration when hiring remote employees, but it's essential to maintain some overlap in working hours to facilitate communication and collaboration. Striking the right balance between synchronous and asynchronous work is crucial.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Hiring the right people for early-stage startups can be challenging due to limited resources and a lack of brand recognition.

• Recommendations include hiring based on business fit rather than just CV qualifications and spending a significant amount of time and effort on recruiting.

• Networking and building relationships are crucial for finding the right talent, and startups should focus on finding individuals who align with their company values.