alternatively: “good questions you should ask when you’re interviewing with a startup and kind of not sure what to ask and need to get a better idea of what’s what”

The following is a list of questions I’ve compiled for asking about when you’re considering an opportunity with a startup. This is by no means an exhaustive list and feel free to suggest questions. I’m @danielleleong on locally-optimistic and dbt slack

Startup questions

  1. Sustainability
    1. What is your current runway?
    2. Do you have product-market fit?
    3. Is the company pre-revenue? Does it have early customer validation — does it show product market fit? Is the company simply expanding on a working formula?
    4. What is your current growth rate?
  2. Equity
    1. What percent of the company do these shares represent?
    2. What’s the minimum price you would exit/go public for?
  3. Culture 
    1. What are this company’s core values?
    2. How are these values reflected in company processes and policy?
    3. Do team members have structured 1-on-1s?
    4. What is the policy on remote work?
    5. What is the vacation policy?
    6. Did the founders take vacations this year?
    7. How is company camaraderie built ?
    8. What is your dedication to diversity and inclusion? How have you applied that viewpoint?
    9. How is internal communication handled? (slack culture is a large topic of late)
    10. What are your working hours?
      1. What are the actual hours founders and employees work?
    11. Have people left? 
      1. If so, why? 
      2. If not, why do you think why not? 
    12. What are people least excited by? What do they dislike most?
    13. What are people most excited by? What do they like most?
  4. Growth Opportunities
    1. What progression do you envision for someone in this role?
    2. Will I be able to learn new skills and technologies in this role?
    3. What are the founders’ backgrounds?
    4. Is there a budget for continual education?
    5. If not, what does continual education look like at this company?

Benefits questions

  1. Insurance provider?
    1. important if you receive ongoing treatment or see a specialist
    2. if not in network you may have to find a new one
  2. Commuter benefits?
  3. FSA? HSA?

Sources

  1. https://medium.com/swlh/useful-questions-to-ask-a-startup-1424add3b901
  2. https://angel.co/blog/30-questions-to-ask-before-joining-a-startup
  3. Amy Chen, a totally amazing human