Re:Ask HN: Are startup hiring practices asking too much?
by alangibson on Friday January 06, 2017 @11:18AM
(#13337474)
That last interview is genius. That's exactly what employers should be doing. Ask for enough from the interviewee to confirm that they're competent, but also show respect for them by compensating them for their time.
It sounds like the startup world is such an echo chamber that those running startups have convinced themselves it's a privilege to work in it. In fact, the employee is taking a big risk given startup failure rates. At this point, so many BigCos have adopted enough of the startup culture in their development departments that I'm not really sure what makes working at a startup compelling, other than Cool Points and maybe (almost certainly worthless) stock options.
Contrast this with some startups I've applied for:
-one did a phone screen where I explicitly said I wouldn't work for less than X dollars. Gave me two weeks to build an email client in a poorly documented platform. Then made me come in for interviews. A month from the application date, they extend an offer for X/3, citing that I didn't implement one of the three bonus features in the email "test". I would have made more flipping burgers.
-another one made me develop another sample app, then had phone screens, then proposed a full day of interviews.
-one startup proposed I quit my job and work on contract paying zilch for a month.
-and of course there always those lesser startups/angel investors that suggest you work for free to get a "feel" for the startup world.
Only one startup that I have interviewed so far has done it well. Made me come in for a day of work (virtually) after the first stage of the interview, but paid me 500USD after I wasn't accepted. I would have been happy with less frankly.