How to get a job at a startup (even without startup experience)
What founders look for, how to prepare for startup interviews, and how to move from a big company to a small team.
What founders look for
Ownership, speed and range. Startups need people who can take a vague problem, figure out what to build, and ship it with little supervision.
Translate big-company experience
Frame your work as outcomes: what you launched, what you improved, and how you worked across teams. Mention times you did work outside your job description.
Interview prep
Expect practical rounds: a take-home, a pairing session, or a case on the company's real product. Use the product before the interview and come with ideas.
Negotiate smartly
Ask about equity, runway and the next funding milestone. Understanding the company's stage helps you weigh salary against upside.