Going for an interview with a startup requires preparation differently than for large companies. It is important to [1] be prepared to drive the interview yourself if the startup fails to do so, as they are often poor interviewers. [2] Emphasize your experience initiating new projects, as startups seek self-starters to launch new products. [3] Have clear reasons for wanting to join a startup with an uncertain future, long hours, and limited benefits. Research the company and its market to [4] impress interviewers with insights and thoughtful questions.

1. Going for an Interview with a Start-upCompany?
So, you have always dreamt of being part of the hot start-up and looking forward to the interview. It is a
well-known fact that getting through the interview of a start-up is much more difficult than that of a big
company. Given below are few tips to help you prepare for interview with a start-up :
Be Prepared to Drive the Interview – Start-ups might be good at doing work, but they are often
terrible at conducting interviews. If you feel anytime during the course of interview that it is not going
anywhere, be prepared to drive the interview yourself and tactfully push the interviewer to go deep and
help him knowing you.
Are Youan Initiator- Start-ups are always keen on starting something new and building new products.
Therefore, while hiring people, they look for people who are good at initiating new things. Have you
started a blog or a Facebook group? Have you developed an app or have idea for a new one? Make sure
you keep list of such activities ready. Prepare answers that will portray you as an initiator and will
translate your experience into a job offer from the start-up company.
Decide Why - Why do you want to join a start-up company with no fix future? Are you ready to spend
next few years of your career working in a small company? Are you ok with limited perks available with a
start-up? If you do not have answers to these questions, think again. Start-up companies do not hire
people who are not clear about their career goals.
Are you readyfor the hard work– Start-up demands lot of hard work and dedication to succeed. So,
if you are looking to join a start-up, be ready to push yourself mentally and physically. Start-up jobs are
not for you if you are a 9 to 5 person. Don’t be taken aback when you have to put in extra efforts to help
you start-up company grow into an established organization.
Research – It is a good idea to know about the company and spend some time researching about their
competitors as well as current market trends. You can impress the interviewer if you are well aware of the
market situation and give some valuable inputs. Knowing the competition well can help you decide your
future course of action and cash-in on anything they did wrong. Also, if you have done your research,
you will have a number of insightful questions to ask to the interviewer
If you have prepared on all the above mentioned points, there is every possible chance that you can
make it to the start-up. If you have any other suggestions apart from the things mentioned in the list, you
can mention them at the comments section.