I've got a job offer from a start-up that I know very little about (wasn't referred, don't know their market, etc.). What and how should I be evaluating to confirm they are legitimate? Should I prioritize learning about their product, financials, employee reviews, what else?

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Hi Adina - As we all know it starts from their website. Google them. A basic professional website can give you lots of information on their their CEO / Founder, products, target market, investments, openings etc. If nothing is found, interview the Founder/CEO instead.

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Hi, I am a bit confused, you got a job offer from them but you don't know anything about them yet? How did you decide to meet them for interviews? What did you do to learn more about them before and after your interviews? Indeed to Zeenath's point there surely must be information about there, at least on the investors and founder/CEO. Also ask them why they are offering you, what it is that attracted them in your profile, it would be worthwhile seeing how they found you, what they are looking for, what they see you bring to the company, what made you stand out compared to other candidates etc etc. If you want to take risks, you don't have to ask these questions of course but if you are a bit uncertain, dig further. Good luck!

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It’s imperative that you do a deep research now about the startup:

1. Who are the founders?
2. Who are their investors?
3. What is their product?
4. Have they reached Product Market Fit?
5. Download the app or if it’s possible, use the startup’s service.

Then, from your first day of work.

1. Learn about the product, what problem is it solving?
2. Learn about the culture, who is in the team and how do they work together?
3. Which communication and project management tools they use?
4. Learn about your role at the company, what problems are you going to solve and why you were hired. For this, use the happiness formula:

Happiness = Reality - Expectations

If expectations are greater than reality, then happiness is negative.

If reality is greater than expectations, then happiness is positive.

Finally, the first couple of weeks do listening 4X, talking 1X, so you could consume all information regarding what are the problems now, what questions you must ask and to gather as much data as possible. As each week passes by, switch from more talking while maintaining a balance from listening.

Best of success!

I've got a job offer from a start-up that I know very little about (wasn't referred, don't know their market, etc.). What and how should I be evaluating to confirm they are legitimate? Should I prioritize learning about their product, financials, employee reviews, what else?

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