Questions to Ask Startup Interview
Strategic questions to ask during startup interviews, helping you assess the opportunity, understand the risks and rewards, and determine if the company is a good fit for your career goals.
1What problem is the company solving, and why does it matter?
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What problem is the company solving, and why does it matter?
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Why this works
Reveals the company's mission and market need, helping you understand whether they're addressing a real problem worth solving.
2What is your runway, and what are your funding plans?
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What is your runway, and what are your funding plans?
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Why this works
Shows financial stability and how long the company can operate, helping you assess job security and growth potential.
3What does success look like in the next 6, 12, and 18 months?
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What does success look like in the next 6, 12, and 18 months?
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Why this works
Reveals the company's goals and trajectory, helping you understand their ambitions and realistic growth plans.
4What is your business model, and how do you make money?
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What is your business model, and how do you make money?
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Why this works
Shows whether they have a viable path to profitability and understand their revenue streams.
5Who are your main competitors, and what's your competitive advantage?
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Who are your main competitors, and what's your competitive advantage?
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Why this works
Reveals market positioning and whether they understand their competitive landscape and differentiation.
6What does the team look like, and what key hires are you planning to make?
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What does the team look like, and what key hires are you planning to make?
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Why this works
Shows the team composition and hiring priorities, helping you understand the culture and future team dynamics.
7What is my role's impact on the company's success, and what are the expectations?
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What is my role's impact on the company's success, and what are the expectations?
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Why this works
Clarifies your specific contributions and responsibilities, ensuring you understand how you'll be measured.
8What is the company culture like, and what values drive decision-making?
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What is the company culture like, and what values drive decision-making?
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Why this works
Reveals the work environment and values, helping you assess cultural fit and work-life balance.
9What is the equity compensation structure, and what percentage of the company does it represent?
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What is the equity compensation structure, and what percentage of the company does it represent?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the value of your equity offer and your potential upside if the company succeeds.
10What are the biggest risks and challenges the company is facing right now?
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What are the biggest risks and challenges the company is facing right now?
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Why this works
Shows honesty and self-awareness about obstacles, helping you assess whether you're prepared for the challenges.
11What opportunities for growth and learning exist in this role?
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What opportunities for growth and learning exist in this role?
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Why this works
Reveals professional development potential and whether you'll be able to grow your skills and responsibilities.
12What is the decision-making process, and how much autonomy will I have?
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What is the decision-making process, and how much autonomy will I have?
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Why this works
Shows the organizational structure and whether you'll have the freedom to innovate and make decisions.
13What happened to the last person in this role, and why did they leave?
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What happened to the last person in this role, and why did they leave?
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Why this works
Reveals potential red flags or challenges in the role and shows whether there's a pattern of turnover.
14What is the work-life balance like, and what are the typical working hours?
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What is the work-life balance like, and what are the typical working hours?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the time commitment and intensity of the work environment.
15How do you measure success for this role, and what are the key metrics?
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How do you measure success for this role, and what are the key metrics?
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Why this works
Establishes clear performance expectations and shows how your work will be evaluated.
16What resources and support will I have to do my job effectively?
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What resources and support will I have to do my job effectively?
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Why this works
Reveals whether you'll have the tools, budget, and support needed to succeed in your role.
17What is the founders' vision for the company in 5-10 years?
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What is the founders' vision for the company in 5-10 years?
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Why this works
Shows long-term thinking and ambition, helping you understand their ultimate goals for the company.
18What is the customer feedback like, and how are you addressing it?
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What is the customer feedback like, and how are you addressing it?
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Why this works
Reveals market validation and responsiveness to customer needs, showing product-market fit.
19What benefits and perks are offered, and how do they compare to other startups?
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What benefits and perks are offered, and how do they compare to other startups?
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Why this works
Helps you understand the complete compensation package beyond just salary and equity.
20What questions should I be asking that I haven't thought of yet?
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What questions should I be asking that I haven't thought of yet?
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Why this works
Shows humility and openness to guidance, potentially revealing important considerations you've missed.
Best Practices for Startup Interview Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Research Thoroughly
Study the company, founders, competitors, and industry before the interview to ask informed, specific questions.
Assess Risk and Reward
Understand that startups involve higher risk but potentially higher rewards. Evaluate whether the trade-off makes sense for you.
Look for Red Flags
Pay attention to evasive answers, unrealistic claims, or lack of clarity about business model and funding.
Question Sequences
The Business Assessment
The Role Understanding
Common Pitfalls
Don't Get Blinded by Hype
Look beyond the exciting pitch and evaluate the fundamentals: business model, team, market, and funding.
Don't Accept Vague Answers
Push for specifics about funding, equity, expectations, and success metrics. Vague answers are red flags.
Don't Underestimate the Risk
Most startups fail. Ensure you're comfortable with the risk and have financial runway if things don't work out.