Top Qualities of Startup Talent

What are the top qualities to look for in finding startup talent?

We get this question all the time - so let’s unpack it

@hustlehuntershiring What are the core qualities (beyond hard skills) that y’all look for in critical hires?! #Hiring #Startups #FounderLife #recruitment #recruiting #DEIB #Builders #startuplife ♬ original sound - Hustle Hunters

These are some of the core traits we see often that are valuable across startup teams:

Builder’s mentality

• someone who likes to build and see that progress and growth over time

• they take pride in what they create

• know it’ll take a lot of steps to get there, excited for the journey

Owner

• someone who treats the business like it’s theirs (esp. with equity in play - it actually is in part at least!)

• Looking beyond a JD to make decisions that are best for the business

• proactive in how they approach prioritization and their work

Grit

• likes facing hard challenges

• comfortable enough in ambiguity to keep driving forwards

• understands that not all bets the org places will pan out, but they will all lead to learning

Teammate

• likes building with a team

• understands that the sum of many parts can be greater than the individuals alone

The more specific qualities for each team in terms of impact, motivation and values-alignment are unique to each organization. These target qualities should be a mix of what’s worked well from other hires, what this role specifically needs, and the values that the team holds. The entire Hustle Hunters team loves brainstorming ways to define and get signaling on these qualities - so let us know if we can dig into this with you!