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First Round Interview

you want to be direct and transparent about the setup while assessing if the candidate’s expectations align with the role. Asking about the kind of work they’re looking for is a way to gauge their motivations and fit for a high-stress, cross-functional environment where they’ll need to be independent.

1. Introduction, Small Talk, and Setting Expectations​

thank them for their time Briefly intro: Welcome to BUILD then MARKET! We’re a tech firm that does software development, digital marketing, and UX design. My name is Abhi Ray, i'm the founder with 15 years of full-time experience and I have been coding for 20 years. What we do is find local businesses that need web design and social media services. You'll get to learn and use all the same tools that large corporations use. This work offers hands-on experience in a fast-paced, cross-functional setting. Today, we’ll explore your skills and goals in about 30 - 45 minutes. Sound good?

  • let's try to stick to the time blocks (e.g., 2 min per question). You are encouraged to think aloud, especially for technical and situational questions. Sometimes, "I don't know." is a sufficient response.

small talk​

  • Hours- are you looking for something part-time?
  1. What do you love to do so much that, if you could, you would do it for free all day long?
  2. From that list, which do you believe you're very skilled at doing and people would pay you/have paid you?
  3. What do you hate doing and would pay someone else to do, if money was no issue?
  4. What are your strengths? Weaknesses?
  5. Are there any financial pressures/ debt that are stressing you?
  6. List all of the clubs, teams, organizations, jobs, committments you are currently doing plus any you are thinking of doing?
  7. what total monthly commission would you be happy with from your efforts in 12 months?
  8. why did you pick your dream career?

Icebreaker questions​

https://asana.com/resources/icebreaker-questions-team-building

Tell me the story of your career, your most difficult projects you worked on and how you solved them

2. Clearly defined job requirements​

  • I'd like to run through the description of the position with you.

what kind of work you're looking for?​

  1. Clarify Their Work Expectations: Sales Commission but no hourly pay, as we’re a startup. What kind of work are you looking for in a company, and how does this setup align with your goals?” This directly addresses the compensation structure and invites them to share their priorities, revealing if they value experience and learning over immediate pay.

  2. Assess Fit for Startup Environment: “We’re a small team where each person can take on diverse tasks, from coding to collaborating with marketing or design. What kind of work excites you most in this kind of dynamic, cross-functional setting?” This checks if they’re enthusiastic about the varied, high-pressure responsibilities typical of a startup firm.

  3. Test Independence and Initiative: “In a startup, you’ll often need to solve problems independently due to limited resources. What kind of work have you done in the past that shows you can take initiative and learn on your own?” This ensures they’re ready for the autonomy required in a lean team.

  4. Gauge Long-Term Goals: “This work involves real-world projects that could lead to valuable skills but no immediate pay. What kind of work are you hoping to do long-term, and how does this experience fit into your career path?” This helps you see if they view the work as a stepping stone, aligning with the credit-based reward.

3. qualifying questions​

Qualifying questions serve as an initial filter, ensuring that interviewers dedicate more time and resources to candidates who genuinely have the baseline requirements for the job. The subsequent questions then provide a deeper understanding of a candidate's capabilities, personality, and potential contributions.

In the context of a job interview, qualifying questions are questions designed to assess whether a candidate meets the essential requirements and possesses the necessary skills, experience, and attributes for a particular role. Their primary purpose is to quickly determine if a candidate is a good "fit" for the position and the company, and to filter out those who are not.

These questions often focus on:

  • Minimum qualifications: Do you have the required degree, certifications, or years of experience?
  • Essential skills: Do you possess the specific technical or soft skills crucial for the job (e.g., proficiency in certain software, project management experience, communication skills)?
  • Availability and commitment: Are you available to start by a certain date? Are you willing to travel?
  • Salary expectations: Do your salary expectations align with the company's budget for the role?
  • Legal or regulatory requirements: For certain roles, questions might assess if you meet specific legal or industry regulations (e.g., holding a valid driver's license for a driving job).

Broad Questions

  • are you able to meet the attendance requirements?
  • are you able to work overtime?
  • are you legally authorized to work in the US?
  • find out their goals
  • ask open-ended questions that allow the applicant to share more about themselves and their experience.
  • are you currently working?
  • I would like to understand what you're looking for
  • what are your skills and interests?
  • Are you prepared to take a new direction and invest the time into this startup?
  • WHAT KIND OF CULTURE DO I WANT TO WORK IN?
    • Is the atmosphere hard driving or relaxed? No one style fits every employee, and you want to find your ideal match.
    • Some jobs are fast-paced where the approach is aggressive and ruthless.
    • People will burnout and leave for a culture that is kinder and gentler. Today, with the burnout rate at historic highs, many individuals won’t tolerate an aggressive culture.
  • WHAT SIZE COMPANY DO I WANT TO WORK IN?
    • Fifth, like Goldilocks, you want to find a company that’s not too large, not too small, but just right—for you. What does that ideal company look like?
    • Do you envision a large, multinational company that has a strong, recognized brand and is most likely a place where you can stay and build your career over time? Or do you prefer a midsized firm that has a different vibe? Perhaps you favor a start-up where you can be part of something that’s new, exciting, and run by a small team. Think about whether long-term stability or short-term excitement and risk is best for you.

About your last job​

  • tell me about your main responsibilities at your last position
  • What felt unfair to you in your last job?
    • dig deeper, see if they are quick to take a victim position

Tell me about your present situation and why you are looking to make a career change?​

"My present situation is that I've been working in my current role for a number of years, and while I've gained valuable experience and developed important skills, I feel that I've reached a point where I'm no longer being challenged or fulfilled in my work. I've taken the time to reflect on my career goals and aspirations, and I've come to the conclusion that I'm ready for a new challenge that will allow me to grow both personally and professionally. I'm excited about the prospect of exploring new opportunities and finding a career path that aligns more closely with my long-term goals."

It's important to focus on the positive aspects of why you're looking to make a career change, rather than dwelling on any negative experiences or frustrations with your current role. This will show the interviewer that you're proactive, ambitious, and focused on your long-term career development.

Alignment Questions​

  1. In this role there may not be any immediate cash compensation if the venture doesn't succeed financially. Are you prepared to pursue this opportunity primarily for the experience?
  2. How do you see your long-term career goals and personal purpose aligning with what we're trying to achieve at BUILD then MARKET?
  3. This journey will be challenging, with long hours and significant uncertainty. Describe a time in your past where you pushed through a highly demanding, uncertain, or unrewarding period to achieve a long-term goal. What kept you motivated?

4. Experience and Background Questions (General):​

  • Purpose: Transition from "can you do the job?" to "how have you done it before?" This is where you get a high-level overview of their professional journey and why they're interested in this role.

  • Examples:

  • "Tell me about your experience at [previous company/role] and what your key responsibilities were."

  • "What attracted you to this specific position at our company?"

  • "Walk me through your resume and highlight the experiences most relevant to this role."

5. Behavioral Questions​

  1. “Tell me about a time you worked on a project or school assignment under a tight deadline. What did you do to deliver?” (Tests time management and execution.)
  2. How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively, especially when tasks require a high level of attention to detail? Can you share your strategies for ensuring accuracy and efficiency?
  3. Describe a situation when you had to learn a new skill or technology quickly. How did you approach learning it, and what was the outcome?
  4. Tell me about a time you made a mistake in a project or at work. How did you identify and address the error, what did you learn, and what steps did you take to prevent it from happening again?
  5. Describe a situation when you had to resolve a conflict within your team. How did you approach the situation, and what steps did you take to find a resolution?
  6. Describe a situation where you took the initiative to improve an existing process or system. What was the impact on the project or team?
  7. "Tell me about a time you had to pivot quickly on a project or initiative due to unexpected challenges or a sudden shift in priorities. What was your initial reaction, how did you adjust your approach, and how did you manage your own stress and coordinate with your team to deliver results? What did you learn about working effectively in an ambiguous environment?"
    • Covers: Behavioral, Adaptability, Situational, Stress Management, Teamwork, Soft Skills (e.g., communication, problem-solving under pressure).
    • Why it works: It starts with a behavioral prompt about change, forces them to describe their actions (situational/behavioral), asks about their internal state (stress management), and then explicitly probes collaboration (teamwork) and broader takeaways (adaptability, soft skills).
  8. "Our company thrives on continuous innovation and a culture of proactive problem-solving. Can you give me a specific example of when you went beyond your explicit job description to identify a problem or opportunity, propose a solution, and then drive it forward, even if it meant learning new skills on the fly or challenging existing norms? What motivated you to take that initiative?"
    • Covers: Behavioral, Culture Fit, Motivational, Adaptability (learning on the fly), Soft Skills (initiative, persuasion, problem-solving).
    • Why it works: This question assesses if they embody the proactive, innovative spirit (culture fit) and what drives them to do so (motivational). It's behavioral in nature, asking for a past example, and touches on their ability to learn and adapt.
  9. "Describe your ideal team environment and the kind of contributions you most enjoy making to a team's overall success. Now, tell me about a time you experienced a significant challenge or unexpected stressor within a team, and how you personally contributed to overcoming it while maintaining positive working relationships. What did that experience teach you about your own leadership or support style within a group?"
    • Covers: Culture Fit, Teamwork, Behavioral, Stress Management, Soft Skills (leadership, communication, interpersonal).
    • Why it works: Starts with their ideal environment (culture fit) and their preferred team role (teamwork/soft skills). It then pivots to a challenging team scenario (behavioral, situational, stress management) and asks for their specific contribution and learning (soft skills, self-reflection).

Time Management​

How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working on multiple edits or projects simultaneously, especially in a part-time capacity?​

  • You effectively discussed how you break down tasks into manageable steps.
  • You demonstrated an understanding of how to identify critical path items in a project.
  • You clearly articulated when you would ask for clarification or help, which is a valuable skill.

Adaptability Questions​

  1. Tell me about a time you had to quickly adapt to a significant change, unexpected obstacle, or shift in direction at work. How did you approach the situation, maintain organization, and ensure you met your objectives? What was the outcome?
  2. What are your thoughts on today's rapidly evolving workplace, and what strategies do you use to adapt to new situations and challenges?
  3. How do you approach continuous learning and professional development to ensure your skills remain relevant? How do you typically learn new tools or skills, and what resources or strategies do you find most helpful when adapting to new technologies or processes?

Questions about Teamwork and Collaboration​

  1. Describe a time you worked with a team or individual who was difficult or not fully invested. How did you handle the situation?
  2. How do you collaborate with other members of your development team?
  3. Do you prefer working alone or as part of a team?
  4. Describe a group project or activity where you had to balance different opinions, different approaches, or disagreements among team members. How do you communicate your concerns, handle conflicts, and work towards a resolution?
  5. Describe a time you took initiative to lead a project or team. And you notice that the team is struggling to make progress. How would you approach this situation to help the team move forward?
  6. Describe a time when a teammate either came to you for help, or is new and struggling to adapt to a challenging task, or you had to prioritize their needs over your own. How would you support them to contribute effectively so that it won't negatively impact the overall progress of the team?
  7. How would you handle a situation where another team member was critical of your work?
  8. How do you build trust and rapport with your teammates?
  9. What does being a 'reliable' teammate mean to you, and how do you demonstrate reliability in a team setting?

The Minimum 5 Questions (with combined types noted):

6. Situational Questions​

  1. You're working on a task that requires a high level of concentration, but you're constantly interrupted by colleagues and distractions. How would you create a more productive work environment for yourself?
  2. You've set a personal goal for increased productivity. How would you track your progress, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustments to your approach as needed?
  3. You're leading a team, and you realize that a significant change is necessary to improve team performance. How would you communicate this change to your team and ensure their buy-in?
  4. Imagine you're joining a new team and quickly realize there's a gap in a key process. How would you approach identifying and addressing this issue?
  5. You're assigned to a challenging project with a tight deadline. How would you approach this project to ensure success and maintain a positive attitude?
  6. If you’re tasked with building a feature but the requirements keep changing, how would you manage the process to stay on track?
  • Follow-up if unsure: “What steps would you take to clarify requirements or prioritize tasks?”

7. Soft Skills Questions​

  1. What interested you in applying for this position?
  2. What experience do you have that is relevant to this position?
  3. What are your salary expectations for this position?
  4. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses in relation to this position?
  5. Are you available to work the hours required for this position?
  6. What is your notice period in your current position or when would you be available to start?
  7. What do you know about our company and why do you want to work for us?
  8. What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your career so far?
  9. Do you have any questions about the position or the company?
  10. What do you do when you are criticized for something you know is right?"
  • "How do you typically respond to constructive criticism? What are your strategies for learning from feedback?"
    • "Tell me about a situation where you received negative feedback on a project. How did you analyze the feedback and use it to improve your work?" (This emphasizes a growth mindset and a willingness to learn from criticism.)
  • "What are your thoughts on the importance of open and honest communication, even when it involves difficult conversations?"
  • "How do you handle situations where you feel your contributions are not being fully appreciated?"
  • Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult or frustrated customer. How did you de-escalate the situation and resolve the issue?
  • You're on a customer support call with a frustrated customer who is experiencing technical difficulties. How would you handle the situation and ensure a positive customer experience?
  • How do you get your point across to a customer?
  • "Describe a time you had to explain a complex technical concept to someone with limited technical knowledge. How did you approach the situation?" (This assesses communication skills and the ability to tailor explanations to different audiences.)
  • "Share an example of a time you successfully persuaded a customer to adopt a new product or feature. What strategies did you use?" (This explores persuasive communication skills and the ability to build rapport and trust with customers.)
  • "How do you ensure your communication with customers is clear, concise, and effective?"
  • "What are your preferred methods for gathering customer feedback and understanding their needs?"
  • "How do you build and maintain strong relationships with your customers?"
  • "Imagine you're explaining a new SaaS product feature to a potential customer who is hesitant to adopt it. How would you approach the conversation and address their concerns?"
  • "You're preparing for a customer presentation. How would you tailor your message to resonate with the specific needs and pain points of the target audience?"
  • "How would you approach a situation where a coworker expresses strong political opinions that make you uncomfortable?" (This assesses their ability to navigate difficult conversations and maintain professionalism.)
  • "Describe a time you had to professionally interact with someone who held opposing political views. How did you handle the situation?" (This assesses their real-world experience and problem-solving skills.)
  • "How do you believe a sales professional should handle a customer who expresses strong political opinions that may be offensive to others?" (This assesses their customer service skills and ability to de-escalate situations.)
  • "Imagine a customer expresses strong political views during a sales call that could potentially damage the company's reputation. How would you respond?" (This assesses their ability to think strategically and protect the company's interests.)
  • "How would you handle a situation where a customer's political views directly conflict with your own? How would you maintain professionalism and ensure a positive customer experience?" (This assesses their ability to remain objective and prioritize customer satisfaction.)
  • "How would you contribute to a respectful and inclusive workplace environment where employees with diverse political views can work together productively?" (This assesses their understanding of workplace culture and their commitment to inclusivity.)
  • "What strategies would you use to avoid engaging in political discussions that could create tension or division within the team?" (This assesses their awareness of potential pitfalls and their ability to navigate sensitive topics.)

8. Stress management questions​

  1. This work involves high-pressure tasks with limited guidance and offers sales commission instead of hourly pay. Does this setup align with your goals?”
  • Follow-up if “I don’t know”: “What do you hope to gain from working here, even if it’s not financial?”

STARTUPS are a high-pressure environment. Workers need to demonstrate that they can handle intense moments of failure without crumbling. Customers will push them to see how they react.​

If a candidate says, “I don’t know” or can’t provide an example for a stress management question. Then gently pivot and dig deeper, shift to theoretical if it happened today. “Okay, let’s think hypothetically—how would you approach_____ handling multiple urgent tasks_____ if it happened today?”

  1. Can you tell me about a time when you had to manage a challenging situation, obstacle, or problem at work? How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?
  2. Describe a time when you had to manage multiple projects or tasks simultaneously. How did you prioritize your workload and stay focused under pressure?
  3. What strategies do you use to manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain productivity during busy or overwhelming periods?
  4. Can you give an example of how you adapted to a stressful situation that was out of your control?
  5. How do you approach difficult conversations or conflicts with colleagues or managers?
  6. What do you do in your personal life to manage stress?

questions​

  • How do you communicate with team members who have different levels of technical expertise than you do? Can you provide an example?
  • Can you describe a situation where you had to solve a problem creatively or think outside of the box?
  • How do you handle constructive feedback on your work? Can you provide an example of how you incorporated feedback into your work?
  • Tell me about a time you made a mistake
  • Can you give an example of how you have prioritized competing tasks or projects in the past?
  • How do you stay current with new technologies and techniques in your field?
  • Can you describe a project that you are particularly proud of? What was your role in the project and what did you learn from it?
  • Can you tell me about a time when you had to explain technical concepts to a non-technical stakeholder? How did you ensure that they understood the information?
  • How do you tailor your communication style to different audiences? Can you provide an example?
  • What factors are important to you in a new opportunity?
  • Tell me how you handled a difficult situation
  • "Describe a successful team project you were a part of. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team's success?" (Evaluates your collaborative skills and how you contribute to a group effort) -Tell me how discipline helps you to be more productive.
  • "How do you define 'productivity' in your own words? What factors contribute to your personal productivity?" (This allows the candidate to articulate their own understanding of productivity and how they optimize their workflow.)
  • "What are your strategies for staying focused and avoiding distractions in a fast-paced work environment?" (This explores their ability to manage distractions, maintain focus, and optimize their work environment for productivity.)
  • "How do you approach continuous improvement in your work? What steps do you take to identify areas for improvement and enhance your productivity?" (This assesses their commitment to continuous improvement and their proactive approach to enhancing their work processes.)
  • "What are your biggest professional accomplishments to date? How did these experiences shape your career path?" (This encourages reflection on past experiences and how they have contributed to their professional growth.)
  • "What are your thoughts on the importance of teamwork and collaboration in a successful startup?" (This assesses their understanding of the value of teamwork and their willingness to contribute to a collaborative and supportive team culture.)
  • "Share an example of a time when you took initiative and went beyond what was explicitly asked of you." (This explores proactiveness and a willingness to go the extra mile, which are valuable in a startup setting.)
  • "Describe a time when you went above and beyond expectations in a previous role or project."
  • "Tell me about a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame the obstacles."
  • "What is your approach to following guidelines and instructions?" (This allows them to explain their work style and how they balance following rules with finding creative solutions.)
  • "How do you feel about challenging the status quo or suggesting new ideas?" (This explores their comfort level with innovation and their willingness to contribute to a growing company.)
  • "What are your thoughts on the importance of following company culture and values?" (This assesses their understanding of the importance of a shared culture and how they would contribute to it.)
  • "What motivates you to put in your best effort at work?"

"What are you hoping to gain from this work experience?"​

  • "How do you define success in a professional setting?"
  • "Imagine you're working on a project and realize there's a potential issue that could significantly impact the deadline. How would you approach this situation?"
  • "You're assigned a task that you're not familiar with. How would you go about learning the necessary skills to complete it successfully?"
  • "You're working on a team project and notice a teammate struggling. How would you offer support without being intrusive?"
  • "Imagine you're working on a project and discover a potential shortcut that could save time, but it involves slightly deviating from the established process. How would you approach this situation?" (This presents a realistic scenario where they must weigh efficiency against established procedures.)
  • "You're working on a team project and notice a potential safety hazard that hasn't been addressed. How would you handle this situation?" (This assesses their awareness of and response to potential risks.)
  • "You're given a task with vague instructions. How do you approach situations where there's ambiguity or room for interpretation?" (This explores their ability to work independently and make sound judgments within a framework.)
  • Is being in charge important to you?
  • "What are your thoughts on the importance of leadership in a successful team? How do you contribute to a team's success, regardless of your formal position?" (Encourages them to reflect on their leadership style and how they can contribute to team effectiveness, even without a formal leadership role.)
  • "How do you define success in your career? Is it more important to you to have individual accomplishments or to contribute to the success of a team?" (Helps understand their career goals and priorities, and whether they value individual achievement or collaborative success.)
  • "How do you prefer to work? Do you thrive in independent roles, collaborative environments, or a mix of both?" (Explores their preferred work style and how they function within different team structures.)

Invite questions:​

  • “Do you have any questions about the work or our team?” (Gauges their interest and preparation.)