If You Want to Work at a Unicorn Startup, Here Are 5 Things You Should Be Great At

I can’t imagine starting my career anywhere else except Sprinklr.

Literally, I can not. 

Because I can’t change the past.

Working at unicorn startup in the social media industry is one of the best things I ever did for myself. 

I mean, considering that it propelled me to join Procore, which was a great experience, and that it landed me at Empire Selling, the startup I’m at today. 

I’ve worked at 2 unicorn startups and interviewed with several. If you’re early in your career, it’s a great move to make. I included insights and questions to help you during the interviewing process to get clarity on these 5 areas.

Here are 5 things to deeply consider—

1. ARE YOU EASY TO WORK WITH?

   
   You should reflect on: What’s it like to work with you? What’re you looking for in your future co-workers and manager?
   
   My 2 cents: Think about what it’s like to be on the other side of you. How do you people currently experience ‘you’ right now?

   For yourself, do a LinkedIn research to find out who else is on the team and check out their profiles, websites, and public social accounts to get a sense of their vibe.
   
   Questions you should ask: When was the last time your team had a disagreement? How was in handled?
   
   

2. CAN YOU BE COACHED?

   
   You should reflect on: Do you have the intellectual humility to learn process and do it for what it is (even if you think it’s RIDICULOUS) before making it your own?
   
   My 2 cents: Some original hires who grew the company to what it is are naturally attached to projects. Taking them on and changing them ASAP might lose you some social capital right away. Instead, show that you’re willing to learn for what it is and be thoughtful in your approach to changing and improving it.
   
   After all, I’m sure that's why you got hired- bringing your fresh perspective. People who bulldoze current state shortly after joining a team seem to never stick around very long.
   
   Don’t let that be you. 
   
   Questions you should ask: What’s one thing you wish you knew on your first day at XYZ company?
   
   

3. HOW ADAPTABLE ARE YOU?

   
   You should reflect on: How do you work with change— do you adapt to it or do you feel frictional about it?
   
   My 2 cents: Do you genuinely enjoy change? You don’t have to jump onboard with anything, own your path but typically hyper-growth startups undergo a lot of re-organizing of teams and restructuring.

   It’s in your best interest to not only ride the wave of it, but do it with a positive attitude (and in the back of your mind, knowing that this is also temporary).
   
   Get used to it happening. A lot.
   
   Questions to ask them: When was the last major change your organization had? How was it decided?
   
   

4. CAN YOU LEARN THINGS FAST?

   
   You should reflect on: What’s your approach to learning new things? Are you agile enough to pick up new methods and get some quick wins?
   
   My 2 cents: The reason you need to learn fast is exactly because things change so much. Your team might implement a new software you’ll have to pick up in the tech stack OR you’ll have to handle obstacles with new management. Can you easily let go of how’s it been done in order to learn things a whole new way?
   
   Speed is very important but you want to sift out on how your manager will support you in your learning and development. Some teams are sink or swim. Some are very hold-your-hand approach.
   
   Questions to ask them: What’s the most recent new skill or process you / your team had to learn? How’d everyone ramp up on it? What’s the best way to ask for help?
   
   

5. CAN YOU BE DEPENDED ON?

   
   You should reflect on: Can they depend on you to drive your projects to completion on time?
   
   My suggestion: If you’re doing great work, you tend to be rewarded by getting more work. It’s a paradox. If you cannot take this as a compliment and instead you see it as a burden, I’d suggest looking for a job at a more corporate company where everyone has specific roles, swim lanes, and boring job descriptions. The fast-paced startup life isn’t for you.
   
   If you are game, then you’ll learn how to manage up when you’re drowning (or drop me a message if this is the case, I’ll coach you through it). Otherwise, expect to overdeliver on everything you’re responsible for. Go above and beyond because people associate quality of work with the colleague they did it with. This reputation you build will go beyond the current company, I promise you.
   
   Should there be a quarter where you’re absolutely drowning in projects, come to your manager with the request to help prioritize.
   
   Question to ask them: What are the 1-3 most important things the new hire would tackle right away? How would you measure the success of those things? In 6 months, what is something that should be aced?

Being a part of a unicorn company is an irreplaceable experience.

If you’re looking to join one early in your career, it’s a great move because you get to work among some of the smartest, diligent leaders who are making a dent in the industry.

Rooting for you,

Kaila