I had a discovery call interview with the COO of a start-up company.

Anonymous

January 11,2024 at 5:14PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

I had a discovery call interview with the COO of a start-up company. I am VERY qualified for the job and I am super excited. The person I interviewed with also seemed very excited to meet me. I am one of a few who are specifically trained in what he is looking for. I think it went really well. I talked about myself and my qualifications and then he told me about himself and the company. They really LOVED talking about themself. That concerned me a bit. In the end, they asked me for some references, which I sent immediately. Then they told me they had more interviews this week and would call my references at the end of the week. How long do I give it until I check back in with them? Mid next week if I don't hear anything? The interviewer seemed kind of flighty.

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

5 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

5 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousJanuary 11,2024 at 5:53PM UTC
First off he is a founding member of a startup.
Of course he loved talking about himself. Startups are a special breed unlike what you might be used to. It takes risk, confidence and ego to attempt a startup. Entrepreneur spirit.
As for timing of follow-up...a week to 10 days is sufficient for the first follow-up. Remember he will speak to many references for his top picks so it will take some time to get through the list.
Farah BajwaJanuary 17,2024 at 7:16PM UTC
Exactly!
KathyJanuary 11,2024 at 6:48PM UTC
Many startups have a revolving door when it comes to hiring and firing people. Plus they are often chaotic and poorly managed.
Often the people that start the company are not the best long term managers as the company grows. They have difficulty putting their ego aside.
I would keep looking and if they don't call you back, perhaps consider it a blessing.
AnonymousJanuary 11,2024 at 7:22PM UTC
If it were me I would have told them at the offer stage you are happy to provide references because you are actively interviewing and only want them to be called once.
Then ask for the timeline of the final part of their interview process so that you can time it against your other options. Don't play one place against the other but definitely keep your cards close to your vest that you are down the path with others. Send a follow up email today or tomorrow letting them know you are in final stages with another possible employer and want to know the items above and so that you can let your references know when to expect to hear from them. Find one reference who can alert you upon any call and be sure that you prompt them since you did not to ask about your getting an offer. That may answer the things you need to know. Going forward always ask about timeline for decision making at the start of the process. While it will not always be honored it might end up being knowledge that helps you to navigate these things.
As for the C level folks in most startups they are generally very self promoting and often want to share their journey with you for many reasons, their ego, your understanding of who you will be working closely with, and showing off. Don't read too much into it unless you did not feel heard in the meeting. Hopefully you were asked things about yourself though personal questions are and should be off limits. Good luck.
GirlBossanova934974January 13,2024 at 1:57PM UTC
First off with a startup, you have to understand that things are going to be this way going forward aka chaotic and disorderly at times. The hiring manager seems very inexperienced. As an employer, you don't have time to be calling references UNTIL you are serious about extending a job offer. The other missing ingredient was not to give the candidate a timeline as to when you would be getting back to him/her. If you have 3 candidates you are looking at, you need to put together a timeline to conclude interviews etc.. It is not that hard. The hiring manager seemed flighty and going all over the place, because he was.