Red and Green flags when interviewing for a startup
Watch out for these flags.
Introduction
I was fortunate to interview with many startups earlier this year. When I interviewed with Lovable, they ticked every single green flag. They were amazing. Still feels surreal to have joined. I wake up excited working with amazing people on something revolutionary every day.
Green Flags: Signs of a Healthy Startup
Transparency across all areas
They openly share information about funding, challenges, and company direction. Nothing feels hidden or sugar-coated during interviews.
Kind, respectful team members
Everyone treats you with respect during the process. No condescension or power plays. They value your time and contributions.
Meeting your actual future team
They ensure you meet the specific people you'll work with daily, not just the hiring manager or executives. This shows they understand team dynamics matter.
Practical interview process
Their process tests relevant skills through realistic scenarios. No arbitrary puzzles or requirements disconnected from the actual job.
Supporting your interview success
They provide clear instructions, answer pre-interview questions, and set proper expectations. They want to see your best work.
Flexibility and adaptation
They're willing to adjust the process for your needs or circumstances when reasonable. Shows they value people over rigid processes.
Clear business model and funding
They can articulate exactly how they make money and their funding situation without vagueness or trying to sell you a bunch of bullshit.
Honest about challenges
Leadership openly discusses current challenges and past failures, not just successes and vision. Shows maturity and realism.
Upfront about the work
Some startups sell you work-life balance. The reality is that you'll be expected to work hard. If they're upfront about the life at a startup, that's a good sign you'll be working with honest people.
Red Flags: Warning Signs to Watch For
Vague answers
They can't or won't answer direct questions about business metrics, funding, or company challenges. Often indicates deeper issues.
Belittling or undermining behavior
Interviewers who make you feel small or mock your background are revealing a toxic culture that rewards dominance.
Impractical process
Their interviews don't actually test for the skills needed in the role. Shows misalignment between hiring and actual work.
Unusually slow communication
Long delays between interview steps with no explanation usually means the company is disorganized and has internal problems. This will make your job harder if you work there.
No team interaction
If they refuse to let you meet potential teammates, they're either hiding culture problems or don't understand team dynamics.
Urgent hiring with vague reasoning
"We needed someone yesterday" without clear explanation often means poor planning or unrealistic expectations. Or they're hiring/firing people like crazy.
Funding ambiguity
Vague answers about runway, burn rate, or financial stability. A healthy startup has clear metrics here even if challenging.
"We're like a family" emphasis
This often masks poor boundaries, emotional manipulation, and unreasonable expectations for loyalty despite business realities.
Unclear product roadmap
If they can't explain where the product is going and why, it suggests strategic confusion that will affect your work.
Perks over substance
Too much focus on office perks, parties, or culture instead of the actual work, compensation, and growth opportunities.
Unexplained high turnover
If many people have left the role or team recently and they struggle to explain why, this is a major warning sign.
Glorification of overwork
References to "hustle culture," unlimited vacation that no one takes, or expectations of constant availability reveal unhealthy expectations.
No clear success metrics
If the hiring manager can't articulate what success looks like in the role after 6-12 months, you'll have moving targets and unclear expectations.
What to do with these flags
Keep taking notes throughout the interview process. A few red flags might be explainable, but patterns matter. Trust your observations, not just what you're told. Remember that you're evaluating them as much as they're evaluating you.