Adam Chong

Senior Manager of Partner Sales at Stax

Choosing the right, next company to work for

After over 4 years at a unicorn, I am working to find the next gig. I want to stay in the startup world and potentially stay in FinTech or at least SaaS.

What are some key points to consider when looking for the next startup to work for?

👥 Hiring

🤝 Interviewing/Offer

📠 Startup

17 comments

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Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

Sales Rep

I feel like its pretty subjective on what to look for in a company, so its really up to you to reflect and think what you liked at Stax and what you didn't like. Some people will only work for the SAP's of the world and some will only work at unicorns. Some people want WFH/some need to be in the office.

My non-subjective advice is always to check RepVue and back-channel to talk to current AND former employees at a company. So you hear the typical experience not just what the hiring manager/Vp of sales is saying about the role.

Senior Manager of Partner Sales

Great advice - thanks for that. I didn't realize there were other tools aside from Glassdoor. Much appreciated @Kosta_Konfucius

TennisandSales

Politicker

Head Of Sales

i mean if we are talking about a true start up, i think a few super important aspects are:

- do they have true product market fit? or are they trying to figure that out.- How does the Founder/ CEO view sales?- (assuming they have PMF, do they have a differentiator that buyers connect with? or are they just a copy cat product?

Senior Manager of Partner Sales

@TennisandSalesI put together a list of questions to use to evaluate and the sales-focused approach is great. Thank you

braintank

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

Why you leaving in the first place?

Senior Manager of Partner Sales

Layoffs @braintank- I planned to ring the bell when we IPO'ed one day but looks like I will have to pursue that somewhere else.

saaskicker

Celebrated Contributor

Enterprise AE

Any of your competitors have open spots? Always an easier landing.

detectivegibbles

Politicker

Sales Director

I think you need to be a fan of the product first and foremost.

I'd try to find any videos/interviews with the founders to make sure you align with vision.

Curious as to why you're leaving...especially in the current environment of tech jobs..?

Senior Manager of Partner Sales

@detectivegibblesunfortunately it wasn't my decision. That being said, I hope I can find something even better this time around. Being a part of a unicorn is super exciting and I hope I can do it again, at least once!

And yes, I spent some time on the company's website and it was great to see/watch. I also spent time on socials looking into the founder's stuff.

RandyLahey

Politicker

Account Executive

Hope you find what you are looking for. However, in order to better suggest you some solutions, can you expand on your post? What are some of the things you typically look for at a company?

Senior Manager of Partner Sales

@RandyLaheyI think the most important thing for me is ownership - I want a seat at the table to implement change and strategize/innovate. Aside from that, flexibility and trust to get the job done. Compensation is important, obviously, but that can come in many colors and varieties.

What about you? What do you value?

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

How does your network look for finding the next opportunity? Any of the people you've connected with over the years have something that might be interesting?

Senior Manager of Partner Sales

Thanks for the concern @Sunbunny31- I admit I am having okay success with my network, but in the future I see the value of keeping recruiters close and, as my mentor would say, my bench warm.

I wish the job-searching world was a little easier to navigate without recruiters, but it certainly lends itself to the boom in recruitment firms.

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

Do you know anyone or have any friends at any other start ups?

Senior Manager of Partner Sales

I certainly have a small network but I will tell you @CuriousFoxthat this sudden layoff of nearly 20% of our company has shown me to keep the network strong. Once I land a position, I will spend even more time on LinkedIn and networks like Bravado to keep my options open and have a finger on the pulse!

DungeonsNDemos

Big Shot

Rolling 20's all day

What are your biggest takeaways after being at a unicorn for 4 years?

hola

Valued Contributor

sales consultant

Make sure they have ARR and PMF if you join as initial sales hire.Make sure you have a budget and tools

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Adam Chong

Choosing the right, next company to work for

17 comments

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