Apart from innovations, city-based startups can be credited in one more area - for their unconventional method of hiring. If graduating in a sought-after course from a reputed college with good grades guaranteed a decent job in previous times, then it is all about passion, energy and skill that is helping one get employed with a start-up. Looking beyond degrees, the startups have brought in a new culture of employing people.
Having recently attended an interview, B. Shravani, an engineering graduate said she was more than surprised by the experience.
“I have attended job interviews conducted by big IT companies in the past which were held in a typical office set-up. After I was shortlisted by a start-up, I was told by the HR that the interview would be held at a coffee shop. I was amused when it was communicated formally that the interview would be at 8.30 pm,” she added, “After I met the person taking the interview, I handed over my resume. He tore it in front of me and made it clear that he is not interested in my academic achievements. So saying, he went on to talk about various topics while analysing me. I must say it was a great experience.”
According to some members of the start-up eco-system, this trend is slowly being replicated by multi-nationals too.
“If you observe, startups are super active and they impact the market. Even traditional companies are trying to incorporate this culture. They are also following our hiring methods,” said Saikiran Gunda, Founder of Startup Cricket league. “I have never asked anyone about their degree percentages. I have always tried to look for passion or the level of interest in candidates in a particular area while interviewing. I make sure that I select my team members only after I am convinced that they have a strong reason to work for that product.”
Ravi Korukunda, co-founder, Purple Talk felt that it was important for startups to look for candidates who have product innovation mindset because they contribute a great deal towards the success of the company.
He said that the hackathons and other start-up events have helped the employers find smart workers.
