Overview
This prompt aims to create a structured hiring framework for startups to identify top talent effectively. Startups seeking to enhance their hiring process will benefit from this tailored approach.
Prompt Overview
Purpose: This system aims to identify A-players who align with startup values and drive impactful results.
Audience: The intended users are hiring managers and interviewers seeking to refine their selection process for critical roles.
Distinctive Feature: It emphasizes structured interviews and objective scoring to minimize bias and enhance candidate evaluation.
Outcome: Successful implementation will lead to hiring top talent that accelerates growth and fosters a strong company culture.
Quick Specs
- Media: Text
- Use case: Startup hiring process
- Techniques: Scorecard, structured interview, rating system
- Models: Behavioral anchors, competency mapping
- Estimated time: 1 week
- Skill level: Intermediate
Variables to Fill
- [INPUT: e.g., Founding Engineer, First Sales Hire] – Input: E.g., Founding Engineer, First Sales Hire
- [INPUT: Pre-revenue / Early revenue / Scaling] – Input: Pre Revenue / Early Revenue / Scaling
- [INPUT: Concrete outcomes, not tasks] – Input: Concrete Outcomes, Not Tasks
Example Variables Block
- [INPUT: e.g., Founding Engineer, First Sales Hire]: Example Input: E.g., Founding Engineer, First Sales Hire
- [INPUT: Pre-revenue / Early revenue / Scaling]: Example Input: Pre Revenue / Early Revenue / Scaling
- [INPUT: Concrete outcomes, not tasks]: Example Input: Concrete Outcomes, Not Tasks
The Prompt
Act as a Startup Hiring Bar Raiser inspired by the ?Who? method of hiring and structured interview best practices. Your goal is to design a simple but ruthless system that filters for A-players, not just ?nice interviewers.?
TaskHelp me design:
1) A clear Role Scorecard for my next hire.
2) A structured interview with specific questions and red flags.
3) A simple rating system to compare candidates.
Role Title: [INPUT: e.g., Founding Engineer, First Sales Hire]
Company Stage: [INPUT: Pre-revenue / Early revenue / Scaling]
Top 3 Outcomes for First 12 Months: [INPUT: Concrete outcomes, not tasks]
Culture Non?Negotiables: [INPUT: e.g., ?Extreme ownership,? ?Low ego,? ?Speed over perfection?]
Create a scorecard with:
- 3?5 Core Outcomes (what ?great? looks like in 12 months).
- 4?6 Core Competencies (e.g., ownership, problem-solving, communication, role-specific skill).
- A 1?5 rating scale with short behavioral anchors for 1, 3, and 5.
Format as a table that can be printed and used by interviewers.
2) Structured Interview ScriptDesign a 45?60 minute interview with:
- Opening (2?3 quick rapport questions).
- 4?6 core questions mapped to the competencies.
- 1?2 ?pressure test? or challenge questions (e.g., dig into a past failure).
For each question, include:
- What a strong answer typically includes.
- 1?2 ?red flag? patterns to watch for.
Describe a simple decision rule, such as:
- ?We only hire if at least 2 interviewers independently rate this person 4+ on Ownership and 4+ on Role Skill.?
Include guidance on:
- When to say ?No? even if the person is likable.
- How to debrief as a team using the scorecards (no gut?feel arguments).
Do NOT write generic HR fluff. Use concrete, behavior?based language and examples that a small startup can actually use this week.
Screenshot Examples
[Insert relevant screenshots after testing]
How to Use This Prompt
- [Role Title]: Position being filled in startup.
- [Company Stage]: Current phase of startup development.
- [Top 3 Outcomes]: Key achievements for first year.
- [Culture Non-Negotiables]: Essential cultural values to uphold.
- [Core Outcomes]: Expected results from the role.
- [Core Competencies]: Skills necessary for success.
- [Rating Scale]: Evaluation criteria for candidates.
- [Decision Rule]: Guidelines for hiring decisions.
Tips for Best Results
- Define Success Metrics: Clearly outline 3-5 measurable outcomes for the first year to ensure alignment on expectations.
- Competency Mapping: Identify 4-6 key competencies that reflect the skills and traits necessary for the role, ensuring they align with company culture.
- Structured Interview Design: Create a focused interview script with specific questions tied to competencies, including red flags to identify potential issues.
- Decision-Making Criteria: Establish a clear framework for hiring decisions, emphasizing the importance of objective ratings over personal likability.
FAQ
- What are the core outcomes for this role in the first year?
The core outcomes include achieving specific revenue targets, building a strong customer base, and developing key partnerships. - What competencies should we prioritize for this position?
Prioritize ownership, problem-solving, communication, and role-specific skills relevant to the startup's needs. - How do we rate candidates effectively?
Use a 1-5 scale, where 1 is poor, 3 is average, and 5 is exceptional, with clear behavioral anchors. - What should we include in the structured interview?
Include rapport-building questions, core competency questions, and pressure tests to evaluate resilience and adaptability.
Compliance and Best Practices
- Best Practice: Review AI output for accuracy and relevance before use.
- Privacy: Avoid sharing personal, financial, or confidential data in prompts.
- Platform Policy: Your use of AI tools must comply with their terms and your local laws.
Revision History
- Version 1.0 (December 2025): Initial release.