Artem Golubev (Dev Lead - Automated Retail at Hivery)
What would you think about before switching startups?
I’d personally look at who’s running the company. Leadership is always important, more so in the case of a startup. Does the business have a clearly defined goal? Who’s at the head, the board, CEO, CTO, etc. What are the technology strategy and goals, and what are the challenges. What’s the runway of the business and who’s backing them up. What are the expectations of your role? What exactly are the problems you’ll be solving when you join? There’s probably 100+ more other questions that are important to me personally that I’d like to get the answers to before I can confidently make a decision. Also choosing ESOP over salary may not make sense, unless you’re prepared to commit to 4+ years straight away.
Alex Gurr (Head of Engineering, Cloudwave)
What would you do before switching startups?
Amass a list of things you didn’t necessarily like or agree with from the last startup and turn them into questions you can ask at future startups.
Is there a best way to move? For me this just feels like moving between any two jobs. Know what you want, learn from the past and make sure you buy into where you’re moving to.
Paul Kelcey (VP Engineering, Longtail UX)
Any tips for changing jobs?
Make sure you don’t burn your bridges. Be able to demonstrate the value you provided and provide details on the projects you worked on. You want to be able to get your former employer to act as a referee.
Make sure you leave the organisation in the best way possible.
Xavi Ferro (Head of Engineering at Simply Wall St)
What would you think about before switching startups?
Don’t BS yourself and be clear why you make the move. These days, $$ compensation increases are easy to get by switching but that may take you off from the startups that you are looking for. I would encourage finding a startup that solves a problem you are passionate about, that you trust senior management and that gives you space to grow and learn. Compensation package is important so decide the bare minimum for you (it can be as high as you want, but that may close some potentially interesting ones) and then choose one that you can commit to.
Any tips for changing jobs?
This applies to any job: leave a huge impression. We understand that people may move because they find another project, team, growth opportunity. If you leave a huge impression you will always be welcomed back. Keep doors open, the ecosystem is small and great people always call great people.
Tim Tang (VP Engineering at Local Measure)
What would you think about before switching startups?
Do your due diligence on the new company. Ask questions about the funding, roadmap, and medium to long term outlook. This information is often more difficult to obtain than for established companies but make sure you still do the research.
Any tips for changing jobs?
To move between startups, you could reach out to recruiters, attend networking events, contribute to open-source projects.
Stuart Totman (VP of Engineering, Campaign Monitor)
What would you think about before switching startups?
I think the biggest piece of advice I would give people considering moving from their current role is to ask themselves why they want to move. If it is purely a financial decision then think carefully. It can take a long time to build up the trust and opportunity you may have at your current workplace. That being said, at CM we try to grow our engineers to their full potential and if this means growing them beyond the challenges we can provide then we will help you look for the right next role!
Any tips for changing jobs?
Simply put I would encourage you to do this openly and honestly. If you are looking to move I would always encourage you to be open and honest about it. This means that if there is some reason you are not happy in your current environment your manager has a chance to change things. If they can’t improve it hopefully they will be able to work with you to transition smoothly and help you out with the process.
Alexander Iskrenov (Head Of Engineering at Bluewater Control)
Any tips for changing jobs?
Always try to leave on good terms and after trying everything in your power to make this work. If there is something bothering you - talk with your manager. Plan and propose how things can be fixed or mitigated. If things don’t work out in the end it’s important to keep a good relationship with the people you are leaving. The world is a small place and you will meet some of those people again. Hiring companies usually ask why you left and often ask for references. Leaving on good terms will ensure your future success.
Vinny Lawrenson-Woods (Head Of Engineering at Prezzee)
What would you think about before switching startups?
There’s many reasons to move from one startup to another. Salary, options, professional growth, values, ethos, new technologies, autonomy, preferred industry, the people you work with and company leadership are some of the considerations when thinking about your next move. Consider carefully what you want and what your priorities are. It’s important to understand what drives you and what will set you up for success.
Any tips for changing jobs?
Identify the startup you want to move to and understand why you want to join them. Research the organisation and/or role and put together questions you would like to ask. Contact the talent team and ask to speak to someone in an Engineering leadership role to discuss your questions. Having a conversation outside of the interview process is a great way to get to know an organisation and their values. Even if they don’t have current vacancies, letting them know you’re keen to join the team could put you in front of the line when a role opens up
