Key Interview Insights from a Founder: Red Flags and Ideal Qualities

Jaclyn Johnson is charting an ambitious path for her venture.

She began organizing gatherings for female entrepreneurs in 2011 and officially launched Create & Cultivate in 2015.

Over the past decade, she has expanded the business to accommodate events with 2,000 participants. The company has changed hands, been reacquired, and is now led by a new CEO. They also established the "Create & Cultivate," a significant festival featuring personalities like Doechii, Ciara, Aeysha Curry, and Paige DeSorbo.

Currently, Johnson holds the role of chief creative officer. She seeks hires who thrive in high-speed and concept-driven environments typical of startups.

Critical Interview Queries

One of her preferred questions for candidates is about how they successfully managed a crisis.

This question aims to assess their response to unplanned situations. "Individuals who are agile and can swiftly adapt stand out in the startup world," Johnson explains.

She's also fond of individuals who are transparent about their failures and what they've gleaned from those experiences. "I admire candidates who can candidly share both their triumphs and setbacks," she adds.

Interview Pitfalls to Avoid

Conversely, Johnson identifies a major concern as interviewing candidates who seem ill-prepared about the role or firm.

"Conducting thorough research ahead of an interview is crucial," she notes. To verify this, she probes candidates on their understanding of the company's endeavors and their opinions about its current operations.

For a marketing role, she might inquire, "What stands out about our marketing efforts, and where do you see room for improvement?"

"I am consistently impressed by candidates who offer thoughtful insights about our work," Johnson remarks. Yet, "a lack of awareness about our operations is a definite warning sign."

Fostering the Right Remote Work Environment

Create & Cultivate's workforce is compact, expanding from under ten to approximately fifteen employees since Johnson's return. The team operates remotely, spread across cities like New York, Boston, Washington, DC, Nashville, and San Diego, among others. They also collaborate with several agency partners.

Johnson emphasizes the importance of aligning with the company's culture in a remote setup. She considers factors such as the energy a candidate brings during virtual interactions. "The vibe they project via Zoom is crucial, even if it seems trivial," she states. "We’re shaping a cohesive culture both online and offline."