Overview
- Intelligence is overrated: Microsoft's logic puzzles and Google's PhD preference haven't been replicated elsewhere; other factors likely drove their success
- Drive matters most: Look for self-motivated people who push through walls—examine what they've actually done, not just participated in
- Curiosity reveals passion: People who love their field stay current and have informed opinions; test candidates on trends in their domain
- Ethics are non-negotiable: Watch for dishonesty by asking questions until they don't know the answer—ethical people admit ignorance rather than bullshit
- Process discipline: Write down your hiring process, plan interview questions, conduct skills tests, and pay attention to small red flags in interviews and references
Takeaways
Marc Andreessen wrote this guide on startup hiring in 2007. The core insight is that drive and curiosity predict success far better than intelligence metrics like degrees or puzzle-solving ability.
People with drive push and push and push and push and push until they succeed.