Unfortunately most start ups do not hire for a generalist skill set as James suggests here, but I agree with this sentiment. Often start ups make the mistakes of hiring someone who has succeeded in a bigger organisation, or hiring someone who has spend some time in an organisation which is growing quickly and currently all the rage, rather than hiring someone who deeply understands and cares for the problem being solved. Sales skill transfer across organisations but only with the right understanding of the problem being solved. This should really be tested for as much as past achievements, or even more so.
Unfortunately most start ups do not hire for a generalist skill set as James suggests here, but I agree with this sentiment. Often start ups make the mistakes of hiring someone who has succeeded in a bigger organisation, or hiring someone who has spend some time in an organisation which is growing quickly and currently all the rage, rather than hiring someone who deeply understands and cares for the problem being solved. Sales skill transfer across organisations but only with the right understanding of the problem being solved. This should really be tested for as much as past achievements, or even more so.