I am not sure if I am cynical or humble here, but my question is "Why would anyone care?".
First, the company is hiring an engineer, not a CTO or a head of marketing. Why would they consider my input valid? Even in my field of expertise I have no idea of the size of markets or of the big players strategy there. Trying to keep afloat of the tech is hard enough.
Second, if interviewing as an employee and not a business associate, you don't really care if the company becomes the next Facebook or, as is likely, goes into oblivion in 5 years. Know your incentives: if you don't have stock, you don't care about the company's success. Want employees that care? Give them incentives.
Third, half of the founders I have met have inflated egos, delusions and/or personality issues. Never trust one who says they welcome honest feedback, especially during interviews. There is nothing in for you to gain and everything to lose.
"These questions are direct, but a company that reacts badly to them may not be a good place to work." Disagree. A company with a non workable business plan can be a fantastic place to work in as the investor money burns through the various vanity project of middle managers. There are a lot much more relevant red flags to look out to anticipate a toxic workplace.
In general, only give feedback when explicitly asked for it or once you understand the inner power dynamics of the place.
First, the company is hiring an engineer, not a CTO or a head of marketing. Why would they consider my input valid? Even in my field of expertise I have no idea of the size of markets or of the big players strategy there. Trying to keep afloat of the tech is hard enough.
Second, if interviewing as an employee and not a business associate, you don't really care if the company becomes the next Facebook or, as is likely, goes into oblivion in 5 years. Know your incentives: if you don't have stock, you don't care about the company's success. Want employees that care? Give them incentives.
Third, half of the founders I have met have inflated egos, delusions and/or personality issues. Never trust one who says they welcome honest feedback, especially during interviews. There is nothing in for you to gain and everything to lose.
"These questions are direct, but a company that reacts badly to them may not be a good place to work." Disagree. A company with a non workable business plan can be a fantastic place to work in as the investor money burns through the various vanity project of middle managers. There are a lot much more relevant red flags to look out to anticipate a toxic workplace.
In general, only give feedback when explicitly asked for it or once you understand the inner power dynamics of the place.