Altitude vs. Trajectory
Most companies hire for altitude. How senior are you? What is your title?
Rabois hires for trajectory. How fast are you improving? Where will you be in two years?
A person at 5,000 feet climbing fast will pass the person at 10,000 feet who plateaued.
The Olympian Standard
Rabois calls it Olympian culture. Every person on the team should be the best at what they do.
Not the best available. The best. Period. If you cannot find that person, do not hire.
One great hire beats three good ones.
If you're in high school telling everyone you want to go to the Olympics, there's a certain commitment. That's the mindset.
The Question
Where do you see yourself in five years? Most people give a safe answer.
Rabois listens for ambition. If the answer is small and cautious, he passes.
He wants people who scare themselves with their own goals.