For startups interviewing people coming from big companies, here's a simple tactic that you can use to cut through the noise about whether or not they're serious about joining a small startup (and aware of the implications!)...

It's common to be told a love story about "I want to have an impact" and "I'm tired of the bureaucracy and want to move fast" from people that have never been at a startup. It sounds compelling since it's the story you want to hear. And there's usually some truth to that story...

However, most big company folks haven't confronted the reality of longer hours, higher stress, and significantly lower upfront compensation. It's usually not until the end of the interview process that they come face to face with the comp being offered. That's when they bail...

They bail because now they're being forced to sign a piece of paper that cements much lower compensation. That's when reality sets it and they truly confront the trade-off of the startup dream with the significant reduction in compensation. That's when the "truth" comes out...

So, what you can do instead is let them know what the comp will be in your very first conversation with them. Ask them to take some time to truly think about if they would accept that comp when a final offer comes in...

With this approach, you can save yourself weeks of wasted interview time by finding out who is serious about making the trade-off versus those casually exploring startup opportunities but not that serious about it...

Not to mention that some people can't practically take a sizable cut since they may have broader financial needs or obligations, so you're doing both of you a favor by being transparent in the first conversation...

I've found that this also works really well for developing trust with candidates. In addition to streamlining the hiring process.