Backgound... I have been employed for a large non technology corporation for nine years. I realize I have been with them to long and for all the wrong reasons. But I'm still a little nervous about working for such a small company.<p>I have an interview with a startup lined up and might apply to some more. I'm sure at some point I will be given the opportunity to ask them questions about the job, etc...<p>So, what kind of questions should I ask about their company to feel out their stability, prospects and future?<p>Thanks
This "archive of quality Hacker News 'Ask YC' posts grouped by subject" looks worth checking out: <a href="http://www.gabrielweinberg.com/startupswiki/Ask_YC_Archive" rel="nofollow">http://www.gabrielweinberg.com/startupswiki/Ask_YC_Archive</a><p>(Thanks to jmonegro for posting it to <a href="http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1126993." rel="nofollow">http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1126993.</a>)
If your goal is to get equity of any significant amount, you should discuss this up front - that's not to say ask for it right away, but talk about the path for that job and whether if things go well in X months or years you will get 1% or whatever it is you want. You could also ask how much runway they have.
Besides the Joel Test for programming processes, I always try to ascertain:<p>Their finances, business model, etc.<p>Can they fire people who don't work out and how careful are they in hiring.<p>Plus there are many warning signs to watch out for, like unwarranted secrecy.