Why is this ad "ideal for a budding startup"? I'm sure mixpanel is a nice place to work, but there doesn't seem to be anything unique about this ad, so I'm not sure why it's being held up as a model to emulate.
Simply, I hold it as a good example because I'm working on my own startup and the Ad does a good job of summarising what a software engineering role should be advertised as.
No false promises of using technology X or Y, and no over inflated expectations of the kind of knowledge expected from a candidate. A startup is all about learning and using the best tool for the right job with a hands on approach.
Except its missing an important part. Salary.
Yes, I know you're thinking "but this is a startup and the opportunities and experiences are more important!". People still have bills to pay.
I agree, I wish more companies would lay out up front how much they expect to pay you. Every super talented developer I know is already working a full time job or it's equivalent.
I've found it's a lot easier to lure people away from their jobs with promise of 2x pay rather than trying to spin them on how awesome your company culture is.
While I agree with the spirit of the statement, honestly, I'd rather hire the guy I was able to lure with the company culture than the guy I was able to lure with money.
