←back to thread

Idea stolen during an interview. What should I do?

29 points interviewwtf | 3 comments | 17 Oct 24 21:16 UTC | HN request time: 0s | source

Keeping this intentionally vague.

I interviewed with a series B company a couple of months ago. During the interview with the CTO I proposed a way that could effectively 3X their MAU. They were genuinely impressed by it, and stated they didn't think of that. Like it seemed natural, and I'm considered an expert in this field.

I ended up not getting the job, and not thinking much of it. Fast-forward a couple of months, and it's their new growth strategy. I got no credit for this, and not even a call back. Is there anything I can do?

1. mouse_ ◴[17 Oct 24 21:31 UTC] No.41874023[source]▶
Find the manager of the people who interviewed you, explain it was your idea and your methodology of coming up with it. How would you even know the intricate details as an outsider? Give him a color printout with some fancy graphics if you're daring. Explain that this sort of reasoning comes from institutional knowledge you possess, which is the real asset that made this sort of optimization possible.

What's the worst that can happen? He tells you to fuck off? I know this isn't the movies, but I can't help but think; not an awful lot to lose in this situation...

replies(1): >>41874049 #
2. interviewwtf ◴[17 Oct 24 21:33 UTC] No.41874049[source]▶
It was the CTO. The methodology for it involves a background in genetics which they don't have. I just want a thank you. I've had product discussions before, but this has obviously never happened.
replies(1): >>41875091 #
3. pempem ◴[18 Oct 24 00:04 UTC] No.41875091[source]▶
IMO the fastest path to a thank you is a sincere, neutral congratulations.