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Idea stolen during an interview. What should I do?

29 points interviewwtf | 1 comments | 17 Oct 24 21:16 UTC | HN request time: 0.252s | 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?

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pedalpete ◴[17 Oct 24 23:02 UTC] No.41874685[source]▶
I'd say build the relationship. Remind them (politely) that they implemented the idea "you discussed in the interview". Don't suggest they stole it. I'd think this is an opportunity for you to find out how it went/how it's going, decisions they made along the way, etc.

You'll always know this was your idea, but it's just an idea. You'll have many others, probably better ones.

This start-up might still fail. If they fail, would you be thinking "they had my great marketing idea and they failed". If they succeed, do you really think it would be because of your idea?

I wish I had this amount of distance from my own ideas, but I know I don't. It's much easier when looking at someone else's ideas.

But all in all, I'd say this is an opportunity to find out more, and maybe even come up with another idea based on the discussion you have with the company. It's up to you if you decide to share that further idea or not ;)

replies(1): >>41875682 #
1. paulcole ◴[18 Oct 24 01:52 UTC] No.41875682[source]▶
> Remind them (politely) that they implemented the idea "you discussed in the interview".

This would be very high on the list of emails I would never respond to.

This is a person either a) with a job they don’t like or b) no job. Either way they have nothing better to do than email and hint at the fact that I stole their idea.

I didn’t want to hire them in the first place, not sure how this changes things.

There’s no need for back and forth here. Both parties should just move on with their lives.