Thank you very much for your feedback and insight.
Comp has never been an issue, but I usually don't get that far. I definitely do have some base requirements in terms of what stage the startup is in from a maturity/funding standpoint, because things like benefits are a deal breaker for me. My comp/equity expectations are definitely adjusted for the fact that I am not a founder nor likely employee 1-5 or 10, and if numbers are ever discussed, we're always in the ballpark.
Your first point about being overqualified is a good one; I don't know how I can demonstrate that I'm not expecting a 'process' or an 'environment' in which to sell; those are both horrible at my current company, so I wouldn't want them if even given the option.
I don't know how I square your circle of staying relevant in terms of technology unless it's my day job; that's what I'm trying to do! I'd love to get my 'geek fix' at work and not after hours.
Maybe your cover letter is a bit too straight-jacketed. Some candidates I have looked at try too hard to convey professionalism, when what we want as a salesperson is personality.
And about the app: one of the red flags for us is someone's side project. The nature of a small startup is that everyone has to live and breath the work (we all have terrible, terrible work-life balance). Some projects are fine, but for our salespeople, we don't want them selling anything else on the side. You can't serve two masters.
Other than that, I don't exactly know what I can offer. Being in Seattle, I imagine the hiring scene is completely different down there.
I'm curious, have you been burnt before by sales people with a side project? My intuition is that if the products aren't competing there wouldn't be a problem. Do you have anecdotal evidence to the contrary?
Remote: Yes (have managed multiple cross-geo teams)
Willing to relocate: No
Technologies: Typescript/Javascript, React, Node.js, Go (Golang), Kubernetes, AWS
Resume: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O9GGufbsnj8bGsIYxUeCUG_uV5u...
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davewmurphy/
GitHub: https://github.com/davemurphysf
Email: dave [dot] w [dot] murphy [at] gmail [dot] com
I've been an Engineering Manager for the last 4+ years leading full-stack teams at places such as Uber and AWS.