Kevin Systrom is one of the co-founders of Instagram, along with Evan Spiegel and Chris Hughes, the newest social networking sensation to hit the scene. He, like the majority of the youngsters, was very interested in video games, and while playing the game ‘Doom 2,’ he even created several new levels. Eventually, he developed a strong liking for programming, and even while still a student, he made significant progress as a programmer. He showed sufficient ability to be chosen for the ‘Mayfield Fellows Program,’ which allowed him to develop his technological abilities further. In preparation for his new career, he acquired a bachelor’s degree in management science and engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.Kevin began his career with the technology behemoth ‘Google’ and then moved on to a new business named ‘Nextstop.’ As he was working at Nextstop, he was inspired to create the next big thing to hit the world of the internet. His colleague Mike and him first developed an application named ‘Burbn,’ which proved too sophisticated and difficult to use for the intended audience. Thus, the team was instrumental in bringing the current social networking phenomenon, termed “Instagram,” into the world of social media. Instagram has become a term that does not need further explanation.
Kevin’s Hiring approach is one of a kind
To make your first design hire, there is no set timeframe. Each firm is distinct in its way, from the composition of the founding team to the most urgent demands of the organization. Blake Reary has worked as a first designer twice, first at RelateIQ (now SalesforceIQ) and then at Mode Analytics, “there are so many elements.” Among the considerations are “the sort of firm, the type of product, the identity of the founders, and the strength of their design and product sense.”If you don’t have the design knowledge, you need on your founding team, bringing on a design hire early on may help you make more informed choices about your company’s future. However, if you already have some design expertise in your organization, you may be able to postpone making a full-time employee for a while. On the other hand, an early first designer will assist you in moving more quickly and producing higher-quality work.
What does Kevin Systrom look for in job candidates?
Anyone who has worked in the fast-paced and uncertain atmosphere understands that the abilities necessary to be successful in an early-stage firm are vastly different from those required in a larger, more established organization. It is especially true for someone making their first hiring in their field. Look for these crucial soft skills in applicants’ prior accomplishments and your early conversations to better understand what motivates them.
Entrepreneurial
Many of the characteristics that make for great entrepreneurs are also useful for your early workers. A designer who is inventive and eager to experiment should be on your shortlist; someone who is thrilled by the prospect of making something out of nothing should be your target.Even though a designer does not have specialized startup experience, these intrinsic attributes are frequently evident in self-initiated initiatives, where they have had to assess whether or not there is an audience for what they’re doing. In responding to these questions, individuals know what it takes to start from the bottom up and establish a successful firm.
Hire Smart and Passionate People
“Smart individuals are passionate people. When you ask them what they’re really excellent at and what they’re really passionate about, they’ll generally be able to articulate it in a way that inspires you. Whether that’s about cocktail making or cooking or coding. Smart individuals have life passions, and that’s exactly what I’m looking for” says Kevin in an interview.
Should Be Able to Explain What They Can Do in 30 Seconds or Less
“Products can become more sophisticated with time, but it’s a marketing difficulty when it comes to launching and introducing a new product to the market.” In an interview, Kevin states, “You have to explain what you do, and people have to grasp it in seconds.” This is the elevator pitch’s equivalent. In 30 seconds, tell someone your value proposition and what makes you distinct. In 30 seconds, explain why they require your product. You’ve lost people’s interest if you go beyond that.
What It’s Like to Work for Kevin Systrom?
Kevin, the current CEO of Instagram, is widely regarded as a visionary business leader who has assisted the firm in growing by orders of magnitude in terms of the number of workers, revenue flow, and market share since its creation. His leadership approach has helped Instagram become one of the most technologically sophisticated and inventive firms globally, mostly due to his vision and determination.
How does Instagram motivate its employees?
The culture of the workplace may greatly influence employee satisfaction. That is why Mike Krieger, co-founder, and chief technology officer of Instagram, says his firm engages in a unique activity to increase morale.While pay can help get new talent into the door, according to Glassdoor’s research, “To maintain them, the company must make significant investments in its workplace culture, such as enhancing the caliber of its senior management and establishing career paths that allow workers to progress through the ranks of the business.”Google’s leadership development adviser Fred Kofman believes that more organizations should emphasize inspiring and motivating their employees rather than concentrating on money or glitzy amenities.Even the most substantial monetary rewards will become insufficient to satisfy your needs. Yet, the desire to advance your career, find purpose in your life, and feel happy might be almost unlimited. During an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Kofman explains, “We’re talking about better colleagues, better work culture, more autonomy, more camaraderie around the workplace, not simply a fancy recreational space or free snacks.”How does Instagram reward its employees?
Instagram Perks And Benefits At a Glance
According to Comparably, when it comes to Perks & Benefits, Instagram employees place them above the average, placing them in the top 5 per cent of all similar-sized firms with 10,000 or more employees.Perks and benefits at Instagram are rated best by workers with entry-level experience and employees with 3 to 6 years of experience. Employees with 1 – 3 years of experience and African American/Black employees rate them lowest compared to other demographic groups in the firm.Benefits at Instagram include Dental Insurance, Health Insurance, and Vision Insurance, in addition to four additional unique benefits in areas such as Health & Wellness and Paid Time Off, among other things. Employees give their Perks and Benefits an average of 84 out of 100 points.
What is the average salary for Instagram employees?
Including base pay and bonuses, the projected average annual compensation at Instagram for full-time employees is $150,597 ($72 per hour), while the estimated median income is $155,581 ($74 per hour). Lead Engineer, Mobile Developer, and Senior Marketing Manager are just a few of the job titles represented by the salaries provided by Instagram workers. A total of 4 pay records from Instagram workers are available on Comparably Data.The average annual remuneration for Instagram executives is 229,481 dollars.According to Payscale, the typically projected remuneration for Instagram executives, including base salary and bonus, is $218,316, or $104 per hour. According to Comparably, there are four salaries linked with Instagram workers. Comparably, 40 employees at Instagram rate their compensation as being in the top 5 per cent of similar-sized companies (based on 121 ratings), and 39 employees at Instagram rate their Perks and Benefits as being in the top 5 per cent of similar-sized companies (based on 121 ratings). Instagram has a total of 121 employees (based on 41 ratings).
Take a look at the Unique culture at Instagram:
Positive workplace culture is one in which workers are consistently encouraged to work as a team, look out for one another, and provide the best possible results in every endeavour.Trust, respect, responsibility, flexibility, result orientation, collaboration, seamless communication, learning opportunities, and so on distinguish an average work environment from an extraordinary one, among other characteristics.
1. Instagram, potential talents are discovered and pursued
An abundance of talent exists in the sector, and they are all searching for an environment in which their talents and skills will be exploited to their fullest potential. At this point, having a positive workplace culture is most beneficial.A positive workplace culture assists companies in making the most of their available resources, but it also assists them in attracting fresh talent from all over the world.
2. Instagram’s most talented individuals are kept
It is one of the reasons why employee retention rates are much higher in companies with pleasant work cultures, such as Instagram. In a work environment where people feel overworked or uncertain about their future, no person wants to be a part of such a culture. They are looking for a work environment where they will be treated with respect daily and acknowledged for the vital contributions they bring to the Instagram community.
3. The job satisfaction ratio on Instagram is greater than ever.
Working at a company where people are happy with their jobs is essential for many employees when selecting whether or not to stay with the company. Companies that see the value of investing in their employees’ growth and well-being are the ones that have been fortunate in this situation.Why? It is because they are doing all in their power to ensure that their employees have high levels of work satisfaction.
4. Instagram, you may be certain of clear communication and collaboration.
A healthy workplace culture encourages social contact and open communication, which leads to some very great outcomes in the future. If you want people to work together as a team, you must first establish trust. Having a solid business culture increases the likelihood of this occurring significantly.
5. Employee morale on Instagram has been increased.
Maintaining a healthy, productive corporate culture is one of the most effective methods to improve employee morale. It contributes to ensuring that workers are naturally happy and enjoying their time away from the office environment. Read on to learn more.
6. Productivity increases at a faster pace than before.
Employee productivity levels have consistently improved when a strong Instagram culture. When workers are a part of strong workplace culture, they are more devoted and driven.
7. There is a considerable reduction in workplace stress.
Healthy workplace culture has been shown to decrease workplace stress considerably and improve both workers’ health and performance while they are at work. Companies with a good corporate culture are less likely to have challenges connected to stressed or depressed individuals in the workplace. Instagram is one such company.
Things to learn from Kevin Systrom:
To achieve greatness, you don’t need a large team.
Systrom claims that his worst error, as well as his greatest strength, was keeping the team small.“We weren’t quick enough in employing people, but it was also one of our strengths.” I’m not sure where we would have gone if we had employed folks sooner. But, knowing what I know now, I would have employed people much faster, and I believe it’s a faith that those people will treat your work with the same care and attention to detail that you did. In retrospect, I believe we could have coached that. “I wish we had hired more swiftly, but given our success, it’s difficult to say that.” Who knows, maybe we could have been three times as big at the same time.”We can say that Kevin’s journey is inspirational, and there is so much to learn from him. We hope you find this discussion helpful in planning your hiring and leadership strategy.
