Travis Kalanick’s Hiring Formula for Building a Dream Team: A Playbook for Entrepreneurs

Travis Kalanick, co-founder of Uber, has a simple but powerful formula for hiring top talent. His two steps?

1. Write a truly inspired job post ✍️

2. Engage in truly inspired networking 🌐

Follow both, and you’ll attract top talent fast. Fail to do either, and you’ll end up with a mediocre team. Let’s dive deeper into these steps with actionable how-tos, drawing lessons from business leaders like Elon Musk and Reed Hastings.

Step 1: Write a Truly Inspired Job Post

Kalanick stresses that your job posts should sell the dream. This isn’t just about listing qualifications—it’s about crafting a compelling story that explains why your company is an exciting place to work.

• Clearly state your mission and vision: Think of Elon Musk and his bold vision for Tesla and SpaceX. People are attracted to big, world-changing goals.

• Describe the impact candidates will have: Help them see how joining your team will allow them to contribute to something larger than themselves.

• Be personal and authentic: Job posts should reflect your passion. Avoid corporate jargon—speak directly to candidates like you would to a friend.

Example: Tesla’s posts often talk about how candidates will help “accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy,” which is a far more inspiring message than just detailing job duties.

Step 2: Engage in Truly Inspired Networking

The second part of Kalanick’s formula is networking. This isn’t about random LinkedIn messages—it’s about intentionally connecting with people who are excited about your mission.

• Reach out to your personal network: Share your vision with friends, family, and colleagues. Ask them to connect you with talented people who might fit your company’s culture.

• Host events or meetups: Create opportunities to meet potential candidates in informal settings. You never know who you might meet at an industry event or startup mixer.

• Encourage employee referrals: Take a cue from Reed Hastings at Netflix, where networking is a key part of the company’s culture. Empower your current team to refer like-minded talent.

Example: At Airbnb, Brian Chesky leveraged his personal connections early on to hire people who were as passionate about the company’s mission as he was. This allowed the company to scale rapidly with a unified team.

Combine Both for Speed

Kalanick believes that when you combine inspired job posts with purposeful networking, you can attract top talent fast. Time is critical for growing startups, and you need the right people in place quickly.

• Don’t delay your recruiting efforts: Start now, even if you don’t have an immediate need for a new hire. The best talent may not always be available when you need them.

• Move quickly when you find the right person: If you meet someone who aligns with your vision, don’t wait. Reach out and start the conversation immediately.

Example: Reed Hastings advises Netflix managers to always be on the lookout for talent—even when they’re not actively hiring. This ensures that the company never misses an opportunity to bring in the best people.

Why Inspired Recruiting Matters

Kalanick’s advice isn’t just a suggestion—it’s essential for building a successful business. The most innovative companies—Tesla, Netflix, and Airbnb—have all built their teams by selling their vision and using their networks.

Without this, you risk ending up with a mediocre team that won’t push your company forward.

Key Action Steps:

• Sell the vision: Craft a job post that speaks to your company’s mission and why it matters.

• Leverage your network: Don’t rely on traditional methods. Use your personal and professional connections to find the best people.

• Move quickly: Start recruiting early and be prepared to act fast when you find top talent.

By following Travis Kalanick’s formula, you’ll build a team that not only believes in your mission but can help you achieve it.