Essential Qualities for Early Startup Hires: Focus on Execution and Independence

'Get shit done' is by far the most important attribute of your first few employees.

You need people who can work independently without a lot of direction, and focus on the right things while the rest of the world burns around them.

They don't need fancy credentials or to be super smart or have a great internet presence; what you should look for is a track-record of shipping, and evidence of independent work.

Find out if they have good judgement, if they have a sense of when to trade off perfect for good enough, if they're able to diagnose and fix things.