Module 03 · The recruiting deck~55s dwell · weight 9
Traction proof
De-risk the question every senior candidate is silently asking: is this real, or is this a story.
Lenny's recruiting piece notes senior candidates discount unverified growth claims by default; proof points close that gap.
Include
- Revenue or usage number with a date attached
- Retention or repeat-usage number
- One number that shows the trend, not just a snapshot
Cut
- Logos without context
- Any number without a timeframe attached
Red flags a reader notices
- Numbers with no date, so they can't be checked against public filings or LinkedIn headcount changes
- Vanity metrics like app downloads with no retention data next to them
Pitfalls behind them
- Leading with total funding raised instead of revenue or usage; funding is not traction
60-second self-test
- · Could this candidate verify any of these numbers independently within 10 minutes?
- · Is there a trend line, or just one flattering data point?
Template
As of [date]: [metric 1], [metric 2], [metric 3]. Trend: [metric] moved from [X] to [Y] over [timeframe].
Weak
"We're growing like crazy and customers love the product."
Strong
"As of this quarter: $196K ARR, 12-person team, payroll running in 96 countries, zero customer churn in the last two quarters. ARR grew from $80K to $196K in nine months."
Nimbus example: dated ARR figure, headcount, churn number, and a nine-month trend line, all checkable.
Quick quiz
Pick an answer. Nothing is graded, and correct answers stay hidden until you choose.
1. Why does a dated metric matter more than an undated one in this slide?
2. Which is the weakest traction proof point?