The Senior HR Manager of a hyper-growth startup, such as Esper, has learned valuable lessons from their experience in hiring and managing staff. The company prioritizes its people-first culture, which makes all the difference to its continued success and environment. Each company is different when it comes to hiring processes, with multinational corporations having more structure and hyper-growth startups being fast-paced and looking for individual contributors. To stand out as a candidate, one should show their background, passion, and values, customize their resume cover letter, provide a correct and updated resume, and demonstrate exceptional traits such as dependability, curiosity, adaptability, problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently. The hiring process during a national pandemic presents unique challenges, but creating a sense of belonging for new job candidates is crucial. The company prioritizes clear communications, collaboration, and making people a priority, ensuring a smooth transition for employees eager to learn and grow within the organization.