Many of today’s job seekers, especially those of Generation Y, like the idea of working in a startup environment. They want to be more than just a cog in a corporate machine — they want to be a part of something where they can make a real difference and help the company grow.

But the startup life isn’t for everyone: It takes a specific type of person with the necessary passion and skills to thrive in this setting. As the founder of peer-to-peer study materials marketplace Flashnotes.com, Mike Matousek has learned that first impressions are critical when it comes to startup hiring.