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Show HN: iPG - YC Interview Simulator

jamescun.com

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Re: Show HN: iPG - YC Interview Simulator

#62
post #58

Earlier quoted context omitted.

So do you disagree with the questions or technique/method? If the questions were better or more relevant would it help you? what are your feelings on this method of reversal?

Oh no don't get me wrong - the site is great and I expect it'd be very useful for any entrepreneur, whether seeking investment or not! I'm commenting on the GP's post, which implies some people aren't capable of answering questions this quickly because they have a different mental processing style. The reality is they need to realise they're approaching people with little free time who have to quickly sort the wheat…

Okay. Thanks for the clarity.

So the actual rehearsal process would be beneficial? Maybe without a timer?

Re: Show HN: iPG - YC Interview Simulator

#63

When talking to PG and the other YC partners, be substantive, and get straight to the point. DO NOT BEAT AROUND THE BUSH. Do not hem and haw. "Uhm"s and "uh"s don't lend an aura of intelligence. Use precise and concise language. You aren't pitching a VC that will ask you what your "secret sauce" is. He talks quickly, and so do the other YC partners. Try to match their tempo (as you should when talking to anyone).

Does anybody else find it ironic that pg uses an abnormally high amount of filler words himself?

Was this during a pitch or informal setting?

For must formal presentations the audience expect clear and concise responses. One should be forgiven for "filling" during a public speech or informal chat.

Re: Show HN: iPG - YC Interview Simulator

#64

Any way to make this a generic tool? Would love to be able to use this with my own questions for other purposes.

It's completely static and javascript, so just download all the files (index.html, functions.js, data.js and style.css) and edit the array in data.js.

Thanks for sharing!

Re: Show HN: iPG - YC Interview Simulator

#65
post #43

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not in person, and not during the YC dinners.

So these seem to be low stress situations for him, unlike public speaking. YC interviews are obviously high-stress for the founders though.

Having a well thought through business plan is the main thing, the filler words are a secondary issue.

Obviously someone with a solid business plan who speaks cautiously is in a much better position than a smooth talker who is selling vaporware. That's the value of the YC group, they have their priorities determined and they don't get taken for a ride.

Re: Show HN: iPG - YC Interview Simulator

#66

This is both stimulating and depressing at the same time. As if there's only one correct way of thinking and communicating. Why conform yourself to someone else's nature? You're not Steve Jobs, and you're not pg, you are yourself -- forget the pro-tip and be yourself.

Forgetting the questions and answers, do you think the practice would make you perform better?

ie is there any value with this approach?

Re: Show HN: iPG - YC Interview Simulator

#67

The person who is perhaps the brightest [1] person I've ever met would - if this is a fair simulation - be rejected by YC. When answering a question he often won't even have begun to reply after fifteen seconds. I wonder how often YC rejects people such as that. [1] I mean this in a particular way: capable of extraordinarily deep insight very, very rapidly. Just not 15 seconds rapid.

Maybe you have academia in mind. What makes you think business requires extraordinarily deep insight?

Re: Show HN: iPG - YC Interview Simulator

#69

Wow! This is exactly what we have been playing around with. The tool looks really good. Is this something you are looking to take further? What has been the feedback in terms of usefulness? Do users this this type of mock interview works? Have you done any research or analysis on the effectiveness?

Thanks. We put it together in a couple of hours for our own purposes and a bit if fun. A YC alumni suggested we put it out here. It's great that it's helping other folks.

Re: Show HN: iPG - YC Interview Simulator

#70

Wow! This is exactly what we have been playing around with. The tool looks really good. Is this something you are looking to take further? What has been the feedback in terms of usefulness? Do users this this type of mock interview works? Have you done any research or analysis on the effectiveness?

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