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YC 120

blog.ycombinator.com

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Re: YC 120

#11

Post by d--b »

> Aside from some basic information, all you need to do to apply is submit a one-minute video with answers to these three questions:

> What are you interested in and what are you working on?

> What have you done so far that shows your potential for greatness, adjusted for whatever life circumstances you were born into?

> In a best-case scenario, what do you want your obituary to say?

Ugh... what a terrible selection process...

Re: YC 120

#12

Post by airstrike »

I had a conversation with colleagues literally last Friday in which I mentioned a version of question #2. I've always wanted to ask that question to candidates, but felt they would struggle to think of a way to phrase an answer in an interview setting...

YC has come up with a very concise prompt, though, so I'll have to give this a try next time I'm out recruiting...

Re: YC 120

#14

Post by TaylorAlexander »

d--b wrote: post #11

> Aside from some basic information, all you need to do to apply is submit a one-minute video with answers to these three questions: > What are you interested in and what are you working on? > What have you done so far that shows your potential for greatness, adjusted for whatever life circumstances you were born into? > In a best-case scenario, what do you want your obituary to say? Ugh... what a terrible selection…

I like it. I’m curious what makes you say it’s terrible?

Re: YC 120

#15

Post by airstrike »

d--b wrote: post #11

> Aside from some basic information, all you need to do to apply is submit a one-minute video with answers to these three questions: > What are you interested in and what are you working on? > What have you done so far that shows your potential for greatness, adjusted for whatever life circumstances you were born into? > In a best-case scenario, what do you want your obituary to say? Ugh... what a terrible selection…

I thought these were all very relevant questions. Fit is everything, and presumably they already have the candidate's resume / portfolio to review, so they're digging into more qualitative stuff

Re: YC 120

#17

Post by avmich »

briantmaurer wrote: post #10

I personally like these questions together: • If you could have the resume you want , what would it say? • If you could write your eulogy, what would it say? (As the company/manager/advisor: How can we help you to get there?)

Regarding the third point, such networking events look like interesting enablers, so more of that please.

Re: YC 120

#18

Post by andrepd »

d--b wrote: post #11

> Aside from some basic information, all you need to do to apply is submit a one-minute video with answers to these three questions: > What are you interested in and what are you working on? > What have you done so far that shows your potential for greatness, adjusted for whatever life circumstances you were born into? > In a best-case scenario, what do you want your obituary to say? Ugh... what a terrible selection…

1 and 2 seem like good questions, but 3 does look like a bullshit question.

Re: YC 120

#19

Post by ajiang »

Networks like this are extremely powerful for releasing potential energy. As much as I'd love to see the talks, it wouldn't be 5% the value of being in the room.
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