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To people who aren't reflexively dismissive, this isn't a story about exploitation or desperation, it's about determination and standing out from the mediocre c
by tomhoward 16y ago
To people who aren't reflexively dismissive, this isn't a story about exploitation or desperation, it's about determination and standing out from the mediocre crowd.
As PG often says, YC looks for founders who are smart and determined. The best early-stage employees also need to fit that description, so aspirants need to figure out ways of demonstrating those qualities.
Of course when everyone starts doing it, it'll stop working, and smart, determined guys like Nick will figure out some new way of hacking the recruitment process.
- mseebach 16y agoThe willingness/ability to work for free doesn't even begin to correlate with smart and determined.
- tomhoward 16y agoSigh... I thought I could give readers enough credit to not have to spell it out. - Starting out with a track record of building an impressive startup and/or products; - Seeking out the #1 company in the world he wants to work for; - Calling the CEO to introduce himself then carefully crafting an email to express his intent and his offer; - At his own substantial expense, travelling to NYC to spend 2 weeks in the company's office in the hope of proving himself; - Spending his time carefully observing how the place operates and figuring out how best he could be of value; - Persisting with the strategy until he achieved his goal; - Ultimately, receiving recognition of his talents and being offered a permanent position. Are you not able to identify in any of these 7 points, any hint of determination, intellect or talent?