after 2 days of reflection i have a few humble thoughts, and i'm sure these were manifested because we were rejected:
1. the 10 minute interview process works for yc and they have their reasons for keeping it brief (probably because they had to do 170 of them this time and because 10 minutes is all they need to make their decision). that being said, it seems to me that such a monumental decision (at least for the teams applying) would warrant a bit longer discussion. there is a wide range of industries and business models that are represented, and i guess the question is: is it worth extending the interview 10 more minutes so that teams may expound on their ideas? to me, the interview felt like chaos and before i knew it jessica was snapping our photo and we were whisked out of the room.
2. i know everyone tells you not to have a pitch ready and to listen to the questions and respond thoughtfully and this you should absolutely do. however, i think that you should also have a list of 5-10 points that you simply have to get across and you find time to squeeze them into the interview, regardless if it's a total non sequitur. i understand pg and co. are intellectual giants, but i find it hard to believe that they know the nuances of the very industry/business you've been deep into for months or years and there could potentially be a crucial piece of the puzzle they're missing that you need to convey.
3. mike tyson says everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face. well, we were punched in the face. all you can do is internalize your yc experience and learn everything you can from it. then you got to get up and keep on charging. my grandpa always tells me that a) it's gunna be uphill all the way and b) you're gunna be just fine.
4. finally, i think there are only so many defining moments in our lives and it's up to us to capitalize. that 10 minutes in the interview room is probably one of them, and maybe there's a damn good reason 10 minutes is all you get. i wish you all the best of luck.
