Complete Internship Hunting Guide for Students.
Step 1: Find Open Positions at YC Companies
Tool: [Link] ([Link]
1. Visit [Link] and use this prompt:
"Show me all open positions at Y Combinator portfolio companies"
2. Filter results based on your role (engineering, marketing, design, etc.)
3. Apply to relevant positions through their official channels
4. Immediately follow up with the cold email template below
Step 2: Cold Email the Founders (After Applying)
Full Email Template:
Subject Line:
Following up on [Position] application - [Your Name]
Email Body:
Hi [Founder's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I recently applied for the [Position Title] role at [Company Name]
and wanted to reach out directly to share my enthusiasm for what you're building.
[Company Name]'s approach to [specific company focus/mission] really resonates with me,
particularly [mention something specific about their product, recent news, or company values].
Having worked in [relevant experience/industry], I've seen firsthand how [relevant challenge they're
solving].
I'd love the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s growth. My background in [2-3 key
relevant skills/experiences] has prepared me to [specific value you can add]. I'm particularly excited
about the possibility of [mention specific aspect of the role or company that excites you].
Would you be open to a brief conversation about how I might contribute to your team? I'm happy to
work around your schedule.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[LinkedIn Profile]
Shorter DM Version (Under 120 Words):
Subject Line:
Following up on [Position] application - [Your Name]
Email Body:
Hi [Founder's Name],
Just applied for the [Position Title] role and wanted to reach out directly. Really impressed by
[Company Name]'s work on [specific product/mission].
My background in [2 key skills] aligns well with your goals, especially [specific relevant experience].
Would love to discuss how I can contribute to your team's growth.
Open to a brief call at your convenience?
Best,
[Your Name]
[Phone] | [LinkedIn]
Step 3: Target Tech Startups on LinkedIn
Platform: LinkedIn
Target Criteria:
- Tech startups
- Company size: 11-50 employees
- Recently funded or showing growth
Process:
1. Use LinkedIn's company search filters
2. Look for companies in your preferred industry/location
3. Find the founder's profile
4. Send the direct outreach email below
Step 4: Direct Founder Outreach (No Prior Application)
Full Email Template:
Subject Line:
Exploring opportunities at [Company Name] - [Your Name]
Email Body:
Hi [Founder's Name],
I hope you're doing well. I've been following [Company Name] and am genuinely impressed by
[specific recent achievement, product launch, or company milestone].
As someone with experience in [your relevant field/expertise], I'm drawn to how you're [mention
specific aspect of their mission or approach]. Your recent [mention something specific - funding
round, product update, interview, etc.] particularly caught my attention.
I'd love to explore if there might be ways for someone with my background in [2-3 key skills/areas]
to contribute to [Company Name]'s journey. I'm not reaching out about a specific role, but rather to
understand if my experience in [relevant area] could be valuable as you continue scaling.
Would you be open to a brief 15-minute conversation? I'm happy to share more about my
background and learn about your current priorities.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[LinkedIn Profile]
Shorter DM Version (Under 120 Words):
Subject Line:
Exploring opportunities at [Company Name] - [Your Name]
Email Body:
Hi [Founder's Name],
Been following [Company Name] and really impressed by [specific achievement/product]. Your
approach to [mention specific aspect] caught my attention.
With my background in [2 key areas], I'd love to explore how I might contribute to your journey. Not
pitching for a specific role, just curious if my experience in [relevant area] could be valuable.
Open to a brief chat?
Best,
[Your Name]
[Phone] | [LinkedIn]
Step 5: Interview Preparation
Tools for Interview Prep:
- Cluely - Professional interview practice platform
- Open Source Alternative: Instagram Video Tutorial ([Link]
Before Your Interview:
- Research the company thoroughly
- Practice common interview questions
- Prepare specific examples of your work
- Use Cluely or the open source alternative for mock interviews
- Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and company
Pro Tips for Success
Email Best Practices:
- Research thoroughly - Reference specific company achievements
- Keep it concise - Under 100-120 words for DMs, longer for detailed emails
- Personalize everything - No generic templates
- Follow up once - If no response in 2 weeks
- Time it right - Send within 24-48 hours of applying
LinkedIn Strategy:
- Optimize your profile - Professional photo, detailed experience
- Engage with content - Like and comment on company posts before reaching out
- Use warm introductions - Ask for referrals when possible
Essential Tools Checklist
- [Link] - Find YC company positions
- LinkedIn Premium (optional) - Better search filters
- Cluely - Professional interview preparation
- Open Source Interview Prep - Free alternative to Cluely
