If you get a VC interview, do this

Hi! I’m glad you’re here. You’ve made it to issue #94 of VC Demystified🪄.

My name’s Nicole - I’m a Principal at an early stage venture fund, and I know firsthand that VC can often be a black box. Breaking into the industry may feel daunting and resources can seem scarce and inaccessible. I wanted to put together a newsletter to give others the playbook I wish I had when I first started.

Today’s deep dive: Why internal references matter in VC hiring and exactly how to earn them once you’re already interviewing

^{My personal mission is to open as many doors as possible for other people and this newsletter is just one avenue to do that. As always, I will continue to post VC insights daily for free across my socials. This newsletter may contain paid partnerships or affiliate links.}

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Read time: 5 minutes

Why internal references matter in VC hiring and exactly how to earn them once you’re already interviewing

Getting the interview is only step one.

Most candidates stop once they’re in process.

What I’m going to deep dive today is a way to materially increase your odds once you’re already in process.

It’s this:

Get a good word in from someone the firm already trusts.

VC is a small, relationship-driven industry. A quiet internal “this person is solid” carries real weight.

Here’s how to do it properly (and not awkwardly):

Step 1: Map the firm before your interview

Go to LinkedIn. Look at mutual connections across the entire VC firm, not just the interviewer.

Partners. Principals. Associates. Platform. Everyone counts.

Then start reaching out to your mutual connections who are connected to them.

Your ask is simple:

This will lead to either no response or one of the 3 responses below:

1) “I don’t really know them - just connected.”
Totally fine. Thank them. Keep it moving.

2) “I don’t know them well, but I know someone who does.”
This is still a win and you can work with it.

3) “Yes, I know them well.”
This is where you need to play your cards right.

Step 2: Decide the right ask (read the room)

If you get responses #2 or #3, you generally have two options:

1. Ask them to share a favorable note about you

2. Ask if they’re comfortable making an intro

Important rule:
Only ask for an intro if the relationship is genuinely close.

If it’s a looser connection, a quiet positive note is often better (and safer).

Step 3: Make it absurdly easy for them to help you

This is where most candidates mess up.

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