How to apply for Career Advising

About 80,000 Hours

80,000 Hours is a nonprofit that helps people choose or switch into careers tackling the world's most pressing problems. It focuses on skill bottlenecks and provides free one-on-one career advising, especially for AI safety and other global issues.

About the role

As a career advisor, you will conduct one-on-one video calls to review options, evaluate high-impact paths, and assess fit. You will also make introductions to experts and hiring managers, and help clients create actionable career plans.

A typical day

A typical day might involve conducting one-on-one video calls with clients to review their options and assess fit. You could also spend time researching high-impact career paths, making introductions to experts, and helping clients create actionable career plans.

Who 80,000 Hours is looking for

• Takes an analytical approach to social impact and is interested in AI safety risks.
• Has experience evaluating causes and career paths, and can assess fit for high-impact roles.
• Is skilled at making introductions to experts, hiring managers, and professionals.
• Can provide practical guidance on job opportunities and actionable career plans.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any experience with AI safety or other pressing global problems in your application.
• Show that you understand 80,000 Hours' approach to career advising and its focus on skill bottlenecks.
• Provide examples of how you have helped others make career decisions or evaluate options.
• Mention any network you have in relevant fields that could be used for introductions.
• Demonstrate your ability to create actionable career plans and assess fit for high-impact paths.

What to cover in your cover letter

Emphasize your analytical approach to social impact and interest in AI safety. Describe your experience evaluating career paths and assessing fit. Highlight your ability to make introductions and provide practical guidance. Mention any relevant network or experience with high-impact career advising.

Research before applying

• Read 80,000 Hours' career guide and research on AI safety and other pressing problems.
• Understand their advising process: preparation support, video call, and ongoing support.
• Look into their list of high-impact career paths and how they assess fit.
• Check if they have published any reports or articles on skill bottlenecks.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How do you evaluate the impact of different career paths, especially in AI safety?
• Describe a time you helped someone assess their fit for a high-impact role.
• What experience do you have making introductions to experts or hiring managers?
• How would you guide someone through creating an actionable career plan?
• What do you know about 80,000 Hours' research and advising methodology?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Being vague about your interest in AI safety or social impact.
• Failing to show analytical skills in evaluating career options.
• Not demonstrating experience with making introductions or providing practical guidance.