Application Guide

How to Apply for Expression of interest (extreme power concentration)

at Forethought

🏢 About Forethought

Forethought appears to be a mission-driven organization focused on reducing risks from extreme power concentration, particularly AI-enabled threats. They operate remotely with potential Oxford connections, suggesting a blend of academic rigor and practical intervention. Their openness to diverse collaborations and funding support indicates they value innovative approaches over traditional credentials.

About This Role

This is an expression of interest for individuals aiming to contribute to mitigating extreme power concentration risks, especially AI-enabled coups. The role involves proposing and developing projects or ideas that align with this mission, with potential support through funding, expertise, or operational assistance. It's impactful because it addresses emerging catastrophic risks at the intersection of technology and political power.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching emerging risks of power concentration, developing project proposals or intervention ideas, and potentially collaborating remotely with experts. Given the exploratory nature, time would be split between independent ideation, seeking feedback, and refining approaches to secure Forethought's support for impactful work.

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🎯 Who Forethought Is Looking For

  • Someone with deep concern about AI safety, political stability, or power concentration risks, even without formal expertise
  • Creative thinkers who can propose novel interventions, research directions, or practical projects in this space
  • Individuals comfortable with uncertainty who can articulate how Forethought's support could amplify their impact
  • Self-starters who can work remotely and potentially collaborate with experts in Oxford or elsewhere

📝 Tips for Applying to Forethought

1

Focus on articulating a specific concern or idea related to extreme power concentration, even if preliminary

2

Explicitly state what kind of support you'd need from Forethought (funding, expertise, operational help) and why

3

Demonstrate awareness of the field by referencing relevant concepts like AI alignment, coup prevention, or institutional safeguards

4

Emphasize your motivation and potential for growth in this area rather than just past achievements

5

Note the remote nature and February 2026 deadline, but apply early given the exploratory nature of the process

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific interest in reducing extreme power concentration risks and why this matters to you personally', "A concrete idea, research question, or project direction you'd want to pursue with Forethought's support", 'How your background (even if unconventional) prepares you to contribute to this mission', 'What type of collaboration or support would be most valuable to you and why']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Forethought's potential connections to Oxford or other effective altruism/ AI safety networks
  • → Existing literature on AI-enabled coups, power concentration risks, and related governance challenges
  • → Similar organizations working on catastrophic risk reduction to understand Forethought's niche
  • → The types of projects or individuals Forethought has supported previously, if publicly available
Visit Forethought's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you define 'extreme power concentration' and what specific risks concern you most?
2 What practical intervention or research project would you propose to address AI-enabled coup risks?
3 How would you use Forethought's specific support offerings (funding, expertise, operational help) effectively?
4 What existing work or thinkers in this space have influenced your perspective?
5 How would you measure success in reducing these risks, given their complex and long-term nature?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with a generic resume without tailoring it to power concentration risks or AI safety
  • Proposing vague ideas without considering practical implementation or Forethought's specific support options
  • Focusing solely on personal career advancement rather than genuine mission alignment and impact potential

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Forethought!

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