Application Guide

How to Apply for Recruiter

at Far.Ai

🏢 About Far.Ai

FAR.AI is a unique non-profit AI research institute focused exclusively on AI safety, working directly with frontier AI labs like Anthropic and OpenAI to identify vulnerabilities. Unlike typical tech companies, they combine cutting-edge technical research with policy influence and global coordination efforts. Someone might want to work here to contribute directly to preventing AI risks while being part of a rapidly growing organization with global recognition.

About This Role

As FAR.AI's first in-house Recruiter, you'll build their recruitment function from scratch while scaling from 40+ to likely 100+ staff in a specialized AI safety field. This role is impactful because you'll directly shape the team that addresses existential AI risks, partnering with leadership to find researchers who can make breakthroughs in AI safety.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves sourcing AI safety researchers through specialized channels, collaborating with research leads to understand highly technical role requirements, and designing interview processes that assess both technical ability and alignment with FAR.AI's safety mission. You'll balance building scalable systems while personally engaging with a small, elite candidate pool across different time zones.

🎯 Who Far.Ai Is Looking For

  • Experience recruiting for highly technical roles (ML researchers, AI safety specialists) or in fast-scaling research organizations
  • Proven ability to build recruitment processes from scratch in a startup/non-profit environment
  • Deep understanding of or strong interest in AI safety/alignment community and its unique talent pool
  • Ability to work remotely while coordinating with Berkeley office and international candidates

📝 Tips for Applying to Far.Ai

1

Demonstrate specific experience recruiting for technical research roles - highlight any AI/ML recruiting background

2

Show how you've built recruitment processes from zero in previous roles, not just optimized existing ones

3

Research and reference specific FAR.AI papers or projects (like their work with Anthropic/OpenAI) to show genuine interest in their mission

4

Highlight any non-profit or mission-driven organization experience, as this differs from typical tech recruiting

5

Prepare to discuss how you'd identify and attract AI safety researchers specifically, not just general tech talent

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience building recruitment functions from scratch in scaling organizations', 'Specific examples of recruiting for highly specialized technical/research roles', "Understanding of FAR.AI's unique position at the intersection of research, policy, and direct lab collaboration", "Why you're personally motivated by AI safety as opposed to general tech recruiting"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Read at least 2-3 FAR.AI research papers to understand their technical focus areas
  • Study their collaborations with Anthropic and OpenAI mentioned in the job description
  • Understand the structure of FAR.Labs and how it supports the AI safety community
  • Research their leadership team and their backgrounds in AI safety research

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you build a recruitment strategy for AI safety researchers specifically?
2 Describe your experience recruiting for roles where the talent pool is extremely limited/specialized
3 How would you assess whether a researcher truly understands AI safety vs. just having ML expertise?
4 What metrics would you track as the first recruiter in a scaling non-profit research institute?
5 How would you partner with technical leadership who may have never worked with a dedicated recruiter before?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic tech recruiting experience without showing understanding of research/academic recruiting
  • Focusing only on recruitment metrics without addressing FAR.AI's specific mission and constraints as a non-profit
  • Proposing standard corporate recruitment approaches without adapting to the unique AI safety community culture

📅 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 Far.Ai!