Benjamin Todd

This already puts you quite a way ahead.

Two, in particular, work out which problems you'll need to solve for the organization.

To figure this out, you'll probably need to do some desk research, then speak to people in the industry.

There's a link to a simple guide on how to research a company in the resources for this chapter in Appendix 7.

Three, spend a weekend putting together a solution to these problems and send a one-page summary to a couple of people at the company with an invitation to talk more.

Four, if you don't hear back after a week, follow up at least once.

And five, alternatively, write up your suggestions and present them at the interview.

Ramit Sethi calls this the briefcase technique.

Speaking from personal experience, we've overseen four years' worth of competitive application processes at 80,000 hours, and doing either of these projects would immediately put you in the top 20% of applicants, if your suggestions make sense.

It demonstrates a lot of enthusiasm, and most people hardly know anything about the role they're applying for.

Trial period.

If the employer is on the fence, you can offer to do a two- to four-week trial period, perhaps at reduced pay or as an intern.

Make it clear that if the employer isn't happy at the end, you'll leave gracefully.

Only bring this out if the employer is on the fence or it can seem like you're underselling yourself.

Go for a nearby position.

If you can't get the job you want right away, consider applying for another position in the organisation, like a freelance position or a position one step below the one you really want.

Working in a nearby position gives you the opportunity to prove your motivation and cultural fit.

When your boss has a position to fill, it's much easier to promote someone they already worked with than to start a lengthy application process.

Just check that the position can actually lead to the one you want.

For example, we often see people apply to operations positions at research organizations with the hope of later becoming a researcher.