Lecture, Tutorial
How to get a job (part 6) @ Cambridge University
- Job hunting is characterized by a high rejection rate, with candidates anticipating 20 consecutive rejections from a process involving 10 to 100 leads.
- Approximately 50% of jobs are filled through unadvertised connections and referrals, which are considered the most reliable hiring method compared to the low (approx. 2%) success rate of email-only CV submissions.
- Prospective applicants can secure leads by utilizing university alumni services, the 80,000 Hours community, and LinkedIn to identify linking individuals who can provide introductions or referrals.
- Differentiation from other applicants is achieved by preparing pre-interview projects or using the "briefcase technique" to demonstrate solutions to specific organizational challenges, placing candidates in the top 20% of the applicant pool.
- Employers often prioritize persuasion of key decision-makers over formalized processes, and offering to perform free work for a period of one to two weeks can convince hesitant employers.
- Salary negotiation can be highly effective, with a few hours of discussion potentially yielding a 10% higher salary or thousands of dollars over subsequent years, though employers are unlikely to retract an offer for differences of 5% to 10%.
- Negotiation leverage can also focus on non-monetary terms such as remote work options or skill development opportunities to build career capital, with additional negotiation possible after a year of strong performance.
- Successful networking relies on a mindset of helping others without expectation of return ("Give and Take") and avoiding unenthusiastic attendance at industry events.
- Sustaining a job search through prolonged rejection requires applying all available motivational techniques, such as those found in "The Motivation Hacker."
- A fulfilling career path involves sequentially focusing on exploring options, building flexible career capital, addressing pressing social problems, and adapting plans based on the best causes, methods, and personal fit.