Feedback request: what am I missing?
post by Nathan Helm-Burger (nathan-helm-burger) · 2024-11-02T17:38:39.625Z · LW · GW · 5 commentsThis is a question post.
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5 comments
In the past 3 and a bit years since I left my successful career as a data scientist and machine learning engineer, I've been applying to various AI alignment/safety positions and getting turned down.
Job application rejections generally don't give any feedback, so I'm left rather in the dark about what the reasons might be. I was a highly competent and valuable employee at my previous jobs, and my managers and the C-suite of those companies would happily confirm this if asked. I believe I have contributed in helpful ways to various alignment research projects, and have researchers who would confirm this if asked. These days it seems unpopular for recruiters to check references though.
If you'd be willing to give me some constructive criticism or outside views, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Here's an anonymous feedback form: https://forms.gle/XSG96iioqhQt5uG88
Answers
5 comments
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comment by Anon User (anon-user) · 2024-11-04T01:23:39.953Z · LW(p) · GW(p)
Sorry, feedback on what? Where is your resume/etc - what information to you expect the feedback to be based on?
But here is actional feedback - when asking people to help you for free out of goodness of their hearts (including this post!), you need to get out of your way to make it as easy and straightforward for them as possibl. When asking for feedback provide all the relevant information collected in an easy to navigate package,with TLDR summaries, etc. When asking for a recommendation, introduction, etc provide brief talking points, with more detailed iinformation provided for context (and make it clear you do not expect them to need to review it, and it is provided "just in case you would find it helpful".
Replies from: nathan-helm-burger↑ comment by Nathan Helm-Burger (nathan-helm-burger) · 2024-11-04T02:15:23.622Z · LW(p) · GW(p)
Ah, I was hoping for feedback from people who know me. Perhaps even some of those who were in charge of turning my application down. That's a lot to hope for, I suppose, but I do expect many of these people do read this site.
Replies from: anon-user↑ comment by Anon User (anon-user) · 2024-11-04T04:36:18.890Z · LW(p) · GW(p)
Ah, OK, then would suggest adding it to both title and body to make it clear, and to not waste time of people what are not the audience for this.
comment by Brendan Long (korin43) · 2024-11-02T17:58:21.378Z · LW(p) · GW(p)
I don't know anything about you in particular, but if you know alignment researchers who would recommend you, could you get them to refer you either internally or through their contacts?
Replies from: nathan-helm-burger↑ comment by Nathan Helm-Burger (nathan-helm-burger) · 2024-11-02T18:12:32.691Z · LW(p) · GW(p)
I have gotten referrals from various people at various times. Thanks for the suggestion!