GiveDirectly Candidate Application Guide
Thanks for your interest in GiveDirectly!
We're thrilled that you're considering joining our team. At GiveDirectly, we’re passionate about changing the international aid sector through direct and unconditional cash transfers for people living in extreme poverty, and we’re always on the lookout for like-minded individuals to help us make a difference. Here are some tips to help you put your best foot forward when completing your written application:
Research GiveDirectly
Before you dive into your application, take some time to get to know us better. Visit our website, explore our blog and socials to get a glimpse of the kind of work we're passionate about. Understanding our mission, values, and the impact we strive to make can help you tailor your application to show how you’d be a great fit for our team. It’s also important to us that you get a sense of who we are as an org - researching is one of the best ways to decide whether or not GiveDirectly is the right place for you!
Understand the Job Description
Carefully read the job description and reflect on the requirements. Think about how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for. This isn’t just about checking boxes – we want to see how you can contribute to our mission in meaningful ways. Even if you don’t meet 100% of the requirements, you should still consider applying if you meet most of what we’re looking for.
The All-Important Application Responses (Yes, We Read Them All!)
While we don’t require cover letters, we do pay close attention to the application responses you provide. Think of it as a conversation starter, and a way for us to get to know you a little better. Take your time with these – they help us get to know you better. We promise, we actually read them, and they do make a difference in who we decide to move forward to next stages! We ask that you adhere strictly to word counts as it helps our team more efficiently process applications.
AI/ChatGPT/Generic Response
At GiveDirectly, we believe that every voice is unique and every experience is valuable. We encourage you to share your authentic self in your application, showcasing your individuality and the journey that has brought you here. Remember, there's no right or wrong answer – just your true experiences. We acknowledge that it would be pretty easy to use readily available tools like AI or ChatGPT, but we’re most interested in hearing your unique voice and perspective. Plus, we’ve ChatGPT’ed the answers to our application questions and we know what an AI-generated response looks like. We want to hear from you.
Communication Style
We're a passionate bunch here at GiveDirectly, but we also value clear and concise communication. When writing your application, aim for detailed and succinct responses. Avoid jargon and keep your message focused.
Highlight Achievements
Numbers are your friend! We're a data-driven organization, so quantifiable achievements are key. Whenever possible, when describing your experience, use numbers and metrics to demonstrate the impact you've made in previous roles. Instead of just saying "managed projects," showcase the specific outcomes, like "increased efficiency by 20%." Results-oriented and achievement-focused CVs help paint the picture of all that you’ve accomplished, not just responsibilities you had.
Applying Through the Proper Channels
We understand the enthusiasm and urge to connect directly, but to streamline the process and ensure fairness, all applicants must apply through the designated job postings on our careers page. We have a thorough process in place to make sure every application gets the attention it deserves.
About the Hiring Process
Format: The hiring process follows the same general outline for all open roles:
- First interview (30 mins)
- Take home skills assignment (~2 hours)
- Second interview (1 hour)*
- Final interview (1 hour)
- Reference checks (30 mins each)
*For some roles, second & third interviews are combined into a panel interview. If there are adjustments or variations on this process, those changes will be communicated during the first interview.
Final Thoughts
We’re committed to running an inclusive and accessible application process for all of our open roles. If there are questions or concerns you have about the accessibility of our hiring process, we warmly invite you to reach out to careers@givedirectly.org.
Applying for a job can be a bit daunting, but remember, we’re excited to learn more about you and how you can contribute to our mission. Take your time, be thoughtful in your responses, and show us the amazing things you’ve done. Ready to take the next step? We'd love to have you apply!