The Application Playbook

The complete tactical guide with templates, checklists, and proven strategies that led to 60 touchpoints with 40 companies and ultimately a research engineer role at Mistral AI

60
Touchpoints
40
Companies
15%
Success Rate

Your Progress

0 of 0 tasks completed

Complete Application Checklist

Follow this comprehensive checklist to ensure you don't miss any critical steps

Pre-Application Phase

Application Execution

Interview Process

Offer Negotiation

Company Research Strategy

Use this framework to research and prioritize target companies

Early-Stage Startups

High Risk/High Reward
Pros: High impact, rapid growth, equity potential
Cons: Uncertain future, limited resources, high pressure
Best for: Entrepreneurs, risk-takers, generalists
Research focus: Funding status, team background, market size

Growth Startups

Balanced
Pros: Proven product, scaling challenges, good equity
Cons: Growing pains, process immaturity
Best for: Builders, problem-solvers, adaptable people
Research focus: Growth metrics, culture, tech stack

Unicorns

Premium
Pros: Brand recognition, good compensation, stability
Cons: Bureaucracy, political, limited equity upside
Best for: Career builders, specialists, brand-focused
Research focus: Culture, career paths, recent news

Pre-IPO Companies

Timing Critical
Pros: IPO potential, mature processes, good pay
Cons: Post-IPO uncertainty, changing culture
Best for: Strategic thinkers, long-term planners
Research focus: IPO timeline, financial health, leadership

FAANG

Competitive
Pros: Top compensation, brand prestige, resources
Cons: Intense competition, bureaucracy, limited impact
Best for: Specialists, prestige seekers, stability
Research focus: Interview process, team culture, recent projects

Established Tech

Stable
Pros: Job security, good benefits, work-life balance
Cons: Slower innovation, legacy systems, politics
Best for: Stability seekers, work-life balance focused
Research focus: Culture, tech modernization, career growth

Templates & Resources

Downloadable templates and resources to accelerate your job search

CV Template

ATS-optimized CV template that got interviews at top companies. Includes sections for technical skills, projects, and impact metrics.

Cover Letter Template

Proven cover letter structure that demonstrates genuine interest and alignment with company values. Customizable for different roles.

Application Tracker

Spreadsheet template to track applications, follow-ups, and interview progress. Includes automated reminders and status updates.

Interview Email Templates

Professional email templates for follow-ups, thank you notes, and status inquiries. Saves time and ensures proper etiquette.

Technical Interview Prep

Study guide covering the most common technical interview topics, practice problems, and system design patterns for ML roles.

Negotiation Checklist

Comprehensive checklist for evaluating and negotiating job offers. Includes salary research tools and benefit comparison framework.

Success Metrics & Benchmarks

Track your progress against proven benchmarks from successful job searches

50-100
Applications
Typical range for successful searches
10-20%
Interview Rate
Applications to interviews
3-5
Final Rounds
Typical final stage interviews
3-6
Months
Typical search duration

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Apply these proven strategies and track your progress toward your dream role