×
How to Actually Get Hired
Who reads applications, which channel gets a reply, and what they screen for.
Don't make these mistakes
Waiting too long. The raise hasn't closed yet. This is the single best window to reach out before they're inundated with post announcement applications. Don't be generic. Erik has seen thousands of 'I'm passionate about infrastructure' pitches. Show you've read his blog.
What gets their attention
The raise hasn't closed yet, this is the single most important timing signal in this drop. Companies that are in talks to raise are not yet flooded with applications. The window to reach Erik directly, before the round closes and hiring ramps into a formal process, is the next 4–6 weeks. His LinkedIn is active and he posts thoughtful ML infrastructure content regularly. Comment genuinely on a post before reaching out directly. He has described a role called 'Cloud Quant', someone who works very closely with the CEO to optimise infrastructure costs, as a priority hire. That role isn't likely listed anywhere yet.
Why applying the normal way doesn't work
Modal Labs runs an applicant tracking system, but hiring managers still work referrals first. A cold application to Modal Labs isn't dead, it's just fourth in line behind internal referrals, sourced candidates and recruiter pipelines.
Who to contact at Modal Labs
Contact route not yet verified for Modal Labs. For a -person AI company, expect the hiring manager to make the call — but this is a model, not confirmed data.
What Modal Labs screens for
Screening signal: The raise hasn't closed yet, this is the single most important timing signal in this drop. Companies that are in talks to raise are not yet flooded with applications. The window to reach Erik directly, before the round closes and hiring ramps into a formal process, is the next 4–6 weeks. His LinkedIn is active and he posts thoughtful ML infrastructure content regularly. Comment genuinely on a post before reaching out directly. He has described a role called 'Cloud Quant', someone who works very closely with the CEO to optimise infrastructure costs, as a priority hire. That role isn't likely listed anywhere yet.
Customize your CV for the Modal Labs role. Matching the job description language helps clear ATS filters.
Mistakes that kill applications
A recycled CV gets rejected fast at Modal Labs ( people). They notice.
Skip 'I'm looking for...' — start with AI Training, the phase that dominated AI infrastructure spending from 2020 to 2024, involving massive GPU clusters running for weeks to produce a single model, is becoming a smaller fraction of total AI compute spend and your specific angle on solving it.
The wait-and-hope strategy fails. Follow up on day five — response rates roughly double.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply to Modal Labs?
Through the roles on our Modal Labs jobs page, or directly to the hiring manager if you can reach them. At null people, direct outreach outperforms the form.
Does Modal Labs respond to cold emails?
Response rate data for Modal Labs not yet confirmed.
Who is the hiring manager at Modal Labs?
At this size, hiring is usually run by the hiring manager.
How competitive is it to get hired at Modal Labs?
Expect 100-250 applicants in the first two weeks for AI roles at this size. Apply within 72 hours for best odds.
Have your application sent for you
We spot Modal Labs-type roles within 48 hours and get your tailored application in before the crowd.
Get early access →