Get hired atOpen×The Anti Job Board

How to Actually Get Hired

Who reads applications, which channel gets a reply, and what they screen for.

<50 peopleSan Francisco, CA, USAB2B, Engineering, Product and DesignUses Lever

Why applying the normal way doesn't work

With only <50 employees, Open doesn't have dedicated recruiters. Founders review applications between running the company. The challenge isn't competition — it's visibility. Direct outreach wins.

Who to contact at Open

We're still mapping Open's hiring process. At this size (<50 people, B2B, Engineering, Product and Design), a founder or department head typically decides, but we haven't confirmed it yet.

What Open screens for

B2B, Engineering, Product and Design companies at typically screen for relevant experience and ability to operate autonomously — proof of work beats pedigree.

Tailor your CV to the specific Open role rather than sending a general one. Applications that mirror the language of the job description clear automated filters at a materially higher rate.

Mistakes that kill applications

Don't send the same CV you sent everywhere else. At <50 people it's obvious, and it's the fastest rejection there is.

Nobody cares what you want. Start with is growing fast after their null round and how you'd help.

Most B2B, Engineering, Product and Design applications get ghosted. A day-five follow-up can double your response rate.

Frequently asked questions

How do I apply to Open?

Through the roles on our Open jobs page, or directly to a founder or department head if you can reach them. At <50 people, direct outreach outperforms the form.

Does Open respond to cold emails?

We haven't verified response rates at Open yet.

Who is the hiring manager at Open?

At this size, hiring is usually run by a founder or department head.

What ATS does Open use?

Open uses Lever.

How competitive is it to get hired at Open?

Roles at <50-person B2B, Engineering, Product and Design companies typically draw 50-100 applicants in the first two weeks. Applying inside 72 hours of a posting going live is the single biggest lever you control.

Have your application sent for you

Early applications win. We track companies like Open, customize your CV, and apply while applicant counts are low.

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