OpenAI Researcher Reveals Key Regret from AI Job Interviews
A newly appointed OpenAI researcher, Bas van Opheusden, has offered an invaluable glimpse into the notoriously competitive AI job market, sharing comprehensive advice for aspiring candidates and revealing a key regret from his own interview journey. Joining OpenAI as a technical staff member in July, van Opheusden’s insights arrive at a time when the demand for AI talent continues to reshape the global workforce, even as the market experiences a strategic recalibration after an initial hiring frenzy earlier in 2025.
Among the myriad of tips spanning eight pages, covering everything from general interview strategies to specific coding challenges and compensation negotiation, van Opheusden highlighted one particular misstep he wishes he could rectify: his failure to take diligent notes during the initial introductory call with recruiters. This seemingly minor oversight, he explained, led to a crucial information gap, as he found himself weeks later in a technical interview unable to definitively state the specific role he was pursuing. He emphasized that these early conversations are often the sole opportunity to grasp the company’s organizational structure, team dynamics, and overarching mission, particularly vital for startups like OpenAI.
Securing a position at a leading AI entity such as OpenAI demands a rigorous and multifaceted approach. The interview process is known for its intensity, often combining deep technical assessments—including complex coding challenges, machine learning questions, and system design problems—with inquiries into a candidate’s understanding of AI ethics, societal impact, and alignment with the company’s mission to ensure artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity. Candidates are expected to demonstrate not only profound technical expertise but also strong communication, problem-solving, and collaborative skills, often stretching them beyond their comfort zones. This competitive landscape is further intensified by aggressive recruitment tactics seen across the industry, with some companies reportedly employing tight deadlines and even retracting offers, underscoring the high-stakes nature of the AI talent war.
The broader AI job market in 2025 reflects a dynamic environment where skills are evolving at an unprecedented pace, changing 66% faster in AI-exposed roles than in other professions. While AI is projected to automate millions of jobs, it is also simultaneously creating new, highly specialized roles, leading to a significant wage premium for workers possessing in-demand AI skills. This dual impact necessitates constant adaptability and a focus on continuous upskilling for professionals looking to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
Van Opheusden’s candid reflection serves as a potent reminder that even highly accomplished individuals navigate learning curves in their careers. His experience underscores the critical importance of meticulous preparation and strategic engagement at every stage of the interview process, particularly in a field as rapidly evolving and competitive as artificial intelligence.