From pitching a role to going full time

What worked and the lessons I learned along the way.

After I shared my job update last week, a lot of you reached out to ask how I made the jump from pitching a contract role at Origin to going full-time time, especially since the role didn’t even exist when I first started.

It’s a good question and one that I’ve been reflecting on a lot. So here’s the full story of what worked and the lessons I learned along the way.

Photo by A.C. on Unsplash

1. You don’t need a job description to know where you can add value.

When I was thinking about pitching myself to Origin, I didn’t wait for a job posting to come up. Instead, I took a step back and looked at where they were already growing and investing. Where were they looking to expand? What were they struggling with? What could I actually contribute?

It’s easy to feel like you need a job description to start, but in this case, it was more about recognizing the gaps, identifying my strengths, and framing my pitch in terms of how I could help. I wasn’t waiting for someone to tell me what to do, I saw a need and offered a solution.

2. The pitch wasn’t about me, it was about them.

One of the biggest shifts I made when drafting my pitch was to focus less on what I wanted and more on how I could support what they were already building. It wasn’t about “Here’s why I’m great” or “Here’s why I’m looking for a job”, it was “Here’s how I can add value to your mission right now.”

This small shift in perspective made all the difference. It helped me write a pitch that was focused on their needs rather than just my desires. And ultimately, that approach got me noticed.

3. Contract work is a great testing ground.

Taking on a contract role with Origin was a way to test the waters for myself and them. It was more than just seeing if I liked the company; it was about determining if the role was right for me if I could genuinely contribute, and if we could build trust.

I treated the contract like a long-form interview, showing up every day with ideas, proactivity, and a willingness to collaborate across departments. It gave me the chance to learn, adapt, and demonstrate that I could deliver without the pressure of a permanent offer hanging over me.

4. The job I’m in now didn’t exist, I helped write it.

After a month of contract work, things were really falling into place. We were building momentum, and I was becoming a key player on the team. At that point, I was asked to outline the job I’d like to take on long-term.

The role didn’t exist yet, but I had been thinking about how I could shape it based on the work I was already doing and where I could add even more value. So, I took a proactive step: I wrote the job description. I mapped out how I envisioned the role evolving and where I could make the most significant impact.

By doing this, I gave them something concrete to consider rather than waiting for them to figure it out on their own.

5. What helped the most? Being a user first.

I’ve used Origin for a little over a year, and that genuine familiarity with the product gave me an edge. I was pitching to help improve a product I actually used and believed in.

Being a real user meant I had real insights into what worked and what didn’t. I could speak to the experience, the gaps, and the opportunities in a way that felt genuine, and I think that mattered more than anything else.

What did I learn?

If you’re in a similar position, looking for a new opportunity, or thinking about pitching your way into something new, I’ve learned this: Sometimes, the best opportunities don’t come from a job listing. They come from a conversation.

So if there’s a company you love or a problem you want to help solve, don’t wait for the perfect role to show up. Create it. Pitch it. See what happens.

Thanks for reading,
Max

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