Struggling with endless job applications, rejection emails, and the deafening silence of being ignored?

It’s a vicious cycle: applying to countless positions, facing rejection after rejection, and somehow mustering the will to apply again—only to hit the same wall. It’s exhausting, isn’t it?

But here’s the thing: you’re doing it all wrong.

I’m not here to sugarcoat the reality of today’s challenging job market, especially in an era dominated by AI and widespread uncertainty in the software industry. But despite all the odds, I landed three high-paying offers. How? By approaching the job search process differently—and strategically.

In this blog, I’m going to show you the right way to get hired, without relying on college placements, third-party consultancies, or blind luck. Stick with me, and by the end of this exercise, you won’t just learn how to stand out—you might even land your dream job.

Ready? Let’s get started.

Before you start this…

Before You Start: A Reality Check

If you’re here reading this blog solely to get a job and start earning money, let me stop you right there. This isn’t for you.

If money is your only goal, there are easier ways to make it—trust me, this isn’t one of them. And if you think I’m about to offer referrals or shortcuts, you’re mistaken. You won’t find me holding your hand through this job hunt or bypassing the hard work it requires.

What I will do is show you a framework to approach the job market the right way—a way that aligns your skills, ambitions, and the kind of roles you’re genuinely interested in. By the end of this blog, you’ll know exactly how to identify and apply for the jobs that suit your goals.

This guide is particularly aimed at student-software engineers, especially those in their junior, sophomore, or final year of engineering (or equivalent degrees). If that’s you, and you’re serious about building a meaningful career, then read on.

Starting with the question….Why?

It all goes back to the circumstances under which you chose your professional degree.

Picture this: Nex, a student fresh out of high school, is navigating the whirlwind of college admissions alongside his parents. Like many typical Indian families, his parents had dreams of him cracking IIT—or at least NIT. When those hopes didn’t pan out, they reluctantly settled for a nearby private college: some XYZ Institute of Technology. After countless rounds of advice from relatives and local "experts," they concluded this was the best option within their reach. With admission formalities underway, the next big decision was choosing Nex’s branch of study. Nex had always been fascinated by automobiles and robotics; the idea of building cool, cutting-edge machines excited him. But his parents, armed with advice from family friends, had other plans. To them, Computer Science Engineering was the golden ticket. After a long and heated debate, Nex was left with no choice but to abandon his passion and settle for Computer Science and Software Engineering.

This story isn’t unique. It’s the reality for many students as they embark on their academic journey. They choose their course based on what they think offers the most opportunities—or what others convince them is the safest bet. Back in the day, Computer Science seemed like an endless treasure trove of job offers. Now, the landscape has shifted. The opportunities are still there, but the market has normalized. It’s no longer the sure-fire golden goose it once was.

So, ask yourself: Why?
Why did you choose this course? Why are you pursuing Computer Science Engineering? Why do you want to learn programming languages?

Answering these questions is your first step. It’s how you begin to understand yourself and your motivations. And it’s the key to deciding what you truly need to do next.

If your answer mirrors Nex’s, then buckle up—you’ve got a journey ahead! Not only do you need to navigate the labyrinth of engineering subjects, but you also have to figure out how to carve your path into the industry you’re passionate about.

Here’s the catch: your passion may lie in a completely different field—say, the automobile industry—while your degree is in software engineering. At first glance, this might seem like a dead end. How could you possibly merge the two?

Here’s the truth: every industry needs software engineers. Even the automobile sector is no exception. From autonomous driving systems to vehicle software integration, there’s a growing demand for tech-savvy minds. The key is to align your software engineering expertise with the industry you love.

But this requires patience, persistence, and a strategic approach. You’ll need to research, learn, and actively seek opportunities where your skills can make an impact. With the right mindset and determination, you can break into the field you’re passionate about—on your terms and I will show you how.

If you’re here of your own will, congratulations—you’ve already taken the first step. That said, while your journey might be a bit smoother, it’s far from effortless. Success demands more than just enthusiasm; it requires a mindset shift.

You need to start thinking, acting, and problem-solving like a true developer or engineer.

And here’s the mantra to live by: Fake it until you make it.
Immerse yourself in the mindset of a professional, even if you’re just starting out. Embrace challenges, build, experiment, and learn as if you’re already in the role you aspire to achieve.

Because here’s the truth: you don’t just land opportunities—you grow into them.

Define your Job Market

Imagine the job market as a bustling, literal marketplace. In this vibrant bazaar, your skill—let's say, your ability to write code—is a product. Just like in any marketplace, it's not enough to simply have a product; you must effectively market, position, and sell it. Here’s the eye-opening truth most students overlook:

1. Your Skill Is Your Product

Think of your ability to code like a finely crafted piece of art or a unique gadget. The quality of your product matters, but in a crowded market, it’s not the sole determinant of success. Plenty of coders, like products, exist. To stand out, you need to define your unique value proposition (UVP)—what makes you special? Is it your speed? Your knack for solving complex problems? Your understanding of cutting-edge technologies? Without this clarity, you’re just another stall in the marketplace.

2. The Power of Presentation

No matter how great a product is, if it’s poorly packaged, people will walk past it. The same goes for your skills. Your résumé, portfolio, GitHub projects and LinkedIn profile are your storefronts. Make them appealing, concise, and clear. Showcase not just your skills but the results of your work. A flashy project that solves a real-world problem speaks louder than a long list of programming languages you’ve dabbled in.

3. Marketing Is Must

You might be brilliant at coding, but if no one knows about your skills, they’re worthless in the market. Marketing yourself isn’t about bragging; it’s about strategically demonstrating your value. Engage in networking, contribute to open-source projects, write blogs about your learning journey, or share tips on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn. These actions build your brand, and in today’s job market, your brand is your currency.

4. Understand Your Buyers

In the job market, your buyers are hiring managers, recruiters, or business owners. Each has specific problems that need solving. Your job is to understand these problems and position yourself as the perfect solution. For instance, a startup might value versatility and speed, while a large corporation might prioritize expertise in a niche technology. Tailor your approach accordingly.

5. Negotiation Is Key

In a literal market, no one pays full price unless they believe the product is worth it. Similarly, in the job market, your salary isn’t just handed to you—it’s negotiated. Be prepared to articulate why you’re worth what you’re asking. Use industry benchmarks and highlight your achievements to back up your case.

6. Keep Innovating Your Product

Markets evolve, and so should your skills. Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices. Think of it like updating your product line; if you’re still selling the same service while the market has moved on, you’ll become irrelevant.

7. Customer Feedback Drives Growth

In a marketplace, feedback helps improve the product. Similarly, seek feedback from peers, mentors, or interviewers to refine your skills and approach. Learn from rejections; they’re just pointers to where you need to improve.

8. The Loudest Stall Isn’t Always the Best

Some students think flashy certifications or exaggerated claims will sell their skills. While marketing is essential, authenticity is equally important. Build genuine skills and market them honestly. It’s better to have a modest yet solid product than a glittery one that doesn’t deliver.

Breaking the Job Hunt Alone? Not Anymore…

Navigating the job market can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Starting this weekend, I’ll be launching a dedicated helpdesk every Saturday and Sunday to guide students through the challenges of job applications, interview preparations, and career planning. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, I’m here to help you craft a winning strategy.

If you’re interested, subscribe to my newsletter and send me a DM on LinkedIn to learn more about the details, and to gain access to the helpdesk and exclusive content. Let’s take the first step toward landing your dream job together!

LinkedIn URL: www.linkedin.com/in/vvs-basanth