A London-based tech professional advised job seekers to highlight their work over academic credentials, like an IIT background, in referral requests, because just the IIT background won’t help. His post sparked mixed reactions online. Read more for details.
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A tech professional based in London sparked a discussion online after sharing his perspective on how job seekers should approach referral requests. He said job seekers should not focus on just their “IIT background” because it is not just the “IIT background” that will help but the more recognised work portfolio.
In a now-viral post on X, Kunal Kushwaha, who works in London, posted a screenshot of a referral message that started with, “I’m an IIT alumnus.” While he recognised the bravery it takes to reach out, he advised applicants to highlight their work rather than lean solely on academic credentials.
“I understand how hard the job search can be. It takes courage to reach out. But when messages are short, every word matters. Leading with a college name can sometimes miss the opportunity to show what truly sets you apart,” Kunal wrote.
He emphasised that candidates should focus on demonstrating the value they bring, no matter where they studied.
“Even top IITs have students who struggle with placements. What really stands out is your work, the projects you’ve built, the problems you’ve solved, your passion for the field,” he added.
Drawing from his international experience, Kunal noted that prestigious academic backgrounds tend to have limited influence outside India. “Outside India, no one cares about your IIT tag. Maybe it still carries weight in India, but not if you’re aiming for remote roles at global companies,” he said.