Writing on jobs, hiring and AI.
Practical, unhyped notes on how hiring really works right now — and how to use it to your advantage.
Dharna Agarwala
Careers & Hiring Writer, Jobbotly
Why applying in the first hour changes everything
Early applications hit an inbox when the recruiter’s energy is highest, turning a competitive race into a direct conversation before fatigue sets in.
More articles
How AI screening actually reads your resume in 2026
Forget keyword stuffing. AI now evaluates logic and career density. Here is how to write for the machines without losing your human edge.
Reaching the hiring manager without being annoying
A guide to navigating the thin line between being proactive and being a pest when reaching out to hiring managers in the Indian job market.
The four interview questions that actually decide the offer
Forget the script. These four core questions reveal how you handle messy realities, showing recruiters who you are when the rehearsed answers run out.
How to negotiate salary without putting the offer at risk
Negotiation is not a confrontation but a calibration. Learn how to secure better compensation in India or abroad without losing the original offer.
Asking for a referral when you barely know the person
A guide on the delicate art of asking for job referrals from loose connections without being awkward or transactional.
The remote interview details nobody tells you about
Forget the 'check your Wi-Fi' basics. We look at the psychological friction and logistical nuances—from the 'Interruption Paradox' to simulated eye contact—that decide remote hiring outcomes today.
Nine red flags hiding in ordinary job postings
Hidden warnings in job descriptions often masquerade as perks or standard corporate speak. Learn how to spot high-turnover traps, wage anchoring, and vague role scopes before you apply.
Switching careers without starting at the bottom
A realistic guide to pivoting your career by leveraging existing seniority, mapping transferable skills, and avoiding the entry-level salary trap.
Seven resume mistakes that quietly cost you interviews
A deep dive into the subtle resume errors that trigger rejections in competitive markets, from over-optimised ATS formats to vague impact statements.
What to do in your first 90 days at a new job
Navigating the first 90 days of a new job requires a shift from proving your talent to absorbing the cultural and operational nuances of the office.
When the job search stops working: a reset plan
When applications go unanswered, it is time to pivot from volume to precision. A practical guide to auditing your strategy and managing search fatigue.
The hidden job market is real. Here's how to see it.
Most roles are filled before they touch a job board. Here is how to navigate the internal referrals, stealth hiring, and the subtle art of the warm lead.
How recruiters actually build a shortlist
A realistic look at the manual and automated steps recruiters take to filter hundreds of applications into a final shortlist of five candidates.
Making your profile findable by the people doing the searching
A guide to making your professional profile visible to recruiters without compromising your dignity or falling for over-optimised keyword stuffing.