Targeted Bets: An alternative approach to the job hunt • Hacker News Board

Re: Targeted Bets: An alternative approach to the job hunt

#111

Post by ericmcer » Thu, Jan 22, 2026, 6:28 PM UTC

j_bum wrote: post #104

ericmcer wrote: post #100

I had a really nice job hunt this time around because: - I quit my job to work on a side project in a specific space (voice AI for me). - Spent three months shipping a few things and sinking into the area. - Apply to jobs in that space, custom cover letter if applicable. - Reach out directly to hiring people/engineers on LinkedIn for those companies, if it is engineers I usually say things like "did you also struggle…

What did you put on your resume for that time period? “Sabbatical”?

It was only 3 months so I didn't put anything.

In the past I took a 18 month break and played around with leaving it blank or putting side projects. It definitely doesn't help but it wasn't a killer either.

Re: Targeted Bets: An alternative approach to the job hunt

#112

Post by asdff » Thu, Jan 22, 2026, 7:30 PM UTC

aprdm wrote: post #108

asdff wrote: post #63

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Would you actually hire a candidate from a cold email? I did it when I was in undergrad looking for research experience. But for professional level jobs it seems so presumptuous considering how you cost 10 or 20x more than an undergraduate on work study.

Why wouldn't someone ?

Presumably budget is already set for the year and employees (at the level we talk about on HN) are extremely expensive. Whereas if you were an undergrad looking for work study, an intern, lowly mail room clerk, you are almost free for the organization.

Re: Targeted Bets: An alternative approach to the job hunt

#113

Post by leeny » Tue, Jan 27, 2026, 7:15 PM UTC

aprdm wrote: post #108

asdff wrote: post #63

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Would you actually hire a candidate from a cold email? I did it when I was in undergrad looking for research experience. But for professional level jobs it seems so presumptuous considering how you cost 10 or 20x more than an undergraduate on work study.

Why wouldn't someone ?

Because they need to interview! The email just gets you in the door