25 harsh truths about your career

Resumes alone are no longer enough

Coffee chats aren’t optional, they’re a must for opportunities

In this market, cold emails get more responses than applications

Large networking events are useless, stick to 1:1s

If you requested it, it’s your responsibility to carry the conversation

Networking works best when you help others before yourself

The 3rd or 4th conversation is the best time to ask for favors

Be interested, not interesting, people like to talk about themselves

A smile and good posture go a long way

Never end an interview early, go the full-length

Before answering a question, take a 5-10 second pause

Keep your “Tell me about yourself” under 2 minutes

Have 5 or more questions ready to ask

Don’t over-prepare, you’ll sound too scripted

Eye-contact rule; keep for 3-4 seconds, look away, repeat

Always send a follow-up email 24 hours after

Hard work means nothing if it’s not visible to leaders

Internships will remain surface-level unless you ask for more

If your company uses the term “family,”… run

You can be let go whenever and for any reason

Return offers go to those who networked the most

Job titles are just for egos, don’t get caught up on yours

Always negotiate salary, it never hurts to ask

Keep a list of achievements to vouch for yourself

Have 1:1s with your manager every 1 or 2 weeks