Aakash Gupta Secures Google Offer with $70K+ Raise After 300+ Rejections Through Innovative 9-Step Job Search System

Aakash Gupta, a prominent figure in product management, recently announced a significant career breakthrough, securing a job offer from Google that includes a raise exceeding $70,000. This achievement follows a period of intense job searching where he faced over 300 rejections from various companies. Gupta attributes his success to a refined "9-step system" that shifted his approach from traditional mass applications to strategic networking.

The current tech job market, particularly in 2025, remains highly competitive, marked by ongoing layoffs across major companies and a recalibration towards more agile and targeted hiring. Reports indicate a challenging environment for job seekers, with many roles attracting over a thousand applications. This landscape necessitates a strategic shift from simply submitting resumes to building meaningful connections.

Gupta's new methodology, inspired by Steve Dalton's "2-Hour Job Search," focuses on leveraging referrals and systematic relationship-building rather than relying on online job portals. He emphasized, "I applied to 300+ jobs. Got rejected from all of them. I decided to try a new approach, and the result was interviews at Meta, Doordash, and Uber + an offer from Google with a $70k+ raise." This system prioritizes advocates over portals and specific asks over generic networking.

The 9-step system includes building a targeted list of employers using the LAMP method (List, Alumni/Affinity, Motivation, Posting), identifying internal advocates, and crafting concise outreach messages under 75 words. A crucial element involves mastering informational interviews using the TIARA framework (Trends, Insights, Advice, Resources, Assignments) and maintaining a rigorous follow-up system to turn contacts into advocates. This consistent effort, dedicating just "2 hours a week," proved pivotal.

Gupta's success culminated in interviews at leading tech firms such as Meta, DoorDash, and Uber, ultimately leading to the lucrative offer from Google. The substantial raise underscores the value placed on skilled professionals who can navigate complex hiring processes effectively. Average salaries for Product Managers and Software Engineers at these companies can be highly competitive, making a $70,000+ increase a notable achievement in the industry.

This outcome highlights a growing trend in tech hiring where specialized skills, strategic networking, and a personalized approach are becoming increasingly vital. As companies continue to integrate AI into recruitment and focus on "smarter teams," candidates who differentiate themselves through genuine engagement and demonstrated value are better positioned for success.