1. Introduction: Why This Story Matters
Hi, my name is Devansh Yadav. I’m a full stack developer (MERN) working for a small-scale, service-based tech company. When I graduated as a Computer Science engineer in May 2024, there were no campus placements. The only option was off-campus hiring. Unfortunately, the job market was not in our favor—impacted by recession, market saturation in web development, and the growing focus on AI roles. Ever since then, I’ve believed that the market will only get tougher.
I had been upskilling myself since my second semester—working on projects, improving my portfolio, and gaining hands-on experience. My goal was clear: a full stack developer role, followed by frontend or backend if necessary.
I’m writing this blog for all the skilled students from 3-tier colleges who are bound to face intense competition in the off-campus job market. Every little effort, referral, or opportunity can count. If you’re a student or a fresher, I hope this article adds value to your journey.
2. The Struggle Before the Breakthrough
Hard truth: No one cares about freshers. Internships and freelance projects rarely count as “real” experience. Without proper work experience, your application is likely to be overlooked.
Even if you’re highly skilled, the job market can be brutal without prior experience. However, the more prepared and industry-ready you are, the shorter your struggle might be.
I got four job offers in two months—but I had to grind for them. I applied to thousands of jobs, got a few responses, even fewer interviews, and plenty of ghosting and rejections. I experienced self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and frustration.
The time it takes to land a job depends on your market relevancy and skills. I had a personal SEO-optimized portfolio (CMS + blog), MERN stack proficiency, a solid cover letter, real-world projects, my own npm package, SEO knowledge, and basic project management skills.
Be patient. For off-campus hiring, it typically takes several months to get placed—even for skilled candidates.
3. Why I Chose Cold Emailing
I had low expectations. I thought, “What do I have to lose?” The worst outcome would be no replies—which I was already used to from job portals.
Disclaimer: I’m not a cold-emailing expert. I’m just sharing what worked for me so you can try it too.
This strategy works best for small-scale companies and startups nearby.
- Step 1: Use Google Maps to find software development companies near your area. Look for email addresses, websites, and addresses. Prefer small-scale companies close to your permanent residence (local candidates are often preferred).
I live in Navi Mumbai and searched for companies in areas like CBD Belapur, Sanpada, Vashi, etc. - Step 2: Visit each company’s website. Study it. Check if they need the skills you offer. If there’s a job portal, apply there too.
- Step 3: Create and send a custom cold email.
- Step 4: Hope for the best. Move on. Don’t obsess over responses.
4. Crafting the Perfect Cold Email
You only get one chance to show value. Don’t waste it with a lazy “hello” email. Proofread it and personalize it.
I used my cover letter as the main body of my cold emails. You can check out that cover letter here.
While cold-emailing, I came across a company called Infiny Webcom. I visited their website and even checked their SEO score—which turned out to be lower than that of my portfolio site.
This gave me a perfect opening. I created a custom cold email highlighting this difference and attached:
- My updated ATS-friendly resume
- SEO reports of both websites
I sent this to both co-founders via LinkedIn and to the company’s official email on 10th February 2025.
5. The Response That Changed Everything
On 11th February, I received a reply from one of the co-founders. I was stunned. This was one of the first positive responses I got through cold email.
They were impressed by my skills and wanted to schedule an in-person interview. We finalized it for 18th February.
6. The Interview/Trial Process
On the interview day, I reached their office early and saw the team and work environment.
Surprisingly, the first round wasn’t technical—it was casual. The co-founder asked questions based on my resume. At the end, I was given an assessment task: build a full-stack real estate application within a week.
Later that day, I received the task details via email. It required building and hosting a complete full-stack app.
I completed everything as requested, focusing more on functionality than UI/UX due to the time crunch.
Two weeks after the first round, I was called in for a second interview—this time with both co-founders. This interview focused entirely on my submitted project.
Both interviews and the task went extremely well.
7. Getting the Offer
On 19th March, I received the official offer letter for the Junior MERN Full Stack Developer position at Infiny.
I was overjoyed. Five years of consistent hard work finally paid off. That feeling—getting what you truly worked for—is indescribable.
8. Reflections: What Made the Cold Email Work
For a cold email to work:
- Have a complete and updated LinkedIn profile
- Write a value-packed, personalized cover letter
- Use an ATS-friendly resume
- Maintain active, professional profiles on job platforms
The key is to show that you understand their needs and have something valuable to offer.
9. Advice for Others Looking to Try This
Do:
- Research the company
- Personalize your email
- Attach relevant work
- Follow up once (if necessary)
Don’t:
- Send generic or one-line emails
- Beg for jobs
- Spam multiple people in the same company
Remember: “It’s okay if you get no replies. One good reply can change your path.”
10. Conclusion: From Cold Email to Career Start
I had profiles on LinkedIn, Naukri, Indeed, Monster, and applied on company portals—but a single, well-thought-out cold email was what changed the game for me.
Thank you for reading. If this blog helped or inspired you, feel free to share your thoughts or reach out. Keep learning, keep building, and keep applying. Your break might be just one email away.