A Dartmouth senior’s humorous job-search video went viral, helped her connect with alumni, and led to an offer from an energy startup.
A job-search video turned a stressful application grind into an actual offer, after a Dartmouth senior’s humorous reel drew massive attention on Instagram.
Anya Roodnitsky. 22. a senior graduating in June. says she spent months applying for roles without getting interviews. describing the process as exhausting and emotionally draining.. After hitting the “submit” button on her 300th application with little progress. she pivoted to something different: a short. funny presentation video that combined her résumé with light. relatable comparisons meant to show personality while still clearly explaining her background.
That switch proved decisive.. Roodnitsky posted the video to Instagram expecting it to be seen by friends. but it quickly spread. reaching more than 500. 000 views.. Within a day. the attention was fast enough that people around campus began referencing it. and the internet momentum turned into real conversations with professionals.
Insight: In a tight job market, many candidates compete in the same “blind application” stream. Distinct content can break through by making recruiters and alumni remember you.
The viral post didn’t just generate views, Misryoum understands; it also opened doors.. Roodnitsky received messages from people connected to Dartmouth, including alumni who offered to connect her with others.. She then moved into a more targeted routine. sifting through direct messages. reaching out on LinkedIn. and scheduling short conversations to learn about companies and roles.
Meanwhile, the hiring timeline accelerated.. She applied to an analyst position in mid-March after a student from another school shared a link. and the recruiter reached out quickly.. From there, interviews moved through several rounds in a compressed window, alongside assessments, with her preparing on short notice.
The final turnaround came when the offer arrived during a weekend lull before spring break. She now works part-time at the company while taking a full course load, describing the arrangement as a smoother transition than starting a full-time job immediately.
Insight: The key lesson, Misryoum notes, isn’t just “going viral.” It’s using visibility as a bridge to direct outreach—especially leveraging alumni networks with clear, brief requests.
Roodnitsky also highlights what she learned about effective outreach: when you find relevant contacts. introduce yourself in a way that connects the relationship quickly. reference the open role. and ask for a short conversation that feels manageable for the recipient.. For candidates facing repeated rejections. her story has become a reminder that persistence can pair with strategy. and that asking for help can turn attention into opportunity.