As job openings in the global technology sector tighten due to mass layoffs, professionals—particularly new graduates and those re-entering the workforce—are under increasing pressure to distinguish themselves in a crowded market. One such professional, Ritvika Nagula, currently a senior software engineer with Microsoft Azure, has laid out a clear, experience-based roadmap for job seekers navigating this climate.
Nagula, who completed her Master’s in Computer and Information Sciences from Northeastern University and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Raipur, received four job offers from leading tech firms—including Microsoft, Amazon, and eBay—shortly after graduating in 2018. She spoke to Business Insider about the strategies that helped her secure roles at top-tier companies.
Prioritising resume over cover letter
Nagula was unequivocal about the weight of a well-structured CV. “For software engineering roles, the resume matters far more than a cover letter,” she said, adding that her CV was carefully curated to place all relevant experiences—including internships and short-term projects—at the very top for immediate visibility.
One such role was a seven-month co-operative placement, which she included alongside longer internships and academic projects. According to Nagula, this structuring ensured that hiring managers could quickly evaluate her skills and career trajectory.
Clear categorisation and detailing
Nagula emphasised the importance of presenting projects under clear categories—academic, internship-based, and personal. Each project on her CV was accompanied by a concise list of tools and programming languages used. This level of specificity, she noted, not only showcased her technical range but also conveyed a sense of professionalism and rigour.
Side projects as proof of passion
Beyond academic credentials and work experience, Nagula said side projects were key in setting her apart. She cited an example where she created a Facebook chatbot that accessed the GoodReads API to provide book summaries. Including this on her CV demonstrated initiative and a curiosity to apply her learning to real-world scenarios.
GitHub: A living portfolio
Nagula also advocated for using GitHub not just as a repository, but as an extension of one’s CV. She ensured all her significant projects were publicly available with clean, well-documented code. “Adding your GitHub link and showcasing readable, complete projects allows recruiters to evaluate your work firsthand,” she explained.
This approach provided a tangible demonstration of her capabilities, as opposed to mere descriptions on paper.
Combining cold applications with direct outreach
Her application strategy was not limited to online submissions through platforms like LinkedIn or company portals. She combined this with direct messaging to hiring managers and employees in relevant teams. This two-pronged approach helped her gain visibility, secure referrals, and ultimately land interviews.
AI tools should supplement, not replace learning
In the current environment where AI-powered coding tools are readily accessible, Nagula urged caution. While she acknowledged their utility in boosting productivity, she warned against using them as a crutch.
“Understanding the fundamentals of coding is still necessary,” she stated. “Overreliance on AI might hinder deeper learning and problem-solving skills.”
Before joining Microsoft, Nagula gained industry experience through a machine learning internship at Trifacta. She also worked as a teaching assistant in discrete mathematics during her time at university, experiences that she said added academic and professional depth to her portfolio.