🧠 In our recent Extern webinar on breaking into Fortune 100 companies, we were joined by Pranay Kekre, Manager III of Omnichannel Network Strategy at Walmart.
If you're navigating early-career chaos, job hunting in a tough market, or wondering how data can be your career launchpad — this breakdown is for you.
🔥 Truth #1: Early job hunts often require massive volume
Why this is true:
For many early-career professionals, especially those entering competitive fields like data analytics, marketing, or tech, high application volume is the norm, not the exception.
When you're just starting out, you’re not just competing with your classmates — you're up against bootcamp grads, career switchers, and AI-filtering software. The odds can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to shift your mindset: high-volume applications aren’t a failure. They’re often the requirement.
And this isn't just about playing a numbers game blindly. The key is to send out high volumes strategically. Use your early job hunt to refine what roles you're best suited for, what language gets responses, and which companies align with your values.
Most importantly, stop taking rejections personally. Recruiters might ghost you, interview loops might end abruptly, or roles may disappear mid-process. It happens — and it's rarely about you.
How to approach high-volume job searching with intention:
1. Set a goal
Pick a number that works for you, 10 apps per day, or 50 per week. Don’t chase perfection. Chase consistency.
2. Track it like a pro
Use tools like Teal or Huntr to log every app, follow-up, and interview. Seeing your process visually? It makes progress feel real.
3. Batch your applications
Don’t apply randomly at midnight. Block out 2–3 job search windows per week. Tailor your resumes in one go, then hit submit on a batch. It saves time and mental energy.
4. Celebrate consistency — not just callbacks
Rejection doesn’t mean you’re behind. What matters? You showed up. You improved your materials. You’re still moving. The win isn’t always the offer. Sometimes it’s just staying in the game.
💼 Truth #2: Your resume should always be ready for battle
Why this is true:
Imagine this: you’re scrolling LinkedIn late at night, and you see it — the perfect entry-level role. It's remote, it matches your major, and it's posted by a hiring manager. But there's a catch: the role’s been up for three hours, and the recruiter already has 250+ applicants.
What do you do?
If your resume isn't ready, you pause. You hesitate. You spend hours tweaking bullet points, Googling resume formats, and second-guessing your summary section. By the time you hit submit, the top 10% of applicants are already being screened.In today’s job market, opportunity doesn’t wait.
“I got obsessed with making my resume perfect. AI tools really helped me stand out.” — Pranay Kekre, Manager III, Omnichannel Network Strategy at Walmart
This isn’t just a best practice — it’s a survival tactic. Keeping a ready-to-send resume means you’re always within reach of your next opportunity.
Every role you apply for should have a tailored version. If that sounds like a lot — it is. But the best candidates know: your resume is your pitch deck. Your billboard. Your opening line.
Here’s how to make that process way more manageable:
1. Create a “living resume”
Use Google Docs or Notion to store a master resume that’s always up to date. Every week, drop in notes about new responsibilities, wins, or feedback you’ve received — even if you don’t plan to apply to anything right away.
2. Save templates for tailoring
Make two to three “core” versions of your resume: one for analytics, one for marketing, one for project-based roles (for example). You can then duplicate and tweak based on each job description.
3. Let AI help — but don’t rely on it blindly
Tools like SkillSyncer and Resume Worded are game-changers. They scan your resume against job descriptions and highlight keyword gaps. That said, they can’t replace your personal judgment. You still need to tell a compelling, accurate story about your experiences.
4. Focus on metrics and results
Use formulas like: [Action verb] + [what you did] + [result or metric]. Instead of “Worked on a data project,” say “Analyzed 20,000+ records using Python to reduce shipping delays by 12%.”
5. Review monthly, not just when you need it
Set a recurring calendar reminder to check your resume every 30 days. It’ll take 15 minutes. But it’ll save you hours of stress when the dream role appears.
Being resume-ready is more than professional — it’s empowering. It means you’re never caught off guard. You’re always one click away from your next move.
Let’s be honest: this isn’t just about resumes. It’s about being ready for what’s next — whenever it shows up.
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🧠 Truth #3: Beating the bots is step one — getting seen by a human is the goal
Why this is true:
You’ve probably heard about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) — the digital gatekeepers of the modern job market. But what most students don’t realize is that over 70% of resumes never make it past these bots. You could be the perfect candidate — but if your resume doesn’t match the algorithm, it’s game over before it even begins.
In Pranay Kekre’s words:
“That’s the purpose of your resume — to get a callback. Don’t waste that space with hobbies. It’s prime real estate.” — Pranay Kekre, Manager III, Omnichannel Network Strategy at Walmart
That’s the goal. It’s not just about having a “good” resume. It’s about having a resume that actually lands in front of a person — ideally, one who can make a hiring decision.
ATS systems don’t care about your GPA, your dream, or the hustle behind your journey. They care about keywords and formatting. If your resume isn’t tailored to the job description, it gets filtered out.
Here’s how to actually beat the bots and break through to real people:
- Mirror the job description
Scan the listing and highlight verbs, nouns, tools, and certifications that show up multiple times (e.g., “SQL,” “cross-functional,” “reporting dashboards”). Then weave those into your resume — naturally, not as a keyword dump. - Use ATS-friendly formatting
Avoid tables, columns, graphics, or custom fonts. Use .docx or PDF only if the system allows it. Stick to clean, linear layouts. - Let tech give you a head start
Platforms like Jobscan, Teal, and Careerflow.ai simulate ATS scans and give you a match score. A 60% match might get you ignored. A 90% match gets you noticed. - Prioritize human readability, too
Once you pass the bot, a human still needs to like what they see. Keep your bullet points punchy, start each with a strong action verb, and always quantify your impact.
Remember: you’re not trying to “game” the system — you’re trying to speak the system’s language long enough to get in front of a human. That’s when your real story begins.
✨ Truth #4: Your resume tells a story — make sure it's the right one
Why this is true:
Your resume isn't just a summary, it's a narrative. Every bullet point, every order of sections, every word choice is saying something about who you are, what you value, and how you work. Most students don’t realize: hiring managers are reading between the lines.
Do you look like someone who can execute under pressure? Who solves real problems? Who understands impact?
Or do you come across like someone listing tasks hoping recruiters connect the dots?
In competitive roles, especially in data or strategy, it’s not enough to say you did something. You need to communicate how you added value. And that starts with treating your resume like a reflection of your problem-solving mindset.
Here’s how to make your resume story clear, strategic, and compelling:
🧩 Lead with relevance
Always list the most relevant projects and roles first, even if they’re not your most recent. Your layout should prioritize alignment with the job — not just chronology.
🧠 Use language that signals ownership
Swap “helped with” or “supported” for verbs like “led,” “executed,” “analyzed,” or “optimized.” Even if you were part of a team, highlight your contribution. Employers want to know what you drove.
🎯 Frame outcomes, not just duties
Instead of “Built dashboards using SQL,” go with:
“Designed SQL dashboards to visualize weekly inventory KPIs — reduced manual tracking time by 35%.”
It’s not about fluff. It’s about proof.
🔄 Audit for alignment
Read your resume like a recruiter. Does it tell the story of someone who can thrive in this job? If not — revise it until it does.
🗣️ Ask someone else to read it back to you
Sometimes, your story is clear in your head but missing on the page. Ask a friend or mentor to summarize your resume aloud — what they hear is likely what a recruiter sees.
In a market this tough, clarity wins. So before you obsess over fonts or margins, ask yourself:
What story is your resume telling?
Make sure it’s the one that gets you in the door.
📈 Truth #5: Early career grit is about hustle; later, reputation, skills, and network reduce friction
Why this is true:
When you're early in your career, the process often feels brutal. You’re submitting dozens of applications per week, getting ghosted by recruiters, and wondering if any of it actually matters. The truth? In the beginning, hustle is the name of the game.
You have limited experience, few connections, and minimal brand recognition. But here's what most students don't realize: all of that changes with time.
As you build your resume, your confidence, and your personal brand, something powerful starts to happen — the market starts coming to you.
“As you grow, you’ll apply to fewer jobs and get more callbacks.” — Pranay Kekre, Manager III, Omnichannel Network Strategy at Walmart
That’s not just hopeful advice — it’s real data-backed reality. Platforms like LinkedIn, GitHub, and personal portfolios act as long-term compounding assets. The more you post, share projects, and engage authentically in your field, the more visible you become to recruiters and hiring managers.
Here’s how to start shifting toward a reputation-driven job search:
- Document everything
Start a personal website, a Notion portfolio, or even a public Google Doc with project summaries, code snippets, dashboards, and key wins. Use GPT-4 to help you write polished summaries of your work — just prompt it with “Turn this into a one-line resume bullet” or “Help me explain this SQL project to a recruiter.” - Network intentionally
Referrals drastically increase your chance of getting an interview. That’s why building relationships matters. Start with peers, alumni, and even externship mentors. DM people on LinkedIn and ask for a 15-minute chat — not a job, just insights. - Contribute publicly
Post your thoughts, reflections, and small wins on LinkedIn. Write about your Externship takeaways. Share lessons learned from rejection. People notice thoughtful, consistent voices. - Leverage platforms that grow with you
Use Externships to build resume-ready experience, and complement that with certifications, GitHub projects, or blog posts. Over time, your work becomes your referral.
The key insight? Hustle gets you through the door. But what keeps the door open — and what eventually opens others — is how well you communicate your value and connect it to real-world problems.
Don’t rush that shift. Embrace it.
Let the hustle build your name. Let your name reduce the hustle.
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🔁3 Power Moves to Multiply Your Momentum
You’ve faced the facts: this job market is no joke. But what do you do after that realization? That’s where things shift.
Here’s how to go from reactive to ready — and start turning momentum into results:
✅ 1. Systemize your grind
The job hunt feels overwhelming because we treat it like a guessing game. Random applications at 1 a.m. and scattered resumes across five email accounts? It’s no wonder burnout creeps in.
Systemizing your grind means turning chaos into clarity. It means treating your job search like a process — because it is.
How to build your system:
- Pick a tracking tool that works for your brain. If you like visual dashboards, try Teal or Huntr. Prefer lists? Go old school with Google Sheets or Notion.
- Create repeatable routines. Block off “application blocks” 2–3 times a week. Group tasks — one session for tailoring resumes, another for follow-ups, another for LinkedIn outreach.
- Preload your materials. Build a document folder with resume versions, cover letter templates, portfolio links, and reference lists. When the perfect role drops, you're not scrambling.
A system doesn’t remove the hustle — it just gives it direction.
📂 2. Stack your digital proof
When recruiters Google your name, what shows up? If your answer is “nothing yet,” that’s your sign to start building your professional digital footprint.
Proof beats potential. You don’t need 10 years of experience — you need visible, verifiable evidence that you can solve problems and learn fast.
How to build digital proof:
- Document your projects. For every Externship, class project, or freelance gig, write a short recap. What did you solve? What tools did you use? What did you learn?
- Host it somewhere. Use Notion, GitHub, a personal website, or even a Google Doc with view access. Bonus if you can add visuals, dashboards, or a quick Loom walkthrough.
- Use GPT-4 to refine your presentation. Prompt it with things like “Turn this into a resume bullet with quantifiable impact” or “Help me explain this SQL project for a hiring manager.”
When you “show your work,” you stand out from the crowd of students who just say they’re passionate. You prove it.
🤝 3. Network like a human, not a pitch deck
Networking isn’t about asking. It’s about storytelling.
Forget cold DMs that sound like cover letters. Real connection happens when you share curiosity, not desperation. The goal? To show up as someone who’s learning, growing, and genuinely interested in the journey — not just the job.
Here’s how to make it click:
- 🎯 Focus on stories, not favors
Instead of “Can you refer me?”, try:
“I noticed you moved from a bootcamp to a strategy role at Amazon — I’d love to hear what that pivot looked like.”
This isn’t manipulation — it’s respect. Most professionals want to help students who do their homework and show real interest.
- ☕ Build a 15-minute coffee chat routine
Book short virtual convos with early-career pros, not just executives. Ask about their day-to-day, what they wish they knew in college, or how they built their resume credibility. Keep it casual and specific — no pressure, no pitch. - 🧠 Share back what you learn
Networking doesn’t end when the call ends. Thank them with a follow-up. Even better? Apply their advice, then tell them what happened.
That follow-up creates a real relationship, not a one-time transaction. - 🛠️ Where to start:
- Extern community Slack: Find externs, alumni, and managers open to chatting
- LinkedIn search filters: Target people by title, university, or company
- TikTok/YouTube creators: Comment meaningfully, then DM with questions they haven’t answered publicly
- Extern community Slack: Find externs, alumni, and managers open to chatting
This isn't about being fake. It's about being intentional.
People hire people they’ve heard of. Let your story be the reason they remember you.
📚 Resources to Help You Build, Apply, and Grow
You don’t need 100 bookmarks or a 20-tab browser meltdown. You need reliable tools and voices that cut through the noise.
Here’s what to actually keep in your job search stack.
🧠 Creators to Follow (for storytelling, strategy & self-confidence)
- Erin McGoff
Former film director turned career coach. She breaks down personal branding, resume writing, and job interview anxiety — all through a storytelling lens. - Anna Papalia
Author of Interviewology, ex-HR director, and a go-to voice for interview mindset, recruiter psychology, and Gen Z empowerment. - Jobscan's YouTube Roundup
A curated list of creators breaking down resume strategy, LinkedIn hacks, and real recruiter advice. Includes career switchers, early-career voices, and tech-specific mentors.
🛠️ Tools You’ll Actually Use
📝 Resume Optimization & ATS Tools
- Teal — Track applications, organize resume versions, score job match percentages.
- Jobscan — Simulate ATS scans based on real job descriptions.
- SkillSyncer — ATS resume checker + keyword highlighter.
- Resume Worded — AI resume feedback + LinkedIn profile review.
- Mployee.me — Minimalist resume grading with instant scoring and tips.
🧰 Portfolio Builders
- Notion — Perfect for showcasing projects, writing case studies, or sharing externship takeaways.
- GitHub — If you’re in data, product, or software: share your code, analytics projects, and commit history.
- Loom — Walk through a dashboard, prototype, or case study in under 2 minutes. Show, don’t just tell.
🚀 Where to Gain Experience That Actually Counts
- Extern
Flexible, remote, guided project-based programs designed to help you gain experience in data, AI, marketing, consulting, and more. It’s the resume-ready experience you need when internships aren’t enough — or not even available. - Open‑Source Contributions
Dive into collaborative projects on GitHub—especially those tagged "good first issue" or focused on analytics. Fix bugs, add features, or enhance data visualizations. This hands-on work demonstrates critical technical skills, version control savvy, and teamwork. Plus, it's fully self-directed, remote-friendly, and impactful. - Certificates That Matter
Earn recognized certifications like Google Data Analytics, IBM Data Analytics, SAS, or Tableau Desktop Specialist. These credentials signal to employers that you're committed and have validated core skills. - Personal & Public Dataset Projects
Choose datasets from sources like Kaggle, Data.gov, or Reddit, and create end‑to‑end analytics projects: scraping, cleaning, and visualizing data. Focus on explaining your technical decisions—imputation, feature selection, evaluation—to stand out
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🚨 You’re Only in Chapter One
If you’ve made it this far, pause and breathe.
You don’t need to have all five truths mastered. You don’t need the perfect resume, a stacked network, or a 10/10 confidence rating. You just need to know this:
You are not behind. You’re just in Chapter One.
Pranay Kekre didn’t start his career with a title at Walmart. He started with multiple rejections, countless resume edits, and more questions than answers. But he kept showing up — and eventually, one opportunity changed everything.
That moment? It’s coming for you too.
So whether you’re battling burnout, refreshing job boards, or doubting your skills, know this: one offer, one referral, one conversation can unlock your next chapter.
