How a student's bold 'Your name is in Epstein's files' job application tactic backfired

IN A BID to stand out in an increasingly crowded job market, a student from IIT Hyderabad recently sparked a viral debate after sending a cold email to Harshdeep Rapal, the CEO of Legitt AL To make sure the CEO actually opened the email, the student used the shocking subject line: "Your name is in Epstein's files."

- ALYSSIA BIRJALAL

When Rapal opened the e-mail, the first line admitted the deception: "Hello Harshdeep, Just kidding, I wanted you to open the mail." The student then proceeded to ask for a job or internship, attaching their CV and expressing interest in the company's "Smart Contracts Assistant" tool. While the tactic succeeded in getting the email opened, it failed the ultimate goal: securing a job.

The CEO posted a screenshot of the e-mail on X, which sparked a massive debate about the line between "creative networking" and "unprofessionalism".

"Folks, please don't do this. Take a moment to understand the context. At Legitt Al, we work in the business of contracts. It's serious work that requires accountability, ownership, and professionalism," wrote Rapal.