Imagine losing your job and having just 90 days to find a new one or face deportation. That’s the harsh reality Aman Goyal, a 26-year-old from India, faced when he was laid off while on an F-1 visa. But here’s where it gets inspiring: a $50 book became his lifeline, helping him land his dream job as an associate product manager at T-Mobile in just 60 days. And this is the part most people miss—it wasn’t just the book, but the strategies he uncovered that made all the difference.
As Aman shared with Jacob Zinkula, his journey was anything but easy. Laid off in September 2025, just six months into his role as an AI product manager, he was on the clock. His F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa meant he had a strict 90-day window to secure employment or leave the U.S. Adding to the pressure, the tech job market was in turmoil—layoffs were rampant, visa policies were uncertain, and competition for AI roles was fiercer than ever. But here’s the controversial part: while many believe referrals are the golden ticket to landing a job, Aman’s experience suggests otherwise. He applied to three roles at T-Mobile, and the only one that led to an offer was the one without a referral.
So, how did he do it? Let’s break it down.
1. Skip the Referral, Find the Hiring Manager
Aman’s first move was bold. Instead of relying solely on referrals, he used the email-finding tool Hunter.io to track down the hiring manager’s contact information. This direct approach paid off—the hiring manager connected him with a recruiter, and the interviews began. But here’s a thought-provoking question: In an era where referrals are king, is cold-emailing hiring managers the underdog strategy we’ve been overlooking?
2. A $50 Book That Opened Doors
Aman’s next move was investing in Decode and Conquer, a product management interview prep book by Lewis Lin. The book itself was helpful, but the real game-changer was the Slack community it granted him access to. With over 20,000 members, including seasoned product managers and hiring managers from tech giants like Microsoft and Google, this community became his secret weapon. Over six weeks, he conducted dozens of mock interviews, refining his answers and building confidence. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just what you say in an interview, but how you say it. Aman learned to read interviewers’ body language, pace his responses, and stay engaging—skills he credits for his success.
3. Networking Beyond the Norm
Aman didn’t stop at interviews. He leveraged the Slack community for networking, connecting with professionals who offered insights and advice. By the time he interviewed with T-Mobile, he felt prepared and confident. After six rounds of interviews, he received an offer in early November and started his new role later that month. But here’s a controversial take: In a job market dominated by AI and automation, is traditional networking still relevant? Aman’s story suggests it is—but with a twist. It’s not just about who you know, but how you connect directly with decision-makers.
Today, Aman is thriving at T-Mobile, working on AI projects that align with his passion. His advice to job seekers? Don’t underestimate the power of persistence, creativity, and community. Now, here’s a question for you: Do you think referrals are overrated, or are they still the best way to land a job? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
