I tried every trick to stand out in my job search. A tip I found on Reddit was the only strategy that got me an offer.

Courtney Clapper says video cover letters and portfolios didn't help her land a job. Courtney Clapper

Courtney Clapper started applying for jobs in 2025 after graduating from Cornell Tech.

She tried video cover letters, portfolios, and more to stand out, but had no luck.

A hack on Reddit helped her get in contact with hiring managers and land her strategy lead job.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Courtney Clapper, a 32-year-old strategy lead for a major retailer in New York. It's been edited for length and clarity.

I started my job hunt in the fall of 2025, a few months after graduating with my MBA from Cornell Tech.…