IIT graduate applying to Ivy League asks for offer letter without job, Knot Dating CEO says 'degrees don’t fix character'

Jasveer Singh, co-founder and CEO of Knot Dating, has shared a screenshot of a conversation with an IIT graduate applying to the Ivy League which has sparked a debate online. In the post, Jasveer Singh revealed that the applicant reached out with an unusual request and asked for an offer letter despite not being hired. The purported chat between the two showed that the candidate asks for an offer letter since in a bid to build a 'strong profile' instead of showing as unemployed.

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'Degrees can't fix character'

The request, however, did not sit well with Singh. Sharing the conversation publicly on X, he criticised the mindset behind the move and wrote, "IIT grad, top consulting background, applying to Ivy League. Not working for a year. “Can you just give me an offer letter?” The entitlement is insane ��‍♂️Impressive resume, embarrassing mindset. Degrees don’t fix character." (sic).

How netizens reacted

The post quickly gained traction on social media, drawing mixed reactions. While many users supported Singh’s stance, calling out the ethical concerns of presenting false credentials, others pointed to the intense pressure job seekers face in a competitive market.

"Well he just want a simple job, i understand what you are trying to say. But most people find hacks in their life which is not wrong. He should definitely do a thorough research before messaging someone and understand his/her nature, a netizen commented.

Replying to his, Jasveer Singh said this is not a hack but 'faking credentials'. "You’re not finding a hack, you’re faking credentials. Big difference. Calling this a ‘life hack’ is exactly the problem. A life hack optimizes effort, it doesn’t replace truth with a lie. it’s simple you’re submitting a document you know is not real. That’s the definition of fraud, no matter how casually it’s framed," his reply read.

Another one commented, "Looks bad, but it’s also pressure. MBA admissions heavily penalize gaps, so people try to patch their profile however they can." (sic)

"Many companies charge for such offer letters. I had a client who offered immigration services. They used to arrange such letters for their clients seeking PR in Canada and Australia. This was around 2007–08. The price of one such letter was around Rs 5,000, divided in a 40:60 ratio. I am sure such practices are still prevalent," wrote another.

"You should have told him @KnotDating in his resume will not make it look stronger. Quite the opposite. But seriously, sharing private chat is so un-cool," wrote another. For the unversed, Knot Dating is an exclusive invite-only matrimony platform and India's first AI-powered conversational matchmaking experience.

"They are a kid. They thought you were a friend/mentor who could do them a favor and asked for the said favor. There's no need to put them on blast for strangers to judge - a simple no would suffice," wrote another.

What does the recent incident show?

The incident has reignited discussions around hiring ethics, resumes' authenticity, and the growing anxiety among fresh graduates and unemployed candidates. It also shows the challenges faced by candidates dealing with employment gaps, especially in a highly competitive tech job market. The viral post serves as a reminder that while a strong resume may open doors, credibility and integrity remain crucial in the long run.