A Viral Job Post That’s Challenging Old Norms
A recent hiring post by a Bengaluru-based AI startup, Smallest AI, has gone viral for all the right reasons. Offering a ₹1 crore compensation package for a full-stack tech lead, the job listing boldly skips the usual demands—no college degree, no resume, no multi-stage interviews. In a skills-first approach that coincides with World Youth Skills Day (July 15), the post has ignited conversations about whether this is a glimpse into the future of recruitment.
The Offer That Turned Heads
The founder of Smallest AI, Sudarshan Kamath, posted the job listing on X, offering ₹60 lakh as fixed pay and ₹40 lakh in company equity. The catch? Candidates need only submit a 100-word personal introduction and links to their best work. The role is full-time, office-based in Bengaluru, and starts immediately.
This stripped-down application process signals a decisive shift from conventional hiring models that rely heavily on degrees, resumes, and formal interviews. Kamath makes it clear: “College – Does not matter. Resume – Not needed.” The position is for experienced full-stack developers, not managers, with proficiency in Next.js, Python, and React.js.
Skills Over Symbols—A Changing Tide
Kamath’s criteria emphasize proven ability over formal credentials. The preferred candidate should have 4-5 years of real-world experience and ideally be capable of scaling products from the ground up. This philosophy directly reflects a rising trend: hiring based on tangible skills and practical accomplishments rather than academic pedigree.
It’s also part of a pattern. Earlier this year, Smallest AI offered ₹40 lakh for junior developers—again, with no resume required. Clearly, the company is betting on a hiring approach that trusts portfolios over paperwork.
Social Media Buzz and Community Response
The post has garnered over 60,000 views, sparking both praise and debate. One user questioned the experience requirement, suggesting it may exclude highly talented but less experienced coders. Kamath responded by acknowledging the flexibility: “Most people who are cracked stand out regardless of experience.” Others welcomed the focus on “pure skills and experience,” while some suggested hybrid working options to make the role more accessible.
Despite differing opinions, the consensus is clear: such hiring posts break the mold and force a conversation about how companies evaluate talent in the digital age.
Is This the New Normal in Hiring?
As India marks World Youth Skills Day, Smallest AI’s bold approach aligns with a broader movement advocating skill-first employment. In a world where self-taught coders, open-source contributors, and bootcamp graduates are building real-world products, traditional hiring filters often miss out on top talent.
While this method may not suit every company or role, it undeniably highlights the future-facing potential of hiring based on what candidates can do—not just where they studied or how they format their CV. The message is clear: in the tech world of tomorrow, code speaks louder than credentials.
(With agency inputs)
