IIT Student's Controversial Email to CEO Ignites Online Debate on Professionalism
In the competitive startup ecosystem, reaching out to a CEO can be a daunting task. Founders are inundated with dozens of emails daily, most crafted with politeness and professionalism. However, a recent email sent to Harshdeep Rapal, founder and CEO of Legitt AI, has garnered widespread attention for all the wrong reasons, highlighting a critical lesson in communication etiquette.
The Email That Shocked a CEO
Rapal received an email with a subject line that immediately raised eyebrows: "Your name is in the Epstein Files." This reference to the infamous Jeffrey Epstein case naturally caused alarm, prompting Rapal to open the message out of concern. Upon reading, he discovered it was not a serious allegation but rather a misguided attempt at humor designed to capture his attention.
The sender, a Computer Science and Engineering student from IIT Hyderabad, began the email with a light-hearted disclaimer: "Hello Harshdeep, Just kidding, I wanted you to open the mail." Following this, the student explained his professional intent, expressing interest in Legitt AI's Smart Contracts Assistant and attaching his resume for consideration.
CEO's Firm Response and Advice
Despite the attached resume and professional purpose, the email's opening did not sit well with Rapal. He later shared a screenshot of the email on social media platform X, redacting the student's name, and used the incident to underscore the importance of responsible communication. "Folks, please don't do this," he wrote, emphasizing that in the field of contracts, which Legitt AI operates in, seriousness, accountability, and professionalism are paramount.
Rapal elaborated, "Take a moment to understand the context. At Legitt AI, we work in the business of contracts. It's serious work that requires accountability, ownership, and professionalism. If your very first email to me has that kind of subject line and opening message, I (and honestly, most founders or business leaders) simply won't respond." He added that while desperation might drive people to take shortcuts, such approaches are counterproductive and can harm one's chances.
Social Media Reactions and Broader Implications
The post quickly sparked a heated debate online, with many users expressing shock at the student's immature tactics. One X user commented, "I am shocked at the immaturity level. With this thought process, who would hire even if the candidate is the best in his hard skills? Psychology matters..." Another remarked, "Really, who does this? This level of immaturity is unacceptable. I will never engage with such a firm or individuals. No thanks." A third noted, "Quirky, non-serious eyeball catchers have only one place, and that is the trash bin."
This episode serves as a stark reminder for students and job seekers: while standing out is crucial, the method matters even more. The initial email can significantly shape perceptions, and an inappropriate or careless subject line may prematurely close doors to opportunities. In today's digital age, first impressions are often formed through written communication, making professionalism non-negotiable.
Disclaimer: This report is based on a post circulating on social media. The authenticity of the email and the screenshot shared online has not been independently verified.
