How I Landed a Dream Job at Atlassian After 25+ Interviews

The job search can feel endless. 

Applications. Rejections. Ghosting.

I’ve been through it all.

Over the course of 12 months, I went through more than 25 interviews with top companies—Atlassian, Amazon, Microsoft, Me&U, and JobAdder.

Some said no.

I turned down a few myself.

And finally, I had two offers on the table:

▶︎ A hypergrowth startup

▶︎ Atlassian

I had: 

🚫 No referrals.

🚫 No insider connections.

✅ Just pure strategy.

And in the end?

I landed my dream role at Atlassian—with a $40,000+ salary bump.

So, how did I do it? 

I stopped following outdated job advice.

And I built a repeatable system to get in front of the right people—without relying on luck.

Let’s bust a few job search myths 👇 

❌ “The ATS keeps rejecting me!”

Not true. Most Applicant Tracking Systems just scan for basic keyword matches. The real issue? Generic resumes that don’t align with the job.

✅ Fix: Tailor your resume to each posting. Use the right keywords. Strategy beats automation.

❌ “80% of jobs are never posted!”

Also false. Yes, networking is powerful—but jobs are posted. The real challenge is standing out in a sea of applicants.

✅ Fix: Focus on three levers:

 • A standout resume and LinkedIn profile

 • Real, intentional networking

 • Positioning yourself as the solution to a specific problem

My Proven Job Search System 

Instead of playing the numbers game, I used a focused approach:

✔️ Strategic Networking & Referrals 

40% of hires happen through referrals. I made it my mission to get inside that pipeline.

✔️ Optimized LinkedIn Profile 

I made my profile searchable, compelling, and value-driven.

✔️ Targeting Decision-Makers, Not Just HR 

I reached out to hiring managers and team members directly—with messages that showed I did my homework.

✔️ Created a Value Validation Project (VVP) 

Instead of asking for a job, I showed how I could help.

Step 1: Find the Right People 

Online applications = the crowd.

Direct outreach = the spotlight.

📌 Use LinkedIn to find hiring managers, peers, or former colleagues.

📌 For a Product Manager role, skip HR—reach out to the Director of Product or a Senior PM.

Example script: 

“Hi [Name], I came across your work at [Company] and was really impressed by [specific project]. I’m exploring [role] opportunities and would love to hear about your experience. Open to a quick chat?”

How I got into Atlassian’s interview loop: 

I reached out to an ex-colleague who had joined Atlassian.

We reconnected casually on LinkedIn—just catching up, no pressure.

When the timing felt right, I asked if he’d be open to referring me.

He said yes.

Fast forward 3 years…

I’m still at Atlassian, with two promotions and a ton of growth behind me.

▶︎ Referrals aren’t about cold asks. They’re about rebuilding warm connections.

Step 2: Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile 

✅ Use job title & skill keywords – Recruiters search by them.

✅ Quantify your wins – Swap “responsible for” with measurable impact.

Example: 

“Achieved 35 hires, including 16 Principal Engineers, exceeding the target by 84% and driving team growth.”

✅ Be active – Post, comment, engage. Visibility = inbound interest.

Step 3: Send a Standout Cold Email 

When LinkedIn messages don’t get traction, try email.

Cold email template: 

Subject: Quick Question

Hi [Name],

I found your profile while researching [Company] and loved your work on [specific project].

I’m exploring [role] opportunities and would appreciate your insights.

No pressure—if you’ve got 10 minutes for a quick chat, I’d be grateful.

P.S. Coffee’s on me next time ☕

✅ Short. Friendly. Easy to say yes to.

Step 4: Create a Value Validation Project (VVP) 

Want to stand out? Don’t tell them you’re a great hire—show them.

Pick a real challenge they’re facing, and demonstrate how you’d solve it.

Example for a Software Engineer: 

 • Suggest code improvements from their open-source repo

 • Propose a scalable architecture shift

 • Pitch a new feature with a basic implementation plan

✅ This alone can put you ahead of 90% of applicants.

Step 5: Follow Up (Yes, Really) 

Most people stop after one message.

Don’t be most people. 

Follow up in 5–7 days with something like:

“Hey [Name], just following up on my message. Would love to connect if you have time!”

You won’t always get a reply—but those who stay visible are the ones who get noticed.

TL;DR → Take Control of Your Job Hunt 

🚀 Stop relying on cold applications. Start doing this instead:

✅ Tap into the referral pipeline

✅ Make your LinkedIn recruiter-ready

✅ Lead with value, not asks

✅ Stay persistent and consistent

You deserve a role that excites you—and pays you what you’re worth. 

Let’s get to work.

Eli

Careersy Coaching