In a hiring landscape where standing out is often as important as having the right credentials, one MICA student found an unconventional way to get noticed by the team at Zepto.
Niraj Lalwani, a copywriter at Zepto, recently shared the story of his unique hiring journey on LinkedIn, revealing how a creative mehendi-themed pitch eventually helped him secure a role at the quick-commerce company.
In his post, Lalwani wrote, “Made mehendi for Mendiratta to convince him to hire me from MICA,” referring to Zepto’s Chief Marketing Officer, Chandan Mendiratta. The statement quickly caught the attention of LinkedIn users, offering a glimpse into the lengths creative professionals sometimes go to make a memorable first impression.
According to Lalwani, the idea was part of an effort to stand out during the recruitment process while studying at MICA, one of India’s leading marketing and communications institutes. The unconventional approach appears to have worked. He eventually joined Zepto as a copywriter and jokingly referred to the company as his “new sasural” in the post.
The creative professional also thanked several people who played a role in his hiring journey. He credited Rohan Ralli, Astha Gupta, and Ishita Gupta for acting as the “perfect matchmakers” from the Zepto side. He also acknowledged Krisha Dosshi from MICA for helping facilitate the connection.
Reflecting on his experience, Lalwani shared that he has now completed two months at Zepto and is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the company’s creative teams.
The story has resonated with professionals across LinkedIn, particularly those in advertising, marketing, and creative industries, where portfolio projects and innovative outreach often play a significant role in hiring decisions. While most job applications follow conventional routes, Lalwani’s experience highlights how creativity can extend beyond campaigns and into the hiring process itself.
For aspiring marketers and copywriters, the takeaway is simple: a strong portfolio matters, but a memorable idea can sometimes open doors that traditional applications cannot.
