Finding a job is like swiping on a dating app, endless scrolling, questionable matches, and the occasional “What am I even doing with my life?” moment. But what if your job search came with a personal cheerleader, career coach, and BFF rolled into one? Enter Fest, the brainchild of Harish Uthayakumar and Samesh Lakhotia, two BITS Pilani (Goa campus) grads who decided to shake up the AI scene in India. And boy, did they deliver.
The Birth of Fest: Because Finding Friends (and Jobs) is Hard
Let’s face it, adulting is tough. Between trying to stay fit, slaying at work, and maintaining a social life, who has time to find friends who actually push you to grow? Harish and Samesh realised this struggle and decided to do something about it. Thus, Fest was born, a platform where you can find digital companions who guide, challenge, and help you become your best self. Think of it as your personal growth squad, but make it AI.
Meet Ruhi: Your AI JobHunting Wingwoman
Fest’s first digital companion, Ruhi, is here to make your job search less of a nightmare and more of a breeze. Here’s how she works:
- You visit Fest and say “Hi” to Ruhi.
- She gives you a call (yes, an actual call!) and asks all the right questions, your preferred job location, skills, and even the kind of company culture you vibe with.
- Within minutes, Ruhi sends you a curated list of job opportunities via WhatsApp. No spam, no fluff, just jobs that actually match your criteria.
Currently, Ruhi is focused on tech jobs in Bengaluru, and her calls are capped at 8 minutes. But hey, that’s 8 minutes of pure, unfiltered career magic.
Numbers Don’t Lie: Ruhi’s First Day Flex 💪
Fest launched Ruhi with a bang, and the numbers speak for themselves:
- Over 5,000 calls were made within hours of launch.
- More than 20,000 minutes spent talking to job seekers.
- A whopping 40,000+ job listings sent via WhatsApp.
If Ruhi were a human, she’d probably need a spa day after all that work. But since she’s AI, she’s just getting started.
The Brains Behind the Magic 🧠✨
Harish and Samesh aren’t your average tech bros. Harish cofounded BlueLearn and a stealth startup, while Samesh has Microsoft and Footium on his resume. Oh, and he also started his venture, 42 Labs. These guys know their stuff, and it shows.
Not Just a Job Bot: The Bigger Picture
Fest isn’t just about finding jobs; it’s about building connections. Harish and Samesh emphasise that Fest isn’t here to replace human interaction. Instead, it’s about making AI a part of your journey to support, uplift, and help you move forward faster than ever. In Harish’s own words, “We’re not replacing human connection. We’re making AI a part of your journey.”
What’s Next for Fest?
While Ruhi is currently focused on tech jobs in Bengaluru, the possibilities are endless. Imagine AI companions who help you stay fit, learn new skills, or even plan your next vacation. The future is bright, and Fest is just getting started.
In a world where job hunting feels like a full-time job, Fest is a breath of fresh air. With Ruhi by your side, you’re not just finding a job, you’re finding a companion who’s got your back. So, what are you waiting for? Go say “Hi” to Ruhi and let the magic begin.
