A Croatian software agency CEO made headlines recently by hiring a college student in just five minutes—a decision that's now going viral on social media.

Sandi Slonjak, founder of Code of Us, shared the story on X, highlighting not the candidate's technical skills, but her attitude.

“She said, 'I know nothing,'” Slonjak wrote. Instead of pretending to have expertise, the student admitted her gaps openly—an honesty Slonjak found refreshing in a world where applicants often inflate their abilities.

But honesty wasn't the only factor. The student also demonstrated initiative, eagerness to learn, and excellent communication skills. She had built personal projects for her own learning, not for grades or internships, and offered to work for minimum wage for three months just to gain experience.

“Green flags all around. HIRED,” Slonjak concluded in his post.

Why the move resonated online
Social media users praised both the CEO's instinct and the student's courage. Comments highlighted how rare it is for candidates to prioritize learning over perks, salary, or comfort. Many noted that her willingness to work hard and learn quickly outweighed any lack of experience.

Takeaways for jobseekers and recruiters
In an era dominated by flashy resumes and buzzwords, this story is a reminder that humility, honesty, and a hunger to grow can make a stronger impression than technical know-how alone. Recruiters, too, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the value of teachable, motivated candidates.

Sometimes, admitting “I know nothing” is exactly what makes you stand out.