Glean’s CEO Gets Thousands of Applications Daily — Here’s What Matters Most

Arvind Jain, founder and CEO of AI workplace startup Glean, valued at $7.2 billion, receives thousands of job applications every single day. Yet despite the overwhelming volume, he says finding truly strong candidates remains surprisingly difficult.

Jain, a former Google engineer, is clear about what he prioritizes above everything else: hard work. “I have a firm belief that hard work solves all the problems,” he told Fortune. In his view, skills and experience matter, but effort and attitude come first.

The Talent Paradox Facing Today’s Employers

While many Gen Z graduates report struggling to land jobs, Jain describes the opposite reality. Glean can only review around one-fifth of the applications it receives, meaning most candidates never even get seen. Those who work hard, he notes, are simultaneously being pursued by multiple companies. “If you work hard, you always have lots of choices,” he said. “Every company wants to work with you.”

Why Mastering AI Could Be Your Biggest Career Advantage

Jain’s top advice for job seekers is simple: start using AI tools right now. He believes candidates who leverage AI can work significantly faster and more creatively than those who don’t, widening the gap over time. “This is the time of opportunity,” he said. He encourages job seekers to treat AI tools like a colleague — asking them to help with real tasks rather than sitting through lengthy courses.

For candidates hoping to stand out, Jain’s message is straightforward: demonstrate initiative, show clear impact, and embrace AI as a daily working tool.