World · India Bureau
India's hiring paradox: employers seek experience from first-time job seekers
Indian companies increasingly demand job-ready graduates with prior experience, creating a catch-22 for freshers seeking their initial employment. The conundrum raises questions about who bears responsibility for bridging the skills gap between academia and industry.
LSN India ·
India's labour market faces a persistent challenge as employers across sectors prioritise candidates with existing work experience, leaving fresh graduates struggling to secure entry-level positions. Companies cite skill gaps and productivity concerns when justifying their preference for experienced hires, even for roles designed for newcomers to the workforce.
The situation creates a circular problem for freshers attempting to enter the job market. Without prior experience, candidates find doors closed despite possessing relevant academic qualifications. Meanwhile, employers defend their stance by pointing to the need for minimal training periods and immediate contributions to their operations.
Industry observers note that this hiring pattern places the onus on educational institutions and interim training providers to equip graduates with practical skills before they approach corporate employers. Internship programmes, skill-development courses, and apprenticeships have become de facto requirements rather than optional enhancements for freshers seeking meaningful employment opportunities.
The challenge intensifies in a competitive environment where numerous graduates vie for limited positions. Without structured pathways offering first-time workers genuine opportunities, the gap between aspirations and employment prospects continues to widen, potentially affecting India's demographic dividend and long-term economic competitiveness.