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Job Search Strategy

Complete Job Search Strategy for Freshers in India 2026

Quick Answer

Freshers should use a multi-channel approach: prepare for campus placements, register on Naukri/LinkedIn, apply to off-campus drives, build a portfolio/GitHub, network with alumni, and target mass recruiters alongside niche companies. Start 3-6 months before graduation for best results.

By ResumeGyani Career Experts

|17 February 2026

India produces over 15 lakh engineering graduates and 30 lakh total graduates annually, making the fresher job market intensely competitive. A structured, multi-channel approach dramatically improves your chances of landing a good first job.

Channel 1 — Campus Placements (if available): Prepare early — 3-6 months before placement season. Focus on: aptitude tests (practice on IndiaBix, PrepInsta), coding rounds (LeetCode easy-medium, HackerRank), core subject revision, and interview skills. Research every company visiting your campus. Companies like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, and Accenture conduct mass campus drives — these are often the easiest path to a first job.

Channel 2 — Online Job Portals: Create optimized profiles on Naukri (update every 2 weeks), LinkedIn (complete all sections), Indeed, and Internshala. Upload ATS-friendly resumes with relevant keywords. Apply to 3-5 well-matched roles daily. Set up job alerts for fresher roles in your domain.

Channel 3 — Off-Campus Drives & Walk-ins: Follow companies' social media and career pages for off-campus hiring announcements. Websites like Freshersworld, GeeksforGeeks job portal, and company LinkedIn pages post off-campus opportunities regularly. Many mass recruiters conduct regular off-campus drives across Indian cities.

Channel 4 — Networking & Referrals: Connect with seniors from your college who are working at your target companies. Alumni referrals are the most effective path to interviews at product companies and MNCs. Join LinkedIn groups, attend virtual meetups, and contribute to tech communities.

Channel 5 — Skill Building & Portfolio: Build 2-3 solid projects, contribute to open-source, create a portfolio website, and earn relevant certifications (Google, AWS, Coursera). These differentiate you from the lakhs of graduates with similar degrees.

Key Points to Remember

Start preparation 3-6 months before graduation
Use 5 channels: campus, portals, off-campus, networking, portfolio
Campus placements are the easiest path — prepare thoroughly
Update Naukri profile every 2 weeks for visibility boost
Alumni referrals are most effective for product companies
Build 2-3 strong projects to differentiate from peers
Apply to 3-5 tailored roles daily on job portals
Certifications from Google, AWS, NPTEL add significant value

Pro Tips

Don't put all eggs in campus placements — start off-campus preparation simultaneously

Mass recruiters (TCS, Infosys, Wipro) are your safety net — prepare for their specific test patterns

Product companies (Amazon, Google, Microsoft) hire freshers too — but expect stronger DSA preparation

If you don't land a job by graduation, don't panic — continue applying. Many companies hire throughout the year, not just during placement season

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start my job search as a fresher?

6 months before graduation for best results. Start building your resume, online profiles, and project portfolio in your pre-final year.

Should I take any job just to start working?

If your target role isn't coming through after 3-4 months, accepting a related role and continuing to search is often better than an extended gap. The first job matters less than what you do with it.

How important is the first job for long-term career?

Important but not career-defining. Your first job sets a trajectory, but career pivots are increasingly common and accepted in India. Focus on learning and growth in whatever role you start with.