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Job Search Strategy

How to Get Your First Job After Graduation in India?

Quick Answer

Land your first job by creating an ATS-optimized resume highlighting projects and skills, applying through multiple channels (portals, referrals, direct applications), preparing for aptitude and technical rounds, and targeting companies that actively hire freshers. Most graduates land their first job within 3-6 months of active searching.

By ResumeGyani Career Experts

|17 February 2026

The transition from college to career is a critical milestone, and the path varies based on your degree, skills, and target industry. Here's a practical roadmap for Indian graduates in 2026.

For Engineering Graduates (B.Tech/BE): Focus on IT services companies (TCS, Infosys, Wipro — they hire 50K+ freshers annually), startups (smaller team, faster learning), and product companies (higher bar but better compensation). Your resume should highlight: technical projects (2-4), programming skills, certifications, and any internship experience. Prepare for: coding tests (LeetCode easy-medium), aptitude rounds (quant, verbal, logical), and technical interviews (DSA, OOP, DBMS).

For Business Graduates (MBA/BBA): Target roles in consulting, marketing, finance, and operations. Resume emphasis: case study projects, internship impact, leadership activities, and analytical skills. The summer internship conversion is the primary path — 60-70% of MBA hires come from pre-placement offers. For those without PPOs, focus on off-campus applications and networking.

For Science/Arts Graduates (BSc/BA): Identify your target industry first — research, education, content, analytics, or cross-domain roles. Consider bridge certifications (data analytics, digital marketing, financial modeling) to expand your options. The skills economy increasingly values what you can do over what degree you hold.

Universal strategies: Build an online presence (LinkedIn, portfolio), earn 2-3 relevant certifications, apply consistently (3-5 per day), follow up on applications, and don't limit yourself geographically — your first job might be in a different city, and that's normal and often beneficial for career growth.

Key Points to Remember

IT services companies hire 50K+ freshers annually — strong safety net
Summer internship conversion is the primary MBA hiring path
Bridge certifications help non-tech graduates enter tech-adjacent roles
3-6 months is the typical timeline to land a first job
Apply through multiple channels: portals, referrals, direct applications
Don't limit yourself geographically for your first role
Build online presence: LinkedIn, portfolio, GitHub
Universal aptitude preparation helps across all companies

Pro Tips

Your first salary matters less than your first learning — choose a role with strong mentorship and growth potential

If you're not getting interviews, the issue is likely your resume — invest in proper ATS optimization

Consider paid internships or apprenticeships as bridges to full-time roles if direct hiring isn't working

Join fresher hiring communities on LinkedIn and Telegram — job openings are shared daily

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to accept a lower salary for a better company?

Yes, if the company offers significantly better learning, brand value, and growth potential. The salary difference in your first job is usually recoverable within 1-2 years through career growth.

Should I consider government jobs?

If government service interests you, start preparing early — exams like UPSC, SSC, and banking require 6-12 months of preparation. You can prepare while also applying for private sector roles.

What if I graduated a year ago and still don't have a job?

It's not too late. Focus on: building skills, earning certifications, working on projects, and applying consistently. Many companies hire candidates up to 2 years post-graduation as freshers.