250 applications, no offers: IIM Kozhikode grad highlights harsh reality of corporate job market in viral post | Today’s news
For many job seekers, an engineering degree, three years of data analytics experience, and an MBA from a top Indian Institute of Management (IIM) would seem like a guaranteed ticket to corporate success. But for one recent IIM Kozhikode graduate, that impressive pedigree turned into a frustrating reality: over 250 job applications and zero callbacks.
A frustrated professional who took to Reddit to seek an “outsider’s perspective” highlighted the harsh conditions of today’s white-collar job market, where even the top titles struggle to break the silence.
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‘Throw everything at the wall’
Admitting that continuing to look for work is “a bit ridiculous”, a professional keen to leave his current employer has detailed an exhaustive, cross-platform approach to finding a new role.
“I’ve been throwing everything at the wall, meaning cold emailing recruiters and hiring managers, applying through LinkedIn, Naukri, iimjobs, you name it,” the graduate wrote.
Despite aggressive outreach, results remained dismal. “I’ve already had 250 applications. Mostly rejected outright and a large portion of them I just…never hear back. Not one callback in all of it,” they added.
“Silence is more confusing”
What made the constant rejections especially confusing for the candidate was their technical training. Graduates assumed automated screening filters and ran their resume through multiple Applicant Tracking System (ATS) checks that consistently scored 75 or higher.
“Probably not keywords/formatting at a basic level, which makes the silence more confusing,” commented the user.
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You turn to the internet for referrals
Admitting that they lacked a strong professional network to draw on, the IIM graduate turned to the online community for support. “I don’t really have a network to turn to for referrals, so I thought I’d try my luck here,” they explained.
Outlining his preference for a strategic associate, consulting, IT transformation and product role, the user closed the viral post with a direct plea: “If anyone is hiring, knows of an opening, or even has advice on what I might be missing, that would be really helpful.”
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Netizens react
The post quickly garnered responses from other social media users who confirmed the graduate’s struggles and largely blamed the tough macroeconomic climate for the hiring freeze.
One user tried to reassure the candidate, writing: “It’s not you, it’s the job market.”
Another commenter pointed out that a lack of relevant post-MBA experience likely hindered their chances, but suggested they look at the Big4 and Accenture, saying they are hiring heavily in their consulting practices. They also offered a grim reality about company culture, advising the graduate to stick with his current senior management role: “Almost all workplaces are toxic, and chances are you won’t like other workplaces.”
The IIM graduate’s predicament has also raised wider concerns about the future of employment and automation. “The market is really tough right now. It will get worse with GPT6 and other developments,” one user warned.
Another user highlighted the growing desperation among average job seekers when looking at the problems of top graduates, simply asking, “What will non-MBA’s and non-technical majors do if this is the market?”
