Meet Riya, a bright computer science graduate who has just finished college. Her inbox is filled with job alerts—hundreds of openings from top tech companies. Excited, she applies to dozens of them, confident that her degree and grades will open doors. But weeks pass, and she keeps receiving polite rejections. “How can there be so many jobs, yet I can’t get hired?” she wonders.
Riya’s struggle is not unique. Across India, job openings exist, yet many fresh graduates and early-career professionals remain unemployed. The disconnect isn’t due to a lack of jobs—it’s a mismatch between the skills employers need and what candidates possess.
The Hidden Reality Behind Job Openings
When companies post openings, they’re looking for ready-to-contribute candidates—people who can handle projects from day one. Riya, like many others, has strong academic credentials but lacks hands-on experience.
Key reasons for this gap include:
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Theoretical Knowledge vs. Practical Skills: Many candidates know concepts but cannot apply them in real projects.
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Lack of Portfolio or Project Experience: Employers increasingly look for evidence of problem-solving through projects, coding assignments, or internships.
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Soft Skills Gap: Communication, teamwork, and adaptability are often deciding factors in hiring.
This explains why Riya’s applications, though numerous, fail to convert into interviews.
The Story of Riya’s Struggle
Riya’s experience highlights the broader problem: unemployability among graduates. She recalls:
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Applying for a software role and being asked to solve real-world coding problems she had never practiced.
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Missing internship experience that other candidates had accumulated during college.
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Interviews emphasizing communication and teamwork, areas where she hadn’t had much exposure.
The result? Frustration, self-doubt, and confusion. Riya realizes that having a degree alone is no longer sufficient.
Bridging the Gap
The good news is that this gap is bridgeable. Platforms like Cordito help students like Riya:
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Skill Development Programs: Industry-relevant courses and certifications that teach practical skills.
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Project-Based Learning: Opportunities to work on real-world problems that can be showcased in a portfolio.
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Internships and Mentorships: Hands-on guidance from professionals to prepare for actual work scenarios.
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Talent Metrics: Tools to track growth and readiness, making candidates more attractive to employers.
By taking proactive steps, Riya begins building small projects, completing certifications, and participating in hackathons. Within months, her confidence grows, and she starts landing interviews—finally converting those job openings into real opportunities.
The Broader Perspective
Riya’s story is just one example of a widespread phenomenon: the apparent abundance of jobs doesn’t translate to employability. Some key insights:
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Companies often struggle to find skilled candidates for mid-level and entry-level roles.
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Graduates need practical experience, problem-solving abilities, and soft skills to meet industry expectations.
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Platforms connecting education with employable skills are crucial to closing this gap.
Employers are increasingly valuing demonstrable skills over grades. Projects, internships, and certifications act as proof that candidates can contribute from day one.
Solutions for Job Seekers
To bridge the gap between job openings and actual employment, candidates should:
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Gain Practical Experience: Work on personal or guided projects.
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Participate in Hackathons and Competitions: These simulate real-world problem-solving.
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Learn Industry-Relevant Skills: Coding, data analysis, digital marketing, and other emerging skills are essential.
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Build a Portfolio: Showcase completed projects, achievements, and learning outcomes.
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Seek Mentorship: Learn from experienced professionals to navigate career challenges.
Riya’s transformation shows how proactive learning and real-world exposure can turn job alerts into actual career opportunities.
Conclusion
The story of Riya highlights a crucial lesson for graduates: job openings alone do not guarantee employment. Employers want candidates who can immediately contribute, adapt, and solve problems. By focusing on practical skills, hands-on experience, and personal growth, students can bridge the employability gap.
Platforms like Cordito empower candidates by offering industry-relevant projects, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities, ensuring that job openings become tangible career opportunities.
Call-to-Action:
If you’re facing the same frustration as Riya, start building your skills today. Take courses, join mentorship programs, and work on real-world projects. Transform your potential into employable talent, and turn job openings into your career success.
