Why Targeting Only MNCs Can Delay Your Career How Start-up Referrals Are Helping Freshers Get Placed Faster

Why Targeting Only MNCs Can Delay Your Career How Start-up Referrals Are Helping Freshers Get Placed Faster One pattern has emerged after speaking with dozens of HR recruiters from IT services firms, start-ups, and mid-size businesses: the majority of recent graduates and students restrict their employment search to MNCs and a few “popular” positions. Although this goal makes sense, it frequently serves as the primary cause of many applicants’ months-long unemployment following graduation.

MNCs provide structured learning settings, perceived employment security, and brand value. Most new hires, however, are unaware that MNC hiring processes are sluggish, fiercely competitive, and mainly ATS-driven, making it challenging for typical profiles to be shortlisted right away. As a result, thousands of qualified applicants continue to wait for the “ideal opportunity” rather than landing their first job.

At Common Jobs, after years of working closely with recruiters and candidates, we recognized this gap early. That insight led us to shift focus beyond just MNCs and build strong referral connections with emerging startups. Today, these referrals are delivering tangible results — including recent placements that validate this strategy.

The Common Fresher Mindset: MNC or Nothing

For most students, career planning begins with a shortlist of well-known companies — TCS, Infosys, Accenture, Deloitte, Amazon, and similar brands. Campus training institutes, social media influencers, and even peer pressure reinforce the belief that a successful career must start with an MNC.

While aiming high is never wrong, the problem arises when candidates ignore every other opportunity. Freshers often reject startup roles assuming lower salaries, instability, or lack of learning. In reality, this narrow approach significantly reduces their chances of getting hired early in their careers.

Recruiters frequently mention that skills and adaptability matter more than company size at the fresher level. Yet, many students overlook this advice and continue applying only to crowded MNC portals where thousands compete for a single opening.

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What HR Recruiters Are Actually Saying

During multiple recruitment drives and one-on-one discussions with HR professionals, one message consistently surfaced: there is no shortage of fresher-level talent, but there is a shortage of flexible, opportunity-aware candidates.

Startups, especially early-stage and growth-stage companies, are actively hiring freshers who are willing to learn, experiment, and take responsibility. However, HR teams struggle to find candidates who are open to these roles because most applicants are fixated on brand names rather than career growth.

Recruiters also shared that startup experience is increasingly valued. Candidates who start their careers in startups often develop hands-on skills faster, understand business operations better, and adapt quickly when they later move to larger organizations.

The Hidden Opportunity: Emerging Startups

India’s startup ecosystem has expanded rapidly over the past few years. From SaaS and fintech to AI, healthtech, and edtech, thousands of startups are building strong teams and scalable products. These companies may not have the brand recognition of MNCs, but they offer something equally valuable — real work exposure from day one.

Unlike large corporations, startups do not rely heavily on automated ATS systems. Hiring decisions are often faster, interviews are more practical, and referrals play a major role. For freshers struggling to crack MNC shortlisting rounds, startups present an accessible and impactful alternative.

Most importantly, startups are open to hiring candidates with potential, not just polished resumes. This is where the right guidance and referrals can make a critical difference.

How Common Jobs Identified the Gap

At Common Jobs, we noticed a recurring issue among candidates: they were skilled, motivated, and prepared — but stuck waiting for MNC callbacks. Despite having decent resumes and interview readiness, they were not receiving enough opportunities.

Based on recruiter feedback, we realized the missing piece was access — access to hiring managers, HR professionals, and companies actively recruiting outside traditional job portals. This understanding led us to rethink our placement strategy.

Instead of encouraging candidates to apply endlessly on portals, we focused on building direct referral connections with emerging startups. Over time, we established relationships with founders, HR heads, and recruiters who were genuinely looking for fresher talent.

The Power of Referrals in Startup Hiring

Referrals work differently in startups compared to MNCs. When a candidate is referred by a trusted platform or professional, their profile is reviewed immediately, not lost in a database of thousands.

Through Common Jobs’ referral network, candidates receive:

• Faster interview calls
• Direct interaction with recruiters
• Reduced dependency on ATS filters
• Higher chances of selection based on skills and attitude

This approach shifts the hiring process from mass rejection to meaningful evaluation. For freshers, this is often the breakthrough they need to secure their first role.

A Real Result: From Waiting to Working

Today, one of our candidates successfully secured a role through startup referrals facilitated by Common Jobs. This candidate, like many others, initially focused only on MNC applications and faced repeated rejections or silence.

After understanding the startup referral approach and aligning expectations, the candidate explored opportunities beyond big brands. Through our referral network, their profile reached the right recruiter, leading to interviews and eventual placement.

This outcome is not an exception — it is a proof of concept. When candidates combine openness, preparation, and the right referral channel, results follow faster.

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Why Your First Job Matters More Than the Brand

Career growth is cumulative. Your first job is not your final destination — it is your foundation. What matters most in the early years is:

• Skill development
• Real project experience
• Problem-solving exposure
• Professional confidence

Startups often accelerate these aspects far more quickly than structured MNC roles. Many professionals who started in startups later transitioned into top MNCs with stronger profiles and better compensation.

Recruiters increasingly value experience over labels. A fresher with one year of strong startup experience often outperforms a candidate who waited a year for an MNC offer.

The Common Jobs Vision Going Forward

Common Jobs aims to change the way freshers approach job hunting. Our mission is not to discourage MNC aspirations, but to help candidates secure employment faster and smarter.

By connecting candidates with:

• Startup referrals
• Recruiter networks
• Practical hiring opportunities

We ensure that talent meets opportunity at the right time. The recent placement through our startup referral initiative reinforces our belief that career success begins with adaptability.

Conclusion

If you are a fresher or student waiting endlessly for MNC calls, it may be time to broaden your perspective. The job market is larger than a few brand names, and opportunities exist where preparation meets openness.

Startups are not a compromise — they are a launchpad. With the right referrals and guidance, they can help you enter the professional world faster and stronger.

At Common Jobs, we will continue building bridges between capable candidates and growing companies — because securing your first job is more important than waiting for the perfect