

Why should your degree get you a job anymore?
Jul 22, 2025
India's job market faces a critical disconnect between degrees and real-world skills. While countless graduates enter the workforce, many lack the competencies employers seek. The discussion highlights the financial toll of poor hiring practices and the rise of credential inflation. It critiques the traditional degree-centric hiring model, especially its impact on talent from smaller cities. The shift towards valuing skills over degrees is explored, showcasing innovative companies that prioritize practical experience and training for better retention.
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Qualification vs Competence Gap
- India's job market faces a systemic issue where qualification increasingly disconnects from competence.
- Applicant tracking systems prioritize manageability over merit, reinforcing reliance on pedigree.
Costly Consequences of Bad Hires
- A bad hire costs companies up to 30% of the employee's first year salary plus high replacement expenses.
- Poor hires degrade team efficiency, cause bottlenecks, and decrease client satisfaction significantly.
Costly Bad Hire Example
- A project manager bad hire at a Bangalore IT company cost nearly 18 lakh rupees due to missed deadlines and resignations.
- The poor hire also cut overall team efficiency by 30% and lowered client satisfaction.