You're Not Their Customer: Shift Your Mindset to be Less Disappointed

Have you ever applied to countless jobs only to be met with silence from HR? It’s frustrating, right? But as disappointing as it may seem, there’s a reason for this—and it has everything to do with how you view your role in the job market.

Many fresh graduates mistakenly see themselves as customers of the companies they apply to, expecting training, feedback, and whatnot. But here’s the reality: you are not their customer. Let’s break down why this mindset needs to shift and how you can set yourself up for success by changing your perspective.

The Equation: From Student to Professional

• First, let’s start by defining the relationship between a customer and a seller. A customer pays for goods or services, while a seller is the one providing them for money. When you study in a college, you pay fees in exchange for the theoretical and practical knowledge they provide. Indirectly, you are a customer of your college, and your college is the seller.
• It is true that the college doesn't care whether you study properly or not because their job is done once they deliver the classes and receive the fees. You must understand up to you how you study after class, i.e., how you use your college's services.
• BUT when you enter a company as a fresher, the equation changes. Now, you are not the customer. Companies pay you (in the form of salaries) in exchange for the services you provide them. So ultimately, now you are the seller, and the companies are your customers.
• Your new role is about delivering value, not receiving services. Grasping this change is critical for managing your expectations and succeeding in the professional world.

What You Shouldn’t Expect from Companies

As a seller, you are expected to offer value to the company—meaning some of the expectations you had in college won’t apply in your professional life. Here are a couple of common but misguided expectations freshers often have:

1. Training Is Not an Entitlement

• It's no secret that colleges in India have fallen short in providing students with the adequate education they need. Now, freshers expect companies to train them extensively (because their colleges didn't), while also offering stipends or salaries. But this expectation puts an unfair burden on employers. Companies are already investing in you by providing infrastructure, tools, and the time of experienced staff to help you learn. Expecting full training and compensation without delivering value in return is simply unrealistic.
• Instead of waiting for companies to fill the gaps in your education, take ownership of your growth. Go for internships (even unpaid ones), or volunteer work to build practical skills. The ability to learn independently and contribute to a company’s goals from day one will set you apart from other candidates.
• Read: Why Freshers Should Pay for Training, Not Expect Stipends

2. The Reality of HR Responses

• Another frequent frustration for fresh graduates is the silence from HR departments after submitting applications, often accompanied by requests for feedback to improve future prospects. But why would a company provide this service? You're not paying them for resume advice or career consultation.

Remember: The HRs are not your resume consultant!

• Several factors contribute to this lack of communication:
  • High Volume of Applications: HR departments often receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applications for a single role, making it impossible to respond to everyone.
  • Outdated Job Listings: Sometimes, companies leave job postings up even after the role is filled or recruitment is paused. Recruitment timelines can change, but job listings might not reflect that.
  • Companies Prioritize Profit: Companies must focus on profit and efficiency, and responding to every applicant can drain time and resources better spent elsewhere.
• As a job applicant, it’s crucial to understand that feedback is a courtesy, not an obligation. The absence of a response doesn’t reflect your worth as a candidate—it’s often just a practical limitation of the hiring process.
• Read: Why HR Never Responds and Why You Shouldn't Expect Them To

How Freshers Can Adjust Their Mindset

Now that we’ve debunked some common misconceptions, here are practical ways you can adjust your approach to the job market:

1. Take Ownership of Your Growth
   If your college education hasn’t adequately prepared you for the job market, it’s up to you to fill those gaps. Seek out internships (even if you have to work for free) or volunteer opportunities, and consider finding mentors who can guide you. Proactive self-improvement shows employers that you are serious about your career.
2. Understand the Business Perspective
   Companies are not educational institutions—they exist to achieve results and grow profits. Every hire must bring value to the company. Approach job applications with the understanding that your role is to contribute to the company's success, not just to receive training.
3. Focus on Effort, Not Outcomes
   Apply widely and don’t wait for responses. If you don’t hear back after a reasonable time, assume you’re not being considered and move on. The more applications you send, the higher your chances of finding success. Focus on what you can control—putting in the effort—and don’t dwell on outcomes you can’t influence.
4. Reframe Your Expectations
   Instead of asking, “What can the company do for me?” ask yourself, “What can I offer this company?” This shift in mindset will help you understand how to position yourself as a valuable asset to potential employers and navigate the hiring process with realistic expectations.

Conclusion: You Are the Seller, Not the Customer

As a fresher entering the job market, it’s vital to recognize that you are no longer the customer. In the professional world, you are the seller, and your value lies in the skills and contributions you can offer to a company. By taking charge of your own learning, reframing your expectations, and focusing on providing value, you’ll set yourself apart from the competition and increase your chances of finding the right opportunities.

The sooner you shift your perspective from expecting to delivering value, the faster you’ll find doors opening in your career. Take control, invest in your skills, and remember that you hold the power to shape your professional future.