No abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine the transitions in hiring criteria by recruiting companies in top ten Quacquarelli Symonds ranked business schools in India during the pandemic. Design/methodology/approach Using an exploratory lens, an in-depth semistructured interview was conducted with 20 recruiting companies across industries and roles. Findings Content analysis suggests the changing preferences in hiring criteria and identifies six themes that have assumed importance during the pandemic period. Research limitations/implications This study has implications for business school participants who need to change their preparation strategy during the placement season. Practical implications There is an opportunity for business schools to focus on these two soft skills, namely, self-management with self-discipline and oral and written communication across the platform. However, in the depth and diversity of soft skills training, there is often a shallow coverage of multiple skills. The rather focused approach to developing these two skills may go a long way in preparing work-delivery graduates who could hit the proverbial ground running as the first step into their careers. Originality/value This study contributes to hiring managers by suggesting the traits that may assume importance in the new normal where remote or hybrid working context is a necessity.