Top HR managers reveal why high-scoring teens are failing interviews – Parents, don’t miss this!
In India, we are obsessed with marks. We push our children to score 98% in Boards or crack the JEE/NEET. But in 2025, HR managers in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi are rejecting candidates with perfect academic records. Why? Because while they have technical knowledge, they lack “Soft Skills.”
With the rise of a digital-first lifestyle (WhatsApp/Insta), many Indian Gen Z candidates are “socially awkward” in professional settings. They are comfortable with coding but terrified of conversation.
Here is how Indian parents can fix the 5 biggest skill gaps at home.
1. Phone Confidence (The “WhatsApp Generation” Issue)
Indian teens are used to ordering food via Swiggy/Zomato and chatting via text. They rarely speak to strangers. Employers report that young hires panic when asked to call a client, viewing it as “too aggressive” or stressful.
Tip for Parents: The “No-App Challenge”
For one week, stop using apps for basic tasks. If your teen wants to order a pizza or book a dentist appointment, they must find the number and call. If the internet is down, make them call the service provider to complain. This overcomes the fear of talking to strangers.
2. Ambiguity Tolerance (Handling “Out of Syllabus” Work)
Indian education often relies on rote learning and clear instructions (“Read Chapter 4 for the exam”). But in a startup or corporate office, a boss might say, “Figure out why sales are down,” with no further guidance. Young employees often freeze because there is no textbook for this.
Tip for Parents: “Event Management” Tasks
Stop micromanaging. Instead of telling them exactly how to clean their room, give them a project: “Plan the menu and grocery list for the Diwali dinner/family get-together under ₹2,000.” Let them struggle with the logic and budgeting. If they get stuck, ask questions, but don’t answer.
3. Conflict De-escalation (The “Ji Sir” Trap)
In Indian culture, we are taught to respect elders and never talk back. In a job, this often leads to “Ghosting.” A young employee will say “Yes, Sir/Ma’am” to a deadline they know they can’t meet, just to be polite, and then stop replying when they fail.
Tip for Parents: Polite Refusal Roleplay
Teach them that saying “No” professionally is not disrespectful. Practice a script: “Sir, I cannot finish this by 5 PM because I am working on the other report. Can I submit it tomorrow?”
4. “Handshake” Etiquette (Chalta Hai vs. Professional)
Many teens are used to a casual “Chalta Hai” attitude. Walking into an interview wearing sneakers, slouching, or keeping headphones around their neck signals a lack of seriousness. They struggle to switch from “College Mode” to “Office Mode.”
Tip for Parents: The “Drawing Room” Test
Practice the entry. Ask them to walk into the living room, stand straight, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake (or a confident, formal Namaste). Check their body language: Are they fidgeting? Are they looking at the floor? These first 30 seconds matter more than their resume.
5. Receiving Feedback (It’s Not “Daant”)
In many Indian households, feedback often feels like scolding (daant). As a result, when a manager gives constructive criticism (“You need to rewrite this email”), the young employee feels personally insulted or depressed.
Tip for Parents: The “Red Pen” Rule
When you correct their mistakes—whether it’s an essay or a household chore—keep it neutral. Give 3 specific points for improvement. The rule is: They are not allowed to argue or make excuses. They must simply say, “Okay, I will fix it.” This builds emotional strength.
Summary
We spend lakhs on coaching classes for exams, but zero rupees on personality development. By practising these small interactions at the dinner table, you ensure your child isn’t just “book smart,” but also “office ready.”
… Coach Saira Kale
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