The study investigates the concept of person–job fit among entry-level job seekers in the Information Technology-Enabled Services (ITeS) sector, emphasizing the alignment between individual attributes and job requirements. Drawing on empirical data from recent graduates and early-career professionals, the research examines how congruence in skills, values, and career expectations impacts job satisfaction, performance, and retention intentions. Using a quantitative survey approach and statistical analysis, the study reveals a significant correlation between high person–job fit and favorable employment outcomes. The Findings suggest that organizations in the ITeS sector can enhance workforce stability and productivity by incorporating fit assessments into recruitment and on boarding processes. The study contributes to human resource literature by highlighting the strategic importance of person–job alignment, particularly for roles characterized by high demand, rapid change, and standardized tasks. Implications for talent acquisition strategies, job design, and employee development programs are also discussed.
Digital technology, globalization and outsourcing have led to IT-enabled services (ITES) becoming a notable fast-growing industry around the world. Because things move fast and many are competing, hiring the correct person for every job is vital. When a person’s skills, knowledge and abilities (KSAs) are well-suited to their job’s needs, it helps them perform, feel content and keep the role, mainly at the start of one’s career where such mismatches take place. Having a good person–job (P–J) fit matters a lot for the success of organizations and the happiness of employees, especially in the IT-enabled services (ITES) field. The article examines how a proper fit between a job seeker’s skills and the requirements of the ITES industry can affect their experience starting their career. Guided by findings and theories, the article studies why P–J fit is important, what happens when it doesn’t work well and provides tips for making on boarding more successful and helping companies keep their best workers.
Theoretical Background: Person–Job Fit
The theory of P–J fit stems from the broader person–environment (P–E) fit framework, which posits that individual outcomes improve when there is congruence between personal attributes and environmental demands. In the context of employment, P–J fit specifically assesses how well an individual capability aligns with the technical and behavioral demands of a specific job role.
Demands–Abilities Fit (D–A Fit)
Demands–Abilities Fit refers to the alignment between the requirements of a job and the individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs). How well someone fits these duties in ITES matters a lot because it affects their ability to handle tasks correctly. Most jobs in ITES require you to be technically skilled, good at communication, handle customers well and easily get used to changes in duties and work hours. If someone has the required skills, they tend to perform well, spend less on training and onboard more quickly. For this reason, when a mismatch happens such as giving customer support to a person with lower interpersonal skills, there could be disappointment at work, poor results or early leaving the job. Firms can use formal assessments, job previews and internships to ensure a good D–A fit. Having job certifications or taking part in soft skill programs can improve a person’s chance of meeting the requirements of a job.
Needs–Supplies Fit (N–S Fit)
Needs–Supplies Fit the main question is if a job covers a person’s personal and career needs which include chances for development, good wages, recognition, balance at work and home and job stability. In ITES, a lot of entry-level staff are graduates who are looking for a stable income, the chance to advance and additional skills. There is a high N–S fit if the job delivers enough training, clearly marked career advancement, dedicated management and fair compensation. Having these things aligned, employees become more satisfied with their jobs, committed to the organization and happier at work. If work roles don’t live up to the basics such as giving few chances to grow or inconsistent schedules, employees could feel frustrated and might want to leave the company. Information about job rewards should be clear to all staff and employers should design the benefits to meet young professionals’ expectations. If a person wants to make good career choices, they must think about what they need and compare it to the available jobs.
Person–Job Fit in the ITES Sector
Industry Characteristics: The ITES sector comprises roles in business process outsourcing (BPO), knowledge process outsourcing (KPO), customer support, data analytics, and IT support services. These roles often demand:
Entry-Level Job Seeker Challenges
Entry-level job seekers frequently come from diverse academic backgrounds and often lack domain-specific training. Common challenges include:
Impact of P–J Fit on Organizational and Individual Outcomes
Negative consequence of poor Person–Job Fit among entry-level employees in the IT-Enabled Services
While the concept of Person–Job (P–J) Fit has been extensively studied across various industries, there remains a notable gap in literature specific to the IT-Enabled Services (ITeS) sector, particularly concerning entry-level job seekers. Most existing studies on P–J Fit focus on experienced professionals or high-level employees in core IT roles, neglecting the unique dynamics of entry-level positions in ITeS, which often involve high workloads, repetitive tasks, and demanding client interactions. Additionally, many studies treat P–J Fit as a static construct, ignoring how fresh graduates or first-time job seekers perceive job roles based on limited work experience and evolving expectations. The ITeS sector, characterized by rapid technological change and high employee turnover, demands a nuanced understanding of how personal attributes, expectations, and career goals align with job demands at the entry level. Furthermore, research from emerging economies is limited, especially in contexts where the ITeS sector serves as a major employment driver. There is a pressing need for empirical investigations that explore how educational background, skill readiness, and motivational factors contribute to P–J Fit among novice employees in this sector. Addressing this gap can offer actionable insights to recruiters, educators, and policymakers aiming to reduce attrition and improve workforce alignment in the ITeS industry.
Statement of the Problem
The IT-Enabled Services (ITeS) sector has emerged as a significant employment generator, particularly for fresh graduates and entry-level professionals. However, despite the sector’s rapid growth, it continues to face high attrition rates, reduced employee engagement, and productivity challenges. A critical factor contributing to these issues is the misalignment between individual attributes and job roles—referred to as Person–Job (P–J) Fit. Entry-level job seekers often accept roles in the ITeS sector without fully understanding the demands, responsibilities, or cultural expectations of the work environment. This lack of alignment may result in job dissatisfaction, early burnout, and poor performance outcomes. Moreover, employers tend to focus on technical qualifications or communication skills while overlooking deeper personality-job compatibility aspects. The problem is further compounded by the absence of structured career guidance and limited work exposure among recent graduates. Despite the growing importance of P–J Fit in improving recruitment outcomes and employee retention, limited research addresses how this fit is evaluated or perceived by entry-level job seekers in the ITeS domain. Therefore, there is an urgent need to investigate the degree of alignment between the personal characteristics of new entrants and the actual job requirements to foster better hiring decisions and long-term workforce stability.
Person–Job fit is a critical yet underemphasized factor in the success of entry-level recruitment in the IT-enabled services sector. Given the high attrition and skill variability in this sector, companies must evolve their recruitment and training strategies to ensure that individuals are placed in roles that align with their strengths and aspirations. Simultaneously, job seekers must develop a realistic understanding of job demands and invest in acquiring relevant skills. Enhancing P–J fit not only supports individual career success but also contributes to long-term organizational sustainability
TABLE 1Factors Influencing Job Seekers in the IT-Enabled Services Sector
Factors |
Mean |
Std. Deviation |
Educational Background and Skill Alignment |
3.60 |
1.077 |
Organizational Culture and Values Match |
3.20 |
1.012 |
Economic and Geographical Factors |
2.33 |
1.126 |
Soft Skills Proficiency |
3.61 |
.868 |
Personality Traits |
3.16 |
.748 |
Work Style Preferences |
3.04 |
1.241 |
The table presents the mean and standard deviation for various factors that influence job seekers in the IT-enabled services (ITES) sector. Here's a detailed interpretation:
Soft Skills Proficiency (Mean = 3.61, SD = 0.868): This factor has the highest mean score, indicating that job seekers place significant importance on their proficiency in soft skills (such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability) when seeking employment in the ITES sector. The relatively low standard deviation suggests a strong consensus among respondents on its importance. Educational Background and Skill Alignment (Mean = 3.60, SD = 1.077): This factor is also rated very highly, nearly equal to soft skills. It highlights that job seekers consider alignment between their educational qualifications and the job requirements to be crucial. The slightly higher SD reflects some variation in perceptions, possibly due to differences in individual educational profiles or job roles. Organizational Culture and Values Match (Mean = 3.20, SD = 1.012): Job seekers moderately value alignment with the organization’s culture and values. The mean suggests a moderate-to-high influence, and the SD indicates moderate variability in opinions. Personality Traits (Mean = 3.16, SD = 0.748): This factor has a similar influence to organizational culture. The lower SD suggests that respondents largely agree on the role of personality traits (like openness or conscientiousness) in job fit. Work Style Preferences (Mean = 3.04, SD = 1.241): Job seekers show moderate concern for how their preferred way of working (e.g., remote vs. office, team-based vs. independent) matches the job. However, the high standard deviation indicates significant variation in this perception Economic and Geographical Factors (Mean = 2.33, SD = 1.126): This is the least influential factor according to the respondents. While economic conditions and job location might matter, they are relatively less important compared to personal skills and alignment. Yet, the high SD implies that some individuals still consider it a major factor.
Relationship between the nature and opinion about the factors influencing Job Seekers in the IT-Enabled Services Sector
Null hypothesis: There is no significant difference in the mean rank of the factors influencing Job Seekers in the IT-Enabled Services Sector
TABLE 2 Difference in the Opinion Based On the Age Group
Factors |
Age |
N |
Mean Rank |
Test |
Result |
Strong Communication |
Less than 30 |
35 |
49.71 |
Chi-Square |
1.265 |
30-45 years |
53 |
59.78 |
Difference |
2 |
|
More than 45 Years |
22 |
54.39 |
Sig. |
0.321 |
|
Total |
110 |
|
|
|
|
Shift Flexibility |
Less than 30 |
35 |
66.04 |
Chi-Square |
0.149 |
30-45 years |
53 |
51.21 |
Difference |
2 |
|
More than 45 Years |
22 |
49.07 |
Sig. |
0.852 |
|
Total |
110 |
|
|
|
|
Problem-Solving Abilities |
Less than 30 |
35 |
59.41 |
Chi-Square |
0.391 |
30-45 years |
53 |
42.71 |
Difference |
2 |
|
More than 45 Years |
22 |
80.09 |
Sig. |
0.763 |
|
Total |
110 |
|
|
|
|
Stress Management |
Less than 30 |
35 |
62.99 |
Chi-Square |
1.258 |
30-45 years |
53 |
44.75 |
Difference |
2 |
|
More than 45 Years |
22 |
69.48 |
Sig. |
0.325 |
|
Total |
110 |
|
|
|
|
Technical Literacy |
Less than 30 |
35 |
52.66 |
Chi-Square |
1.472 |
30-45 years |
53 |
57.48 |
Difference |
2 |
|
More than 45 Years |
22 |
55.25 |
Sig. |
0.386 |
|
Total |
110 |
|
|
|
|
Interpersonal Skills |
Less than 30 |
35 |
54.79 |
Chi-Square |
2.083 |
30-45 years |
53 |
57.65 |
Difference |
2 |
|
More than 45 Years |
22 |
51.45 |
Sig. |
0.410 |
|
Total |
110 |
|
|
|
The data examines how different age groups in the IT-enabled services (ITES) sector perceive the importance of various job-related skills. Overall, the Kruskal-Wallis test results indicate that none of the differences across age groups are statistically significant, as all significance (Sig.) values are greater than 0.05.
In terms of strong communication, the 30–45 age group gave it slightly higher importance (mean rank = 59.78) compared to those under 30 (49.71) and over 45 (54.39), but the difference was not statistically significant (Sig. = 0.321). For shift flexibility, younger job seekers under 30 placed more value on it (mean rank = 66.04) than older groups; however, the variation was again insignificant (Sig. = 0.852). Interestingly, problem-solving abilities were rated highest by those over 45 (mean rank = 80.09), suggesting a stronger appreciation for this skill among older professionals, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (Sig. = 0.763).
Similarly, stress management was considered important by the over-45 group (69.48) and the under-30 group (62.99), while the 30–45 group rated it lowers (44.75). Again, this difference was not statistically meaningful (Sig. = 0.325). In the case of technical literacy, all age groups rated it similarly, with a modest difference in mean ranks and a Sig. value of 0.386. Lastly, interpersonal skills showed nearly uniform mean ranks across the age groups, with no significant difference (Sig. = 0.410).
In summary, while there are slight variations in how different age groups perceive the importance of these key skills, none of the observed differences are statistically significant. This suggests that across age groups, job seekers in the ITES sector largely share similar views on the importance of these competencies.
Implications for the Study:
This research could guide action and decisions in workforce planning, and talent development for the ITeS sector among researchers, staff, and policymakers. Within academics, this study gives important new information about Person–Job Fit (P–J Fit) for entry-level ITeS employees by providing clear evidence about how a person’s skills and expectations match the needs of their job. For people responsible for recruitment, the results suggest ways to enhance their selection process by including soft traits as well as technical criteria to see if applicants suit the job. If the curricula and guidance provided to students in institutions are revised, it can help them gain the right skills and change how they are perceived by hiring managers. Experts governing the employment and education areas may take these insights and tailor courses to ensure people are both hireable and can hold their jobs. Taking these actions can decrease the rate of employee departure, encourage hard work, and make people happier at their jobs, all valuable for the organization’s success and the quality of its ITeS services. All in all, the findings from the study might lead to better hiring processes, improved development opportunities for employees, and better decisions about workers’ careers at an organizational level, which would benefit the integration of various groups into workplaces.
Recommendations and Suggestions:
According to the research, a number of helpful recommendations and suggestions have been suggested to enhance P–J Fit in the ITeS sector among new job applicants. First, to check a candidate’s skills for the role, organizations can use assessments, work simulations, and previews before making a decision based on academic qualifications. In addition, higher education centers and training institutes ought to give students ITeS soft skills, stress handling, and career-related learning, as part of their studies. Third, people looking for jobs should be urged to join internships, observe other workers in their jobs, and grow through mentoring to see the real aspects of work. HR managers should also make sure to help newcomers understand the responsibilities of their roles as well as how they should measure their achievements and find new opportunities. Another option is for organizations to use job rotation to give new workers the chance to experience different roles and increase their skills as well as their interest in the job. More importantly, studies should focus on how P–J Fit in the ITeS sector changes with respect to gender, region, and educational stream, to come up with better methods to recruit and hire people. If these suggestions are applied, stakeholders may improve the fit between employees and their jobs, decrease early employee departures, and improve the satisfaction of workers and the organization’s performance.
Today, when the job market is active, it is especially important for someone’s skills to fit the job requirements in the IT-Enabled Services (ITeS) sector. This study looks at the way entry-level employees in ITeS are involved in their work roles and how these roles are attractive to a lot of new graduates because of the industry’s accessibility and prospects. Still, the high number of people who leave and the low morale among newcomers GEs demonstrate that current jobs do not measure up to goal-related expectations. What the study discovered underlines the need to consider P–J Fit from skills, emotional, motivational, and practical sides. Often, entry-level job seekers do not receive enough experience in the work field, so they enter new jobs unsure of how things are done, how fast the workday can be, and how people interact there. Such an issue causes workers to drop out, face stress, and regularly change their jobs, which can adversely impact both personal achievements and work performance. Recognizing what is misaligned and finding out the reasons allows the study to offer fresh ideas to recruiters, educators, policy decision-makers, and job seekers alike. It means to focus on both technical abilities and your self-knowledge, willingness to adapt, and what to truly expect from your career when looking for a job. When a stronger connection exists between people and their job in the ITeS sector, job satisfaction increases, turnover decreases, and the staff grows more resilient and produces more. Going on, joining forces of educational institutions, employers, and authorities is important to carry out changes that support better matching on entry-level jobs. As a result of this, employees will prosper and the ITeS sector will stay competitive and durable in the long run.