The key distinguishing factor which makes a professional course unique and distinct from any other stream of education is the focus on the application of the program in real life which is simply understood as employment. Recruiters and academic institutions attempt to work in tandem such that the product (fresh graduates from the program) is prepared and ready to get on board. This paper explores recruiters' expectations vis-à-vis fresh management graduates with a specific emphasis on self-awareness quotient of fresh recruits and its impact on the performance of the students on job. It further brings forth the self-awareness levels of the final year management graduates on the set of skills considered essential for effective on-job performance of fresh management recruits across a range of sectors-manufacturing to services.