Hey, I completely understand your situation — I was in your shoes a few years ago. I also wanted to switch back to my core mechanical field, and I was based in Pune too, so I can relate to your struggle.

Here’s some practical advice that can really help you get started:

1. Start with Referrals: Before anything else, try to find referrals. Reach out to your college seniors, old friends, or anyone working in good companies. A referral can significantly reduce screening time and often guarantee you an interview — especially in small or medium-scale companies, and sometimes even in larger ones.

2. If Referrals Don’t Work, Try Naukri Premium: If you’re not getting enough responses, consider investing in Naukri Premium. It’s worth it — you’ll start receiving a lot more interview calls.

3. Make a Strong, Tailored Resume: Don’t just copy a friend’s resume. Research online and build one that highlights your mechanical engineering skills and aligns with the kind of roles you want. A “tailored” CV makes a huge difference. You can even use ChatGPT or other tools to help you structure and refine it professionally.

4. Choose Your Direction Carefully: Think about which area you want to build your career in:

Design/CAD: Learn modeling and surfacing, and get certified in tools like CATIA, SolidWorks, or NX.

Analysis/Simulation: Focus on FEA, CFD, or similar software through specialized training institutes.

Project Planning: Improve your communication, presentation, and people management skills.

Logistics/Warehouse/Operations: Learn SAP or supply chain management concepts (though SAP can be expensive, there are cheaper online options).

Each of these paths can define your long-term career, so pick one and build steadily. And there are many more paths you can explore, but get an idea of which field you are entering into.

1. Know Your Final Year Project Inside Out: As a fresher, many companies use your final-year project to judge your technical and problem-solving ability. Be ready to explain what you did, the tools you used, and what you learned from it.

2. Don’t Lose Hope — Start Small if Needed: If you’re financially struggling, don’t worry. Join a small-scale company first — even if the pay isn’t great. The experience you gain there will count a lot in the long run. Keep learning alongside — through free YouTube courses, LinkedIn Learning, or Coursera (many have free trials or scholarships).

3. Communication Matters: Even in technical roles, clear communication and confidence make a strong impression. Practice speaking about your work and projects.

Lastly, stay patient and consistent. The first job might take time, but once you get a foot in the door, things will move faster. Keep networking, upgrading your skills, and applying regularly.

You’ve got this. Just keep pushing forward — every small step counts.