Back when I was interning at various agencies, I worked with a peer who, despite having a similar skill set and experience, always seemed to land the roles I hoped for. Years later, I realised what set him apart. It wasn’t just about being more qualified or working harder. It was how he showcased his talents. While my portfolio was functional, his was an experience. It wasn’t just a list of what he had done, but how he made others see the impact of his work.
Fast forward to today, the rise of AI tools has revolutionised the way jobseekers approach their resumes. A recent Canva survey reveals that 87% of Indian jobseekers now leverage generative AI to enhance their resumes, making them more personalised, impactful, and tailored to specific roles. Whether it’s optimising language, suggesting ways to frame achievements, or ensuring that resumes are keyword-optimised for applicant tracking systems (ATS), AI is giving jobseekers a significant edge in a competitive job market.
The Other Side of the Fence: Hiring Managers' Perspective
The survey also provided some important insights from the other side—hiring managers. The hiring landscape is evolving, with 79% of hiring managers predicting the obsolescence of text-based resumes and 83% favouring digital portfolios. 69% favour resumes with visual elements and 77% prefer interactive features, emphasising the growing demand for creativity and innovation in job applications.
While 69% of hiring managers are open to candidates using AI to create or update their applications. A significant portion (65%) of hiring managers believe AI usage makes it harder for candidates to stand out and feel disclosure is necessary.
AI in Streamlining the Onboarding Process
The benefits of AI extend beyond recruitment, with 95% of hiring managers agreeing that AI streamlines onboarding, and 90% utilising it to create onboarding materials, highlighting its role in enhancing overall efficiency within the hiring process.
Not Receiving Timely Feedback
However, despite the growing role of AI in job applications, the road to landing a job is still full of challenges. For instance, 65% of job seekers report not receiving feedback after submitting applications, according to the LinkedIn Talent Survey. Additionally, 42% of job seekers apply for roles that they’re overqualified for, often out of desperation to get a foot in the door.
Ink Dive: Embracing AI and Hybrid Work Models: Leaders on Emerging Workplace Trends for 2025
Ultimately, it’s not just about having the right skills or the right tools, but knowing how to effectively showcase them and recognise the value others bring. In today’s competitive job market, the power lies in storytelling—both in how we present ourselves and how we assess others.
