Why hiring employees has become tougher in India
What's the story
A recent LinkedIn study has found that 74% of Indian recruiters are having a tough time finding qualified candidates currently. The difficulty comes despite strong hiring activity, which is about 40% higher than pre-pandemic levels. The rise of AI-generated job applications is one major factor that is contributing to this trend.
Recruitment challenges
AI applications may look good but not reflect real skills
The LinkedIn study revealed that while recruiters are getting more applications than before, many of them aren't useful. More than half of those who say hiring has become tougher attribute it to a rise in AI-generated job applications. These applications may look polished but don't always reflect real skills. Meanwhile, nearly half of the recruiters say there is still a shortage of people with the skills companies actually need.
AI assistance
Many recruiters turning to AI for help
Despite the challenges, many recruiters are turning to AI for help. Among those who already use these tools, 71% claim it has helped them find candidates with skills they would have otherwise missed. Eight out of 10 say AI that makes it easier to understand what a candidate can actually do, and three-quarters believe it is helping them hire faster.
Future plans
Increased AI usage expected in 2026
The use of AI is tipped to grow further this year, with around 80% of recruiters in India planning to increase its use for tasks such as screening applications, reviewing candidates, and finding talent. Many also believe that the AI-led early interviews will lead to better conversations, quicker hiring, and also clearer insights into candidates.
Tool introduction
LinkedIn rolling out new tools to assist recruiters
To help recruiters navigate these challenges, LinkedIn is rolling out more AI-backed tools in India. These include filters for salary and notice period, AI assistants that help shortlist candidates faster, and also tools designed for small businesses to find interview-ready candidates within days. As Ruchee Anand, the VP for Asia Pacific at LinkedIn Talent Solutions put it, hiring is shifting from job titles and brand names toward real skills and abilities.