More than half of Indian jobseekers now consider skills assessments a fairer method of evaluating candidates than traditional resumes, according to Indeed's inaugural Hiring Confidence Index. The report, which scored India at 58 out of 100, indicates a significant shift in candidate expectations regarding recruitment processes.
Skills-First Approach Gaining Momentum
The study found that 54% of Indian jobseekers advocate for skills tests, while only 15% prefer the resume-led evaluation. This preference is particularly pronounced among younger demographics; nearly 63% of Gen Z candidates favor work samples or task-based assessments. Professionals with up to two years of experience also show strong confidence in skills-first hiring, with 65% preferring this approach compared to 35% of those with over ten years of experience.
Candidate Frustrations and Expectations
Beyond assessment methods, jobseekers expressed significant frustrations with the hiring journey. Nearly three in ten (29%) cited receiving no response after applying as the most frustrating aspect, followed by long delays between interview stages (26%) and a lack of interview feedback (20%).
Candidates are also seeking greater transparency. Clear salary expectations were highlighted by 37% as crucial for building confidence, alongside transparent hiring timelines (35%) and clear selection criteria (28%). Rohan Sylvester, Talent Strategy Advisor at Indeed, emphasized the need for respectful communication: "Candidates don't expect a guaranteed 'yes' every time, but they do deserve respect, clear updates, and to know where they stand."
Employer Challenges in Adopting Skills-Based Hiring
While jobseekers lean towards skills-based recruitment, employers face practical hurdles. Four out of ten employers (40%) identified continued reliance on resumes as the biggest obstacle to adopting skills-first methods. Consistently evaluating skills (32%) and the time and resources required for assessments (28%) were also significant challenges.
Communication also presents difficulties for employers. One-third (33%) cited delays in hiring-manager feedback as a primary barrier to timely candidate updates, with high application volumes (27%) and shifting business priorities (20%) also contributing to the problem.
AI's Role and the Demand for Clarity
Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into hiring, with 58% of employers reporting improved efficiency due to AI. However, candidates desire more clarity on its use. Approximately 42% are more comfortable with AI-enabled hiring when human oversight is involved in final decisions, and 38% want employers to clearly explain how AI is used for candidate evaluation.
"The Hiring Confidence Index provides a starting point for understanding that gap and the practical changes that can help close it—clearer communication, greater transparency around the process, fairer ways to assess skills and a more open approach to the use of AI in hiring," Sylvester concluded, highlighting the path towards a more equitable and efficient hiring ecosystem.