In the 2025 job market, standing out is more crucial than ever. Today, Canva, the all-in-one visual communication platform, unveiled its second annual New Year, New Job report, offering a comprehensive look at how artificial intelligence (AI), social media, and accessible design tools are impacting the hiring process.
The verdict? Those who embrace emerging tools and visual mediums, and create a strong professional brand, have a better shot at standing out. These applicants are showing their skills in action with interactive resumes and portfolios, and hiring managers are taking notice.
“From the use of AI to update resumes, streamline hiring processes, and identify top talent, to the growing preference for visually engaging resumes over traditional text formats, today’s job market is being redefined by innovation and creativity. In India, in particular, we’re witnessing the rise of personalised resumes that gives a nod to the creative revolution that the country is currently undergoing; one that celebrates individuality and authenticity. Visual mediums, creative storytelling, and a well-rounded digital professional brand are increasingly becoming a mainstay for Indians looking to land their dream jobs in the ever-evolving job market,” said Chandrika Deb, Country Manager, India, Canva.
Over 390 million resumes were published on Canva last year as professionals worldwide seek to inject more creativity to improve their success in their job search. Canva’s New Year New Job survey of 4,200 hiring managers and 6,000 job seekers shows how new tools and shifting trends are impacting those currently operating in the job market. The survey was conducted by Sago in the US, UK, Australia, India, Germany, Spain, France, Mexico, Brazil and Japan.
The most-insightful findings from Indian hiring managers and job seekers include:
AI is here to stay – for both job seekers and hiring managers
- A whopping 87% of job seekers use generative AI for resume updates or creation, with 80% saving time, 79% finding it easier, and 76% feeling more creative
- While 69% of hiring managers are open to candidates using AI to create or update their application. A significant portion (65%) of hiring managers believe AI usage makes it harder for candidates to stand out and feel disclosure is necessary
From bland to brilliant: More Hiring managers want to see colorful, interactive applications
- Indian job seekers are leading the way in personalized applications, with 63% consistently customizing their resumes—significantly higher than most countries. Additionally, 84% of Indian job seekers view design skills as crucial for standing out in new roles
- The hiring landscape is evolving, with 79% of hiring managers predicting the obsolescence of text-based resumes and 83% favoring digital portfolios
- 69% favor resumes with visual elements and 77% prefer interactive features, emphasizing the growing demand for creativity and innovation in job applications
Social media is essential for personal branding – or landing your next gig
- Social media has become an essential tool in the Indian job search, with 72% of job seekers strongly agreeing that a digital professional brand plays a crucial role in the hiring process. This sentiment is shared by 62% of hiring managers, highlighting the importance of a cohesive online presence
- With 96% of job seekers using social media for job-related activities, it is clear that platforms like LinkedIn are indispensable for networking and career advancement. Furthermore, 85% of hiring managers check LinkedIn when evaluating candidates, underscoring its pivotal role in the recruitment process
New hire onboarding gets an AI-era makeover
- A growing number of hiring managers in India are incorporating AI tools into their recruitment processes, signaling a shift towards leveraging technology for greater efficiency and improved decision-making
- Notably, 47% use generative AI to summarize key points of resumes or cover letters, and an equal percentage rely on AI to assist with or even write job descriptions. Additionally, 46% use AI to help craft prompts for candidate assignments
- The benefits of AI extend beyond recruitment, with 95% of hiring managers agreeing that AI streamlines onboarding, and 90% utilizing it to create onboarding materials, highlighting its role in enhancing overall efficiency within the hiring process
Millions turn to Canva to build their professional brand
Canva’s AI-powered visual suite makes it simple for 220 million people worldwide to achieve their creative and career goals. Canva is home to thousands of resume, cover letter, social media and portfolio templates that offer a fast track to giving your job application a glow-up. Professionals have also embraced Canva’s generative AI tools like Magic Write, which was used 13 million times in resume designs last year.
