New Delhi: Two-thirds (67%) of professionals in India say they’re open to new opportunities but don’t know what job titles or industries to search for, according to new research by LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network.
The top three ways Indians define professional progress today are (#1) learning something new, (#2) taking the next step with confidence, and (#3) finding a role that truly fits. While the desire for purposeful growth is clear, finding the right opportunity remains a challenge.
From search fatigue to career clarity: Indians want roles that match goals, not just keywords
Sixty-five percent of professionals in India say they can explain their career goals to a friend but don’t know how to search for that role, and 64% find job filters confusing. Another 74% say they wish they could discover relevant roles they hadn’t thought to search for. As job titles evolve and skills become central to hiring decisions, there is increasing demand among job seekers for easier ways to find opportunities based on their skills and goals, rather than predefined titles or keywords.
With LinkedIn’s new AI-powered job search, job seekers can look for relevant roles in their own words
To help job seekers find roles that align with what matters most to them, LinkedIn is rolling out a new AI-powered job search experience for Premium Subscribers. The tool uses generative AI to understand a job seeker’s intent, skills, and goals, even if they don’t know the exact title or keyword, so they can discover opportunities in their own words. It’s designed to make job discovery more relevant, at a time when 81% of professionals in India say they would feel more confident making a career move if they had better tools to assess fit and potential.
Premium subscribers will get added benefits, including scenario-based role play like interview prep and My Career Journey, a personalised learning plan to help them build in-demand skills on LinkedIn Learning. They’ll also be able to view Hiring Insights, showing how active a hirer is, how quickly they respond, and whether they’re reviewing applications, offering more visibility into the hiring process.
As fresh graduates seek direction, LinkedIn’s Grad’s Guide 2025 reveals where opportunity is growing
To help entry-level professionals take the first step with clarity, LinkedIn has released the 2025 Grad’s Guide, highlighting the fastest-growing roles, industries, and skills for recent graduates in India.
For bachelor’s degree holders, top roles include placement coordinator, generative AI engineer, and influencer marketing specialist, with demand rising across utilities, government administration, and consumer services functions. Among master’s degree holders, scientific assistant and visual designer roles are in demand, particularly in education, real estate, and healthcare job functions.
India Sr Managing Editor and LinkedIn Career Expert Nirajita Banerjee shares tips to help young professionals stand out from the crowd:
- “Be strategic in your applications: Work smarter, not harder when it comes to job hunting. Almost five in 10 (49%) people say they’re applying to more jobs than ever, but hearing back less* and hirers are also finding the process increasingly challenging. Instead of mass applying, get strategic. LinkedIn’s job match helps you zero in on roles that suit your skills and helps you quickly understand how your qualifications match any job postings in seconds.
- Get comfortable with AI: The technology is becoming increasingly integrated into all aspects of work, and the more you understand it, the more you can use it to your advantage in your career growth. Whether it’s brushing up on prompt writing or diving into a free course, such as Job Hunting for College Grads, How to Boost Your Productivity with AI Tools, and The Step-by-Step Guide to Rock Your Job Interview, available until June 30. A little know-how could majorly pay off later.
- Make adaptability your new BFF: As AI becomes integrated, companies are looking for people who keep up with new tech and still bring the human touch (spoiler: people skills are in, according to this year’s Skills on the Rise).
- Build your network: Don’t be afraid to start growing your network by connecting with alumni, new colleagues and friends. Building your connections and engaging with posts on LinkedIn from time to time can help foster stronger relationships, keep you on people’s radar and open doors to opportunities such as job referrals and even the inside track on job openings.
- Embrace the journey: The path to success is not always a straight line and it might take a while before you find what’s right for you – and that’s ok. Say yes to the random networking event, volunteer for the side projects and grab a flat white with someone outside of your team. Professionals entering the workforce today are on track to hold nearly 2x as many jobs over their careers compared to 15 years ago, so take your time, explore and trust the process.”
