Introduction
Not long ago, a neatly formatted resume was your golden ticket to a job interview. The job market is changing fast. Just like we moved from paper PF slips to everything going digital on EPFO’s member portal, hiring processes are also shifting away from “old-school CVs” to newer, more dynamic ways of showcasing talent.
Think about Amit, a 35-year-old salaried employee from Banglore. He’s been in the same company for 10 years. When he recently tried to switch jobs, he realized recruiters weren’t impressed with just his resume. Instead, they were more interested in his LinkedIn profile, certifications, and even his problem-solving skills in real-time assessments.
So, are resumes really dying? Let’s break it down.
Why Resumes Are Losing Relevance
Back in the 90s and 2000s, resumes were the only way recruiters could judge applicants. But in 2025, hiring managers have access to:
- LinkedIn profiles: Recruiters can instantly see your work history, endorsements, and connections.
- Skill-based tests: Many Indian companies now use online assessments (like HackerRank, Mettl, or even internal case studies).
- Portfolios & projects: For fields like finance, IT, and marketing, actual work samples often matter more than a list of job titles.
For example, Ravi, a 28-year-old MBA graduate in Mumbai, applied for an analyst role at a fintech startup. Instead of asking for his resume, HR asked him to solve a real business case. His resume never came into play.
The Problem With Traditional Resumes
Think of Amit, a middle-class MBA graduate applying for jobs in Gurgaon. He’s been sending out his resume to 50+ companies, but barely gets a call back. Why? Because:
- Recruiters spend less than 10 seconds scanning a CV.
- Big corporates use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that auto-filter by keywords.
- Often, resumes look too similar — everyone claims “hardworking, team player, result-oriented.”
It’s like sending the same “bio-data” to a marriage proposal in Delhi — if it doesn’t stand out, nobody notices.
What’s Replacing the Resume in India?
1. LinkedIn Profiles
Think of LinkedIn as the new resume. Recruiters in India often search directly on LinkedIn before even posting a job ad. A strong LinkedIn presence, with endorsements and posts showing thought leadership, can help you land an interview faster than a PDF resume.
(Tip: Keep your LinkedIn “About” section simple, highlight achievements, and use a professional photo.)
2. Skill Certifications
For salaried employees planning a career switch, platforms like NSE Academy, Coursera, or even SEBI/NISM certifications are becoming more powerful than resume lines. If you’re an Indian taxpayer looking for growth, adding “NISM Mutual Fund Certification” or “Financial Risk Manager (FRM)” to your LinkedIn headline will instantly make you stand out.
3. Networking & Referrals
According to a Moneycontrol report, nearly 60% of jobs in India are still filled through referrals. Having a strong professional circle often matters more than sending out 100 resumes.
What It Means for Indian Job Seekers
This shift can feel overwhelming. But look at it this way:
- If you’re a middle-class salaried professional, focus on upskilling and networking.
- If you’re a businessman planning to diversify into a job role, highlight your practical experience through case studies and LinkedIn posts.
- If you’re a fresh graduate, invest in internships and projects you can showcase, instead of worrying about “fancy” resume templates.
FAQs
1. Are resumes completely dead in India?
Not yet. Some traditional sectors (like government jobs, PSUs, and banking exams) still require them. But in private companies and startups, they are rapidly losing relevance.
2. Should I stop making resumes altogether?
No. Keep one updated resume, but don’t rely only on it. Build your LinkedIn, portfolio, and certifications too.
3. Do Indian recruiters prefer LinkedIn over resumes?
Yes, especially in Tier-1 cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi. Many recruiters check LinkedIn first.
4. Is a video resume useful in India?
For creative and startup jobs, yes. For government or PSU jobs, not yet.
Inbound Linking Ideas
- “Top 5 Certifications to Boost Your Finance Career in India”
- “Why Networking is More Powerful Than a Resume”
- “LinkedIn Hacks Every Indian Professional Should Know”
Conclusion
Resumes aren’t “dead” just yet, but they are no longer the main star of the hiring process. LinkedIn, skills, certifications, and networks are replacing them — especially in India’s fast-changing job market.
So if you’re someone like Amit, Ravi, or Swati — don’t just polish your resume. Start polishing your skills, presence, and network. That’s what employers are really looking for.
Share this with someone who’s still busy tweaking their resume.
Coming up next week on imoneymatters.in: “Top 5 Certifications Every Indian Professional Should Invest In (2025 Edition).”