Latest news with #Apna.co
The Hindu
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Apna.co unveils AI interview tool for job seekers
a jobs platform, has launched AI Job Prep — a new AI-powered interview preparation tool designed to address the preparation gap in the country's job market. 'Over 7.6 lakh AI interviews have been completed on Apna's platform, across over 900 cities and towns, logging more than 39 lakh minutes of interviews — signalling a growing demand for smarter, tech-enabled ways of interview preparation,' the firm said. 'The tool offers realistic interview simulations, instant performance feedback, and personalized improvement tips to help candidates build interview confidence,' it said. Early data from AI Job Prep tool reveals adoption across roles, regions, and demographics. 'Adoption was highest in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai — accounting for 44% of total interviews,' the firm said. 'Also non-metros such as Jaipur, Lucknow, and Patna showed strong and growing momentum, reflecting rising digital fluency beyond urban centers,' it added. Nirmit Parikh, Founder & CEO, said, 'AI Job Prep is our answer to the confidence gap that quietly stalls millions of careers. We have turned a nerve-racking interview into a safe, intelligent rehearsal—one that knows the company you are aiming for, knows your profile, speaks your language, and improves with every exchange.' 'Think of an actual interviewer looking at your profile for a particular role - taking your interview,' he added. 'When world-class preparation becomes a right instead of a privilege, talent stops holding its breath and starts realising its full potential,' he said. Karna Chokshi, COO, said, 'AI Job Prep is powered by Apna's Proprietary Agentic AI platform—a self-improving stack that fuses large-language reasoning, accent-adaptive speech tech, and a live graph of thousands of Indian employers. In seconds, it ingests a resume, maps it to the exact role and company, and orchestrates a back-and-forth dialogue with smart turn detection.'
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Only one in three job seekers feel interview-ready, report shows: 7 strategies to sharpen your edge and succeed
Landing a job today demands far more than just having the right qualifications on paper. The interview, a critical gateway to opportunity, requires meticulous preparation, confidence, and an understanding of how the hiring process is evolving. Yet, a startling reality persists—many candidates step into interview rooms unprepared, unable to fully demonstrate their abilities and potential. This widespread issue undermines not only individual aspirations but also the broader workforce's capacity to meet employer expectations. A revealing report, Interview Readiness Index 2025 published on Friday by , a job portal, has spotlighted this pressing concern, illustrating that only about one-third of job seekers feel adequately prepared before facing hiring managers. The findings unravel the layers behind this lack of readiness and point to the growing role of digital tools in transforming how candidates prepare and present themselves. The Report's key insights: Confidence, experience, and digital fluency The report reveals a stark confidence deficit, with just 32 percent of candidates considering themselves interview-ready. This shortfall is more than a mere reflection of nervousness—it signals a systemic gap in preparation strategies and resources. Digital fluency emerges as a game-changer. Candidates who utilized online tutorials, AI-powered mock interviews, or other virtual coaching platforms reported a significantly higher confidence level of 38 percent, compared to just 24 percent among those who did not engage with such tools. This disparity underscores how mastery of digital resources can bolster self-assurance and sharpen interview skills. Experience also plays a decisive role. Nearly half (49 percent) of job seekers with over six years of professional experience feel prepared, while confidence declines among mid-career professionals (34 percent for 3–6 years of experience) and reaches its lowest point among early-career candidates (29 percent for 1–3 years). This trend reflects the complex pressures faced by less experienced applicants who may lack both exposure and practical preparation. Geographic location influences preparedness as well. Those residing in tier I cities report the highest readiness (45 percent), compared to 32 percent in tier II cities and a mere 26 percent in tier III towns. These variations highlight unequal access to career resources and training opportunities. Cracking the interview: Innovative strategies to maximize your potential To transform interview anxiety into assured performance, job seekers must adopt forward-thinking preparation techniques that leverage technology, self-awareness, and strategic insight. Here are several unique approaches to consider: Transform digital tools into personalised feedback mechanisms Use AI-driven mock interviews not just for practice but as detailed feedback systems. Record your sessions, then critically analyze your responses, gestures, and tone. Repeatedly refine your delivery to cultivate authenticity and spontaneous problem-solving skills rather than relying on rote memorization. Go beyond basic research with industry and competitive intelligence Dig deeper than company websites. Explore market trends, competitors, and recent strategic moves the company has made. Showcasing this knowledge signals your proactive mindset and positions you as someone prepared to contribute meaningfully from day one. Craft a distinctive career narrative Frame your professional journey as a story centered around overcoming challenges and delivering impact. This narrative technique creates a memorable and relatable profile that resonates with interviewers looking for problem solvers rather than just resume fillers. Embrace microlearning for sustainable preparation Break preparation into manageable daily sessions, focusing each on a specific skill or question type. This method enhances retention and helps avoid burnout, building confidence steadily over time. Build emotional resilience through mindfulness Interviews test emotional control as much as knowledge. Incorporate mindfulness exercises such as breathing techniques or visualization practices to remain calm and composed, helping your authentic personality shine. Leverage networking for insider perspectives Reach out to current or former employees for candid insights about interview expectations and company culture. These conversations can provide tailored information that empowers you to align your preparation precisely with what interviewers seek. Simulate pressure with realistic mock interviews Conduct high-pressure practice sessions with friends or mentors who mimic the interview environment by asking rapid-fire or challenging questions. This exposure strengthens your ability to think clearly and respond confidently under stress. Elevating interview preparedness in a digital age This report serves as a crucial wake-up call: Interview readiness demands more than good intentions or last-minute cramming. It requires a deliberate, multi-dimensional approach that harnesses digital tools, strategic research, emotional intelligence, and authentic storytelling. Candidates who commit to this holistic preparation will stand out as confident, adaptable, and deeply engaged professionals. In an era where technology and talent intersect, mastering interview readiness is the key to unlocking true potential and securing coveted career opportunities. Ready to empower your child for the AI era? Join our program now! 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NDTV
23-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Only 32% Of Job Seekers Consider Themselves Prepared For Interviews: Report
Mumbai: A large number of job seekers attend interviews without preparation and fail to unlock their true potential, said a report on Friday. It said only 32 per cent of job seekers consider themselves prepared for interviews, reflecting their limited confidence while facing hiring managers. "Despite the vast opportunities in the Indian job market - with 3.1 lakh jobs posted on Apna in the first quarter of 2025 alone - many candidates still struggle with confidence and lack of effective interview preparation. "This gap holds back a large number of job seekers from unlocking their true potential and unlocking possibilities," founder and CEO Nirmit Parikh said, quoting the report titled 'Interview Readiness Index 2025'. He said, the future lies in AI-powered tools that offer personalised feedback and real-time interview simulations. The report also underscores that the rising impact of digital tools in boosting interview readiness as job seekers who leveraged online tutorials, mock interviews, or AI-powered platforms reported significantly higher confidence levels (38 per cent) compared to just 24 per cent among those who did not use such resources. As technology continues to transform the job search landscape, digital fluency is rapidly becoming a key driver of interview preparedness and confidence, the report added. "These innovations can bridge the preparation gap, helping candidates build confidence, sharpen their skills, and truly showcase their abilities. Our goal is to empower every Indian to not just prepare better, but to believe in themselves, build confidence, and unlock meaningful career opportunities by becoming truly interview-ready," Parikh added. 'Interview Readiness Index 2025' is based on a survey of over 10,000 respondents across the country. The report has drawn insights from individuals who attended at least one interview in the past year, with 67 per cent experiencing virtual interviews, followed by 61 per cent phone interviews, and 57 per cent in-person rounds. The report further revealed that nearly half (49 per cent) of candidates with over six years of experience feel well-prepared for interviews. Confidence declines among mid-career professionals, with just 34 per cent of those having 3 to 6 years of experience reporting readiness. The level of confidence dips further to 29 per cent among early career professionals with 1 to 3 years of experience, it stated. It also revealed sharp contrasts in confidence level among candidates in different cities. Job seekers in tier I cities lead the way, with 45 per cent saying they feel prepared for interviews, compared to 32 per cent in tier II cities and just 26 per cent in tier III towns, the report said.
Mint
23-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Just one-third of job seekers consider themselves prepared for interviews: Report
Mumbai, May 23 (PTI) A large number of job seekers attend interviews without preparation and fail to unlock their true potential, said a report on Friday. It said only 32 per cent of job seekers consider themselves prepared for interviews, reflecting their limited confidence while facing hiring managers. "Despite the vast opportunities in the Indian job market - with 3.1 lakh jobs posted on Apna in the first quarter of 2025 alone - many candidates still struggle with confidence and lack of effective interview preparation. "This gap holds back a large number of job seekers from unlocking their true potential and unlocking possibilities," founder and CEO Nirmit Parikh said, quoting the report titled 'Interview Readiness Index 2025'. He said, the future lies in AI-powered tools that offer personalised feedback and real-time interview simulations. The report also underscores that the rising impact of digital tools in boosting interview readiness as job seekers who leveraged online tutorials, mock interviews, or AI-powered platforms reported significantly higher confidence levels (38 per cent) compared to just 24 per cent among those who did not use such resources. As technology continues to transform the job search landscape, digital fluency is rapidly becoming a key driver of interview preparedness and confidence, the report added. "These innovations can bridge the preparation gap, helping candidates build confidence, sharpen their skills, and truly showcase their abilities. Our goal is to empower every Indian to not just prepare better, but to believe in themselves, build confidence, and unlock meaningful career opportunities by becoming truly interview-ready," Parikh added. 'Interview Readiness Index 2025' is based on a survey of over 10,000 respondents across the country. The report has drawn insights from individuals who attended at least one interview in the past year, with 67 per cent experiencing virtual interviews, followed by 61 per cent phone interviews, and 57 per cent in-person rounds. The report further revealed that nearly half (49 per cent) of candidates with over six years of experience feel well-prepared for interviews. Confidence declines among mid-career professionals, with just 34 per cent of those having 3 to 6 years of experience reporting readiness. The level of confidence dips further to 29 per cent among early career professionals with 1 to 3 years of experience, it stated. It also revealed sharp contrasts in confidence level among candidates in different cities. Job seekers in tier I cities lead the way, with 45 per cent saying they feel prepared for interviews, compared to 32 per cent in tier II cities and just 26 per cent in tier III towns, the report said.
