Mumbai, 23rd May, 2025 — Apna.co’s latest Interview Readiness Index 2025, based on a survey of 10,000+ respondents across the country, reveals a growing gap between opportunity and preparedness in India’s job market. Only 32% of job seekers consider themselves as prepared for interviews — reflecting the limited confidence many candidates carry into interview rooms. The report draws insights from individuals who attended at least one interview in the past year, with 67% experiencing virtual interviews, followed by 61% phone interviews, and 57% in-person rounds.
The report also underscores the rising impact of digital tools in boosting interview readiness. Job seekers who leveraged online tutorials, mock interviews, or AI-powered platforms reported significantly higher confidence levels (38%) compared to just 24% 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.
Apna.co’s Interview Readiness Index 2025 reveals a strong link between work experience and interview confidence among job seekers. Nearly half (49%) of candidates with over six years of experience feel well prepared for interviews. Confidence declines among mid-career professionals, with 34% of those having 3 to 6 years of experience reporting readiness, and dips further to 29% for early career professionals with 1 to 3 years of experience. Fresher’s face the greatest challenges, as just 21% of candidates with less than a year of experience consider themselves ready. Anxiety, fear of unexpected questions, and limited practical exposure emerge as key factors impacting the confidence of these newcomers.
The index also sheds light on how interview confidence varies across age groups. Gen X (45+ years) emerged as the most confident, with 54% of respondents feeling well prepared for interviews. Confidence levels are lower among Millennials (25–44 years) at 36%, and dip further among younger candidates. Less than 26% of Gen Z (18–24 years) and Gen Alpha (under 18) job seekers reported feeling adequately prepared. The data underscores the growing importance of targeted and skill-building for younger professionals entering the workforce.
The Index also reveals sharp contrasts in interview confidence across city tiers and professional domains. Job seekers in Tier 1 cities lead the way, with 45% saying they feel prepared for interviews, compared to 32% in Tier 2 cities and just 26% in Tier 3 towns. The widening gap underscores the need for more accessible preparation tools and in India’s smaller cities. Across industries, tech professionals—including those in software development, data analytics, and IT—reported the highest confidence levels at 35%. In comparison, only 29% of candidates from non-tech fields such as Sales, Marketing, HR, and Operations felt adequately prepared. Gig workers and freelancers showed the lowest preparedness, with just 22% saying they felt ready to face interviews.
Apna.co’s Interview Readiness Index 2025 also highlights the growing influence of education, language proficiency, and digital adoption on interview confidence among Indian job seekers. Candidates from English-medium backgrounds emerged as the most confident, with 44% feeling adequately prepared for interviews, compared to 34% from Hindi-medium institutions and just 26% from regional-language schools. Educational qualifications also play a pivotal role—37% of postgraduates reported high levels of preparedness, followed by 31% of undergraduates and only 22% of those educated up to the 10th or 12th grade.
Nirmit Parikh, Founder and CEO of Apna.co, commented, “Despite the vast opportunities in the Indian job market — with 3.1 lakh jobs posted on Apna in Q1 2025 alone — many candidates still struggle with confidence and lack effective interview preparation. This gap holds back a large number of job seekers from unlocking their true potential and unlocking possibilities. We believe the future lies in AI-powered tools that offer personalised and real-time interview simulations. 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.”