Institute of Product Leadership

Beyond the Resume: Skills That Truly Matter in the Age of AI Hiring

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  • 16 min read

In a world where AI can whip up a pitch deck faster than you can brew your coffee, the hiring game has changed a lot. It’s no longer just about your college degree or what’s listed under “skills” on your résumé. Hiring managers in the modern world are looking for something different, something that cannot be typed and pasted or produced in a few seconds.

This blog explores what top companies really look for, how hiring practices have evolved, and what you can do to prepare for the AI-first job market – especially if you’re an early career professional.

Key Takeaways:

  • The two main skills that recruiters focus on in the AI job market are problem-solving and adaptability.
  • To pass the AI-based screening tool, resumes should be adjusted according to job requirements.
  • Portfolios showing real work – prototypes, projects, or case studies – are more valuable than degrees.
  • AI tool usage is expected, but candidates must demonstrate how they applied it meaningfully.
  • Early career success depends on high ownership, clear communication, and a strong learning mindset.
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    The New Technology Landscape Has Changed Everything

    A decade ago, implementing a tech solution could take 18 months. Today? You’re expected to build and deliver in eight weeks or less. The pace of work has dramatically accelerated. The rise of AI tools has made teams far more productive but also set a much higher bar for delivery expectations.

    On the ground, that means one thing: hiring managers are pressed to find people who can keep up with relentless change. Everything needs to be done like it was due yesterday. And AI isn’t slowing things down – it’s accelerating the pace.

    Problem Solving Is Still King

    Problem-solving remains the number one skill, especially in tech and product roles. But now, it’s not just about finding a solution. It’s about:

    • Spotting the right problem from tons of messy data

    • Breaking it down analytically

    • Solving it creatively

    • Defending your thinking when challenged

    You don’t need to know everything upfront, but you need to show how you think and adapt.

    And this is where such resources as DSA (Data Structures and Algorithms) and scenario based querying can be a huge help to you. You see, however, that unless you can think pretty quickly, you are not going to get anywhere.

    Good Fluff vs. Real Capability

    AI tools now allow candidates to whip up beautiful decks, mockups, and even working prototypes in record time. But here’s the thing: hiring managers are no longer impressed by just polished outputs. They’re looking for what’s behind the curtain.

    That’s why interviews are increasingly built to “peel the onion” using layered questions:

    • “Why did you choose this pricing model?”

    • “What would change if the X variable shifts?”

    • “Walk me through your assumptions.”

    If you’ve copied and pasted your way to a fancy-looking solution, these follow-up questions will expose the gaps in no time.

    The Other Skills That Set You Apart

    Problem-solving is essential, but it’s not the only differentiator. Based on current hiring practices, these four traits are just as critical:

    1. Clear Communication

      • This is particularly important in global teams where misunderstandings can cost time and money.
      • The hiring managers evaluate written and oral communication during all stages.
      • The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is still a gold standard for evaluating clarity.

    2. Creativity in Execution

      • Linear thinking is no longer enough. Can you find creative angles in solutions? That’s what sets you apart.

      • Out-of-the-box ideas are prized, especially in roles involving design, product, and innovation.

    3. High Agency Attitude

      • Are you a go-getter? Do you take initiative, solve problems proactively, and influence outcomes?

      • Real-world examples from college events to internships help demonstrate this trait.

    4. Adaptability

    Rigid thinkers don’t last long. The ability to adapt your thinking, accept new ideas, and pivot quickly is now a core hiring filter.

    How Has Hiring Changed in the AI Era?

    With over 8,000 applicants for a single junior-level role, hiring teams have no choice but to rely heavily on tools and tech to screen candidates.

    Here’s a simplified view of how hiring flows today:

    1. Résumé Screening by AI Tools: Initial filters look for job-description keywords.

    2. Recruiter Shortlisting: Maybe 50 out of 8,000 make it through.

    3. Initial Screening Call: Can you communicate clearly? Can you think on your feet?

    4. Challenge or Case Round: Real-world problem to solve, given 2-3 days to prepare a solution.
    5. Deep Dive Interview: a STAR style (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or Five Whys questioning.

    The resume will allow you to put a foot in the door. However, it comes down to the portfolio and your presence and your ability to solve problems in the end.

    Customizing Your Resume Actually Matters

    One-size-fits-all résumés are a thing of the past. If you’re applying with the same version everywhere, you’re likely missing out on opportunities.

    Tips to optimize your resume:

    • Go through the job description. Customise your skills to the keywords in the job description.
    • Highlight transferable skills clearly, especially if you’re moving across domains.

    • Modify every application a little rather than generically apply to a lot of different job postings.

    Or do not overstretch the boundaries of your experience and apply to positions that are much beyond your experience. It is not bad to stretch a little; over-stretching would only waste your time.

    The Rise of AI Tools and Portfolio-Based Hiring

    Top candidates today don’t just say they know something they show it.

    Whether it’s a GitHub repo, a prototype built on a no-code tool, or a product strategy deck from an internship, portfolio assets are now your new calling card.

    • Have you built a small app? Documented a problem-solution case study?

    • Have you explored tools like ChatGPT, Notion AI, Rewind, or RAG pipelines?

    • Are you familiar with how to build mockups using AI-powered tools?

    Hiring managers are looking for hands-on learning and initiative. Your portfolio should prove that you’re not only aware of emerging tools but have tried them yourself.

    Where Is the Job Market Headed?

    Currently, there’s more hiring for technical roles than functional ones, especially at larger MNCs. Functional roles (like strategy, growth, or product ops) are being filled by more experienced professionals. However, this is expected to shift in the next 2–3 years.

    Meanwhile:

    • Technical roles are in demand, but competition is fierce.

    • Candidates who show cross-functional skills – like business + tech – have a major edge.

    • Roles may come and go, but core skills like creativity, problem-solving, and execution ability will always stay in demand.

    The Best Early Career Advice

    If you’re just starting out, here’s what hiring managers advise:

    • Join environments where you can learn fast
       Startups are great because you get to wear multiple hats and figure out what you enjoy.

    • Say yes to everything (initially)
       Every new task is a learning opportunity. Be the go-to person who figures things out.

    • Build respect for every job
       Even if you’re a PM doing design work temporarily, do it with ownership.

    • Show real stories, not rehearsed answers
       Use college projects, internships, or club events to demonstrate leadership, conflict resolution, or creative thinking.

    • Don’t “spray and pray” with the same résumé
       Customize it to each job. Highlight relevant skills using the job description’s language.

    In an AI-first world, competence looks different. It’s no longer about listing the right degrees or ticking the usual boxes. It’s about showing you can solve, think, adapt, and build – even in uncertainty.

    Hiring managers aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for potential, hunger, and proof of effort. So start building. Start experimenting. And when the interview comes, don’t just talk about what you know – show them who you are.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Some of the most in-demand skills for freshers in 2025 include problem-solving, communication, adaptability, and the ability to work with AI tools.

    To ensure that your resume can go through AI detection scanners, you should tailor it for each job by matching keywords from the job description and highlighting relevant skills, tools, and projects.

    Portfolios provide specific evidence of your potential, enabling the hiring manager to evaluate your ability to solve issues in practice and perform in practice.

    Yes - you should at least be familiar with AI tools, and having used them somehow in one of your projects or case studies will help a lot.

    Study the case problems you might encounter in real life, improve communication, create a portfolio, and present the stories that helped you demonstrate initiative and learning.
    Institute of Product Leadership is Asia’s First Business School providing accredited degree programs and certification courses exclusively in Product Management, Strategy, and Leadership.
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