India's Job Market Sees Significant Growth in Q2 2023, Led by White-Collar Sectors

73% of employers in India hired actively in June quarter: Survey

In the first quarter of FY25, 73% of employers in India actively hired, a 7% increase from the previous quarter, according to the Indeed Hiring Tracker. The focus was on sales and marketing roles, which comprised 30% and 23% of new hires, respectively. The demand for IT roles remains strong, with data analysts, data engineers, and data scientists in high demand due to ongoing digital transformation.The first quarter of FY25 saw 73% of employers in India hire actively, according to Indeed Hiring Tracker, which covers trends in the white-collar job market. This was a 7% increase from the last quarter of the previous fiscal. Sales and marketing roles emerged as critical areas of focus for employers, accounting for 30% and 23% of the intake, respectively, according to Indeed Hiring Tracker. The data came from a survey conducted by Valuvox that covered 3,680 employers, employees and jobseekers. "This shift signals a strategic push by companies to bolster their growth and performance," Indeed said in a press release. The hiring trend showed that demand for IT roles remains robust, with positions such as data analysts (23%), data engineers (16%) and data scientists (11%) leading the pack. "This sustained need reflects the ongoing digital transformation across industries, where specialised tech skills are essential to navigate complex technological landscapes," according to the release. Indeed's Hiring Tracker reveals that 61% of employers foresee these gaps increasing significantly within the next two years if skilling initiatives are not prioritised. Despite this, only 23% of employers currently offer personalised training programmes, said Indeed. Employers are looking for proficiency in areas like data science, cybersecurity and coding and are also prioritising soft skills such as communication, time management, critical thinking and problem-solving. "This dual focus highlights the evolving expectations from talent, where adaptability and a broad skill set are key," stated the release. "While IT roles continue to be in high demand, the growing emphasis on sales and marketing shows a shift in employer priorities. For job seekers, the message is clear: continuous upskilling, particularly in both technical and soft skills, is crucial in this evolving landscape," said Sashi Kumar, head of sales, Indeed India. The tracker highlighted that 40% of employers predict minimal growth (0-5%) if skilling initiatives are not implemented. The key areas identified for future skill demand include cloud computing (27%), sustainability (23%) and emerging technologies like Generative AI and AR/VR (20%). Indeed's data showed that 61% of employees expect a 20-40% salary increase through upskilling. There's also a growing demand for career counselling (43%) and mentorship (57%). "This suggests that job seekers are looking for guidance in navigating changes in a dynamic market," said the press release.

Indeed Hiring Tracker Reveals Surge in White-Collar Job Activity: Sales, Marketing, and Tech Roles Lead Demand

The latest Indeed Hiring Tracker uncovers significant trends in India's white-collar job market between April and June 2024. With 73% of employers actively hiring during this period -- a 7% increase from the previous quarter (January -- March 2024) -- there's a clear momentum building in key sectors despite broader economic challenges. Shifts in Hiring Focus: Sales and Marketing on the Rise Sales and marketing roles have emerged as critical areas of focus for employers, with 30% of hires in sales and 23% in marketing. This shift signals a strategic push by companies to bolster their growth and performance. As organizations aim to strengthen their market presence, these roles are increasingly seen as pivotal to driving business success. Tech Roles Maintain Strong Demand The demand for IT roles remains robust, with positions like data analysts (23%), data engineers (16%), and data scientists (11%) at the forefront. This sustained need reflects the ongoing digital transformation across industries, where specialized tech skills are essential to navigate complex technological landscapes. Skills Gaps Pose a Growing Challenge While companies are hiring, there's a looming concern about widening skill gaps. Indeed's Hiring Tracker reveals that 61% of employers foresee these gaps increasing significantly within the next two years if skilling initiatives are not prioritized. Despite this, only 23% of employers currently offer personalized training programs, underscoring a critical disconnect between recognition and action. The Dual Imperative: Technical and Soft Skills Today's workplace demands a blend of technical expertise and soft skills. Employers are not just looking for proficiency in areas like data science, cybersecurity, and coding; they're also prioritizing soft skills such as communication, time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving. This dual focus highlights the evolving expectations from talent, where adaptability and a broad skill set are key. Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales, Indeed India, emphasizes: "Our latest hiring tracker offers a detailed snapshot of the labor market's current dynamics. While IT roles continue to be in high demand, the growing emphasis on sales and marketing shows a shift in employer priorities. For job seekers, the message is clear: continuous upskilling, particularly in both technical and soft skills, is crucial in this evolving landscape." Looking Ahead: The Need for Strategic Skilling The future of the white-collar job market hinges on how effectively organizations address skill gaps. The tracker highlights that 40% of employers predict minimal growth (0-5%) if skilling initiatives are not implemented. Key areas identified for future skill demand include cloud computing (27%), sustainability (23%), and emerging technologies like Generative AI and AR/VR (20%). For job seekers, the drive for upskilling is not just about staying competitive but also about enhancing earning potential. Indeed's data shows that 61% of employees expect a 20%-40% salary increase through upskilling. This expectation reflects an understanding that in a rapidly changing job market, those with advanced and relevant skills are more likely to command better salaries and job offers. Additionally, there's a growing demand for career counseling (43%) and mentorship (57%) -- areas where employers can play a pivotal role by aligning their development programs with employee aspirations. This suggests that job seekers are looking for guidance in navigating changes in a dynamic market. They might fear making the wrong career moves or not fully understanding which skills will be most valuable in the future. Career counselling and mentorship provide the support needed to make informed decisions, helping job seekers align their development with industry trends and employer expectations. Methodology This survey was conducted by Valuvox on behalf of Indeed among 3680 employers and jobseekers and employees. The respondents were segregated into cities and further categorized into large, medium, and small organizations and sectors. About Indeed: More people find jobs on Indeed than anywhere else. Indeed is the #1 job site in the world (Comscore, Total Visits, June 2023) and allows job seekers to search millions of jobs in more than 60 countries and 28 languages. Almost 3.5 million[1a]employers use Indeed to find and hire new employees. More than 350 million unique visitors use Indeed each month to search for jobs, post resumes, research companies, and more.