Freshers hiring grows 7.5%, job seekers prefer competitive wages: Indeed report

The report said that employers are now focusing more on upskilling in soft skills rather than just technical skills.

The job market has recorded a 7.5 percent growth in entry-level hiring in the April - June quarter of this fiscal, compared to the January - March period, according to a report by job site Indeed.

Bangalore is leading the charge with a 12.5 percent growth projection, followed by Mumbai at 10 percent, and Chennai at 9 percent. Other cities included Ahmedabad at 8.5 percent, Pune at 7.5 percent, Hyderabad at 7.5 percent, Chandigarh at 6 percent, Delhi at 5.5 percent, and Kolkata at 1 percent.

Indeed conducted this survey through Valuvox, during April - May 2024, covering 1,276 employers and 2,531 job seekers.

The report revealed that 76 percent of entry-level job seekers prioritise competitive wages and benefits the most.

High salaries follow this preference, with 53 percent of seekers valuing career advancement opportunities, while a positive work environment is vital to only 47 percent. This shift in preference away from traditional 9-5 jobs towards gigs and freelance work indicates a move towards greater autonomy.

Recognising these changing priorities, employers are focusing more on competitive wages and career growth opportunities to attract and retain top talent in a dynamic job market. The average salary employers are offering this quarter is around Rs 25,000 per month.

"Metro cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Chennai, renowned as IT hubs, attract numerous fresh graduates with their GCCs and IT firms. These metro areas excel in adopting new work methods, now focusing on skill-based recruitment. The competitive job market might cause frequent job switches, pushing employers to improve their recruitment tactics. India's workforce holds immense potential, crucial for driving growth and innovation in the evolving job market,” said Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales at Indeed India.

Skill-centric hiring 

The report said that employers are now focusing more on upskilling in soft skills rather than just technical skills. Soft skills like teamwork, communication, and overall workplace effectiveness are highly valued.

This shift in mindset is creating a workforce that is not only knowledgeable but also agile and flexible to meet the dynamic demands of the industry. Around 76 percent of the surveyed employers now prioritise skills over academic credentials when it comes to entry-level hiring. They’re looking for practical abilities and workplace readiness.

For example, 42 percent of employers value a positive attitude as a key hiring criterion, and 37 percent prioritise a willingness to learn.