Companies Focus On Growth & Performance With 23% Hires In Marketing In Q1FY25: Report

The latest Indeed Hiring Tracker uncovers significant trends in India’s white-collar job market between April and June 2024. With 73 per cent of employers actively hiring during this period—a 7 per cent 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 & Marketing On The Rise
Sales and marketing roles have emerged as critical areas of focus for employers, with 30 per cent of hires in sales and 23 per cent in marketing. This shift signals a strategic push by companies to bolster their growth and performance. As organisations 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 per cent), data engineers (16 per cent), and data scientists (11 per cent) at the forefront. This sustained need reflects the ongoing digital transformation across industries, where specialised 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 per cent of employers foresee these gaps increasing significantly within the next two years if skilling initiatives are not prioritised. Despite this, only 23 per cent of employers currently offer personalised training programs, underscoring a critical disconnect between recognition and action.

The Dual Imperative: Technical & 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 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.

Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales, Indeed India, emphasises: “Our latest hiring tracker offers a detailed snapshot of the labour 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 organisations address skill gaps. The tracker highlights that 40 per cent of employers predict minimal growth (0-5 per cent) if skilling initiatives are not implemented. Key areas identified for future skill demand include cloud computing (27 per cent), sustainability (23 per cent), and emerging technologies like Generative AI and AR/VR (20 per cent).

For job seekers, the drive for upskilling is about staying competitive and enhancing earning potential. Indeed’s data shows that 61 per cent of employees expect a 20-40 per cent 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 counselling (43 per cent) and mentorship (57 per cent)—areas where employers can play a pivotal role by aligning their development programs with employee aspirations.

This suggests that job seekers seek 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.