June 21, 2024, Bangalore: 76% of entry-level job seekers prioritize competitive wages and benefits the most. High salaries follow this preference, with 53% of seekers valuing career advancement opportunities, while a positive work environment is vital to only 47%. This has been revealed in a new report of Indeed, a leading global matching and hiring platform, focusing on entry-level employees. According to the report, there’s a noticeable shift in how companies are hiring and what skills they value most.
This shift in preference away from traditional 9-5 jobs towards gigs and freelance work indicates a move towards greater autonomy. Recognizing 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, the employers are offering this quarter is around Rs.25,000 per month.
Also read: 41% of Indian workers have 2 or more source of income, reveals report
The report highlights a 7.5% overall growth in entry-level hiring this quarter (April – June 2024) compared to the last quarter (January – March 2024). Bangalore is leading the charge with a 12.5% growth projection, followed by Mumbai at 10%, and Chennai at 9%. Other cities included Ahmedabad (8.5%), Pune (7.5%), Hyderabad (7.5%), Chandigarh (6%), Delhi (5.5%), and Kolkata (1%).
“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 skills-based recruitment. Nevertheless, 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.” Sashi Kumar adds.
Interestingly, 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.
76% of the surveyed employers now prioritize skills over academic credentials when it comes to entry-level hiring. They’re looking for practical abilities and workplace readiness. For example, 42% of employers value a positive attitude as a key hiring criterion, and 37% prioritize a willingness to learn.
Stay connected with us on social media platforms for instant updates click here to join our LinkedIn, Twitter & Facebook
