Hiring scene most optimistic in South, says survey

Job seekers rejoice. The job scene seems to have eased off a little, specially in the Southern region including Bangalore.

In an otherwise grim market where job losses and moderate pay hikes are defining the norm, hiring is expected to show a slight increase in the next three months.

A survey by staffing firm Manpower Group, carried amongst 5, 265 firms across the country shows that Indian employers have steady hiring intentions for the July-September period.

And most optimistic is the Southern region, with 30% of the firms surveyed anticipating an increase in hiring.

While sectors like wholesale and retail trade, services (including IT/ITeS) will see more hiring (see table).

“Around the same period last year weaker hiring intentions were noticed. Now job seekers are expected to find a good number of opportunities in the upcoming months,” says AG Rao, group MD, ManpowerGroup India.

Tips for bagging a job
Experts say to increase prospects of bagging a job, candidates should exhaust all their job search options by approaching portals, recruitment firms, headhunters as well as their own networks.

“Keep all your search options open. Don’t just settle on one channel, and keep following up everywhere thereby showing interest in the job hunt,” says a senior HR manager from an IT firm.

Moreover, upping your skills and knowledge by engaging in supplementary courses will also benefit in the job hunt.

“Try and build onto your skills by doing short-term courses that range from technical courses to even something like personality development,” says Sangeeta Lala, vice president of staffing firm TeamLease Services.

Experts also advise job seekers to keep their options flexible and remain open towards jobs from industries different from their present ones.

“When job surveys come up, people often think they will get their dream jobs. That does not happen. When surveys says the job market is flourishing, it means jobs are around but not necessarily the perfect one. So candidates need to be open in their approach,” says the HR manager.

More important, say experts, is to take up the job that comes your way instead of waiting for a perfect one as any and every experience counts.

“It might be a part-time job or one where the profile or pay is not too great. But declining that and waiting for a better offer might not be a good option,” says the HR manager, adding that job hunters should also have a flexible approach towards their pay. Specially candidates who are jobless.

Lala says salary depends on market conditions, and the experience and skills of the candidate. “Therefore avoid rigidity regarding a specific pay package,” is her advice.