Entry-Level Jobs Surge With Jobseekers Eyeing Higher Wages

Indeed recently revealed a new report 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.

What Job Seekers Want

76 per cent of entry-level job seekers prioritise competitive wages and benefits the most. High salaries follow this preference, with 53 per cent of seekers valuing career advancement opportunities, while a positive work environment is vital to only 47 per cent. 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 25,000 INR per month.

Regional Growth Hotspots

The report highlights a 7.5 per cent 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 per cent growth projection, followed by Mumbai at 10 per cent, and Chennai at 9 per cent. 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.

The Rise of Skill-Centric Hiring - Employers Favor Competencies Over Credentials

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 per cent 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 per cent of employers value a positive attitude as a key hiring criterion, and 37 per cent prioritise a willingness to learn. 

“As industries become more fast-paced, the ability to learn quickly and have transferable skills is becoming crucial. Having the right on-the-job skills means entry-level candidates can hit the ground running and make immediate contributions.” Said Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales, Indeed India.