Job seekers to face tougher interviews

Manpower survey finds that while hiring outlook improved by 2% compared to last quarter, it reduced annually

Job seekers might have to face employer fire even before they land a job. With reduced job opportunities, which are lower by 19% this year, they might have to face tougher interviews.  

“Job seekers have to be prepared for a more rigorous selection process. They can expect additional aptitude tests and extra rounds of interviews,” said AG Rao, Managing Director of ManpowerGroup India.

This is in spite of the fact that many Indian companies are optimistic of hiring in the next quarter, according to a survey by Manpower Employment Outlook.

The report also says that the hiring outlook improved by 2%, as compared to the last quarter though it reduced annually.

The sectors that could see highest job prospects are transportation and utilities, with a net employment outlook higher by 37%.

“Robust hiring plans are also evident in the services sector and the wholesale and retail trade sector, where outlook stands higher by 32%,” the report said.

While hiring intentions are positive across all four regions, North region might hire more.

“Employers in the North report the strongest regional hiring prospects. In spite of the market downturn and the uncertainty around the economic and political environment in India, employer hiring intentions remain positive in all seven sectors, primarily driven by IT and information technology enabled services where employer hiring intentions appears to be improving,” said Rao.

The survey also says that while pace of hiring is weaker than historical levels, no sector employers indicated that they will trim their workforce in the next three months.