Hiring for sales and marketing roles has been on the rise in the April-June 2024 quarter. According to Indeed Hiring Tracker, with 30% of hires in sales and 23% in marketing, these roles emerged as critical areas of focus for employers.
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.
The latest report also uncovers other significant trends in India including the white-collar job market between April and June 2024. With 73% of employers actively hiring during this period—a 7% increase from the previous quarter (January—March 2024)—there’s a clear momentum building in key sectors despite broader economic challenges.
Tech roles continue to see strong demand
The data points out that demand for IT roles remains robust, with positions like data analysts (23%), data engineers (16%), and data scientists (11%) at the forefront. This sustained need reflects the ongoing digital transformation across industries, where specialized tech skills are essential to navigate complex technological landscapes.
Skills gaps: A persistent challenge
While companies are hiring, there’s a looming concern about widening skill gaps. Indeed’s Hiring Tracker reveals that 61% of employers foresee these gaps increasing significantly within the next two years if skilling initiatives are not prioritised. Despite this, only 23% of employers currently offer personalised training programs, underscoring a critical disconnect between recognition and action.
Technical and soft skills imperative
In addition to expertise in areas like data science, cybersecurity, and coding, employers are also prioritising soft skills such as communication, time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It highlights the evolving expectations from talent, where adaptability and a broad skill set are key.
Strategic skilling is needed
The future of the white-collar job market hinges on how effectively organisations address skill gaps. The tracker highlights that 40% of employers predict minimal growth (0-5%) if skilling initiatives are not implemented. Cloud computing (27%), sustainability (23%), and emerging technologies like Generative AI and AR/VR (20%) have been identified as key areas for future skill demand.
For job seekers, the drive for upskilling is not just about staying competitive but also about enhancing earning potential. Indeed data shows that 61% of employees expect a 20%-40% 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 counseling (43%) and mentorship (57%)—areas where employers can play a pivotal role by aligning their development programs with employee aspirations. This suggests that job seekers are looking for 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.
“Job seekers need to continuously upskill themselves in both technical and soft skills to succeed in this evolving landscape,” said Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales, Indeed India.