IT and BPO sectors saw the biggest up-tick in hiring during the first month of 2011, according to numbers crunched by Naukri.com, India’s biggest job portal.
Hiring in these two sectors jumped by a whopping 11% and 6% in January compared to the immediately preceding month of December 2010, indicating, in Naukri’s opinion, an optimistic start to the year.
“The Job Speak index [measuring recruitment through Naukri] for January was at 969 compared to 808 in Jan-10.. In contrast to last year where an uncertain mood pervaded the employment scenario, this year seems to be one with increased positive sentiments,” the firm said in a statement.
IT and BPO, one of the largest employers in India, was followed by Oil & Gas, Telecom and Construction sectors, which grew by 7%, 6% and 4% respectively in Jan-11 over Dec-10.
A ‘Hiring Outlook’ survey conducted by the company also revealed that 80% of recruiters registered with it felt that new jobs will be created this year.
“82% of recruiters in IT sector and 85% recruiters in the ITES sector said that new jobs will be created,” it said.
Delhi led the hiring growth with a jump of 9% in Jan-11 as compared to the previous month, while Mumbai saw the hiring index dip by 2% — indicating that fewer jobs were offered and taken.
Bengaluru and Chennai have also been upbeat about hiring with the index moving up by 7% respectively in Jan-11. Hyderabad and Chennai maintained steady hiring levels,” it added.
The hottest skill sets for the month of Jan-11 were professionals in Software Development and ITES where the index moved up by 9% and 8% respectively as compared to the last month.
The demand for professionals in HR, Accounts and Sales moved up by 3% respectively in Jan-11 over Dec-10 while hiring activity for professionals in Production and Maintenance maintained steady hiring levels, it added.
“Overall, the index seems to have stabilized at an elevated level indicating a positive hiring sentiment across most markets and industry sectors for the coming months,” it added.