Online recruitment in India fell by 2% in January 2023 compared to January 2022, according to the latest foundit Insights Tracker.

The Tracker replaced the Monster Employment Index (MEI) following Monster India’s rebranding to foundit in Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

According to the Tracker, online recruitment also declined by 2% in January on a monthly basis.

The Tracker recorded an index of 277 in January 2023, down from 282 in January 2022.

Foundit’s tracker showed that 12 of the 27 monitored industries registered an increase. Retail (19%) led growth in hiring, followed by Travel and Tourism (15%). IT-Hardware, Software registered the sharpest decline at 22% followed by Media and Entertainment (-18%).

Online demand exceeded the year-ago level in 5 out of the 13 monitored functional areas with finance and accounts reporting the biggest increase at 22%. Online hiring for Healthcare saw the biggest decrease at 19%.

Across cities, Ahmedabad led online hiring with a growth of 16%. This was followed by Mumbai (7%) and Chandigarh (6%). Kolkata registered the biggest decline at 25%.

By experience level, demand for entry-level job seekers with experience of 0-3 year saw a decrease of 7%. Hiring for intermediate level roles with an experience of 4-6 years also fell by 7%. Mid-senior level roles with 7-10 years of experience also witnessed a decrease of 10%. Hiring for senior level roles with 11-15 years of experience decreased by 6%. Leadership roles with experience of 16+ year saw a decline of 17%.