Online recruitment in India registered a 4% decline in September 2022 compared to September 2021, according to the latest Monster Employment Index.

The Monster Employment Index (MEI) decreased to 277 in September 2022 from 288 in September 2021.

Month-on-month, online job demand recorded a 1% increase, as August 2022 saw an index of 275.

“Although monthly hiring demand is on the fringe, as expected there’s a positive hiring gush among employers with the reviving job demand at the start of the last quarter,” the Index stated.

Online hiring demand in September 2022 exceeded September 2021 level in 16 of the 27 industries monitored by the Index. Import/ Export (28%) continued to chart up the trend annually in September 2022, with the growing demand in services export.

The Media & Entertainment (-19%) and Home Appliances (-19%) industries witnessed the steepest annual decline.

Online demand for professionals saw an upsurge annually for 4 of the 13 functional areas monitored by the Index.

Finance and Accounts (+25%) outpaced all occupation groups in annual gains for the tenth month in a row. Also, HR & Admin (+9%) professionals registered notable hiring demand in September 2022 compared to September 2021.

Engineering/ Production (-19%) marked the lowest growth in hiring activity amongst all from the year ago level.

Online recruitment activity was up on the year for 6 of the 13 locations monitored by the Index.

Geographically, Ahmedabad (+10%) leads the tally, exhibiting a notable annual growth. Mumbai (+8%) supplanted Coimbatore (+7%) and registered a notable increase in the long-term growth momentum in September 2022.

Meanwhile, demand for entry-level job seekers with experience of 0-3 year matched the year ago level. Hiring for intermediate level roles with an experience of 4-6 years saw a 3% decline. Mid-senior level roles with 7-10 years of experience also witnessed decrease of 3%.

Hiring for senior level roles with 11-15 years of experience saw muted growth. Leadership roles with experience of 16+ year saw a 5% increase over the year.

The Monster Employment Index is a broad and comprehensive monthly analysis of online job posting activity conducted by Monster India.