Online recruitment in India reported a 5% drop in July 2023 compared to July 2022, according to the latest foundit Insights Tracker.

The Tracker fell to 268 in July 2023 from 281 in July 2022.

Month-on-month, the Tracker remained almost flat marking a slight decrease of 1%.

According to the Tracker, the Indian job market is experiencing fluctuations, as employers prioritise need-based hiring, responding to the evolving economic conditions and changing business requirements.

By industry, 12 of the 27 monitored industries saw an upsurge in e-recruitment when compared to the year-ago level. The shipping/marine sector led year-on-year growth with a 53% increase. This was followed by travel and tourism (40%).

On the other hand, IT-hardware, software saw the steepest decrease over the year (20%).

Meanwhile, online demand for professionals increased over the year in 4 of the 13 occupational categories monitored by the tracker in July. HR & admin led growth (13%) while customer service recorded the steepest fall at 28%.

Tier-2 cities beat metro cities in hiring activity, the Tracker noted.

The Tracker also showed a 26% increase in diversity hiring over the last year, including women, LGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities. Monthly figures showed a 31% decline in diversity hiring in July 2023.