<ul><li>The tech industry has seen more than 200,000 <keyword id="6357067" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="layoffs" source="Orion">layoffs</keyword> since the start of 2022.</li><li>Instead of performance, the focus for layoffs is more on eliminating redundant roles that no longer add a major value to the organization.</li><li>Some of the red flags an employee should look out for are a decrease in hiring, budget cuts and changes in management.</li></ul>Bipin Singh, a business development manager at Byju’s with over 11 years experience in the EdTech industry was laid off last month after a stint of 1.5 years at the company. In his LinkedIn post he mentioned about the layoff and urged everyone to reach out to him with job offers or if not, like share and comment on his post to increase reach. Anil <keyword id="906861" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="sahani" source="Orion">Sahani</keyword>, a software engineer, lost his job in Accenture recently .“I was one of the first ones to let go as I was a contract employee and also did not have any notice period. The layoffs are still on.” Singh and Sahani are among the thousands of employees who have been affected by tech layoffs in India. Google trend data, which reflects what people search for, shows that between January 22-28 this year, the term ‘layoff’ was at its peak popularity of 100, while between January 23 to January 29 last year, it was just at five. This is not surprising because layoffs are being reported majorly in the media and almost every other post on Linkedin is talking about layoffs. It all started with the news that the big tech giants like Amazon and Google parent Alphabet were laying off in large numbers. While Alphabet laid off 12,000 people, the Amazon layoffs affected more than 18,000 people. Microsoft said it will lay off 10,000 people by the end of the third quarter of 2023 and even SAP and IBM have started laying off employees. It seems it is almost like a contagion that is spreading rapidly like wildfire. The Indian situation: Which brings us to the question: Is the situation as bad in India? Layoffs are now a reality in India too. Reports suggest that around 21,000 techies have lost their jobs in the last three to four months. In the third week of January, Wipro fired more than 400 freshers for failing performance tests. While Amazon has laid off 1,000 of its employees in India, IBM and SAP are also laying off employees, affecting their employees in India as well. Very recently, Byju’s laid off 1,000 people, in a second round of layoffs in February. Sivaprasad N, vice president &amp; business head, TeamLease Digital, a staffing solutions company, puts the number of layoffs in the tech industry at more than 2,00,000 since 2022. Over 21,000 employees <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/70-plus-indian-startups-show-exit-door-to-21k-techies-more-pink-slips-coming/articleshow/97411761.cms?">have been laid off </a>by 70 startups in the past 3-4 months including from unicorns like BYJU'S, <keyword id="6354720" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ola" source="Orion">Ola</keyword>, MPL, Innovaccer, Unacademy, Vedantu, Cars24, OYO, Meesho, Udaan and many more. Anuj Gupta, who has over 10 years of experience in SEO, has lost his job in edtech company upGrad and is a part of the current tech and marketing layoff wave. The layoff situation in India is currently more of a spill-over effect of shake-ups in the West. Unlike the funding winter that hit the Indian funded tech startups cohort in 2022, the current layoffs by big labels are largely corrective talent adjustments. “Despite potential opportunities coming our way due to global shakeups, it is prudent for India Inc. to treat the current layoffs as a tip of the iceberg,” says <keyword id="138078" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="kamal-karanth" source="Orion">Kamal Karanth</keyword>, CoFounder, Xpheno, a specialist staffing company. He adds that enterprises, especially in tech, will benefit from remaining alert and conservative on costs for at least two quarters. Agrees Sivaprasad, “Companies are battling a slowdown in demand after a hiring frenzy. No company is certain to avoid significant cutbacks in such an economic environment. We are witnessing a significant drop in tech hiring unlike previous years as companies are only doing selective hiring for critical projects. It looks like the trend will continue for some time.” Many IT majors have announced mass layoffs in the last couple of months, quoting factors like overhiring, an impending recession and geopolitical conflicts. “We expect businesses to exhibit caution in hiring and workforce management through a major part of 2023,” <keyword id="13896318" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="sachin-alug" source="Orion">Sachin Alug</keyword>, CEO, NLB Services - a global technology &amp; digital talent solutions company. Delhi-based Pankaj Kumar, laid off from a software company this month, says that one day he got a message saying that the company was restructuring and that it was his last day. “However, we were forced to resign and also we received very little in the name of assistance as promised.” Kumar feels that most startups today have no clue about manpower requirements and just hire to show their investors that they are doing well without having an idea of how they can sustain themselves in crucial times. Tech jobs have been the most affected: As discussed, tech companies, especially IT firms, are very vulnerable to an impending recession in the US. “The tech sector has always been highly sensitive to economic cycles, and the current economic downturn could have a significant impact on these companies. A recession could lead to decreased consumer spending, reduced corporate investment, and layoffs, which could all hit tech companies hard,” says <keyword id="328697" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="sandeep-budhiraja" source="Orion">Sandeep Budhiraja</keyword>, Co-founder, Executive Director and Chief People Officer - BYLD Group which provides HR and Business productivity solutions, Additionally, the US market is a major source of revenue for many tech companies, so a recession here could have a widespread impact on global operations. Finally, any disruption to the global supply chain could further disrupt tech companies, as many rely on components and materials sourced from around the world. “The sectors that may be most affected, other than the technology, are telecommunications, financial services and retail. The telecommunications sector could be hit by reduced investment in infrastructure and lower customer demand. The financial services sector could be adversely affected by a decrease in credit availability and tightened lending standards, while the retail sector could suffer from decreased consumer spending,” adds Budhiraja. Everyone is vulnerable: “Instead of performance, the focus for layoffs is more on eliminating redundant roles that no longer add major value to the organization. Usually, mass layoffs affect employees invariably regardless of their performance but in organizations that choose to let go of a selected few, performers at a certain level tend to be the target,” says Alug. The primary causes of layoffs are the foreseeable recession and the geopolitical scenario which have led to inflation, impacting many industries. Prominent players in the IT and Technology domain are being cautious to ensure profitability and better predictability of business. Agrees Karanth, “The larger layoffs related to enterprise strategy and austerity are mostly across the ranks and ratings of performance. Such layoffs related to macroeconomic movements are typically steamrollers on entire divisions, geographies and business units. While each enterprise has their own pattern of priority on the layoffs, the high cost and high volume headcounts typically come under the lens faster.” Look out for red flags: “Layoffs in a situation like now are largely written on the wall. It is often the speed and style of a layoff that's a surprise to talent, and not the layoff by itself,” says Karanth. Some of the red flags an employee should look out for are a decrease in hiring, budget cuts and changes in management. “Additionally, if a company is reducing or eliminating certain departments or projects, it may be a sign that layoffs are coming. If there are rumours of layoffs or if employees are being asked to take unpaid leave, this could also be a sign that layoffs are imminent. Finally, if the company is not meeting its financial goals or is experiencing a downturn in business, layoffs may be a possibility,” says Alug. Hiring remains slow: “Many of those who lost their jobs are still looking for work, as nearly every major corporation has put a freeze on new hiring due to global macroeconomic conditions and recession fears. We are witnessing a significant drop in tech hiring unlike previous years as companies are only doing selective hiring for critical projects. Looks like the trend would continue for some time,” says Sivaprasad. However Karanth feels that while tech hiring has slowed down, there are opportunities for talent who are flexible and agile to look beyond their domain. The non-tech sector's talent demand has been compensating well for tech's hiring slowdown. <keyword id="2838370" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="shraddha-jain" source="Orion">Shraddha Jain</keyword>, who is also known as 'Aiyyo Shraddha' on social media, posted a hilarious video on Instagram, where she slammed companies for laying off employees despite making a profit. "At the company offsite, we celebrated the company tripling its profit in a year. What happened? A month later we are so poor. Who robbed us?" she asked. While these are questions that reflect the grim reality of large scale layoffs, employees should brace themselves for tough times ahead. 2023 will be a turbulent ride.

Tech layoffs to continue for sometime thanks to a slowdown in demand and an uncertain economic environment

<ul><li>Amid news of sub-par <keyword id="65655" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="placements" source="Orion">placements</keyword> even at top-tier engineering colleges, students are worrying about their future</li><li>Experts advise preparing for the worst and acquiring additional skills through industry-certified courses </li><li>Continually update your profiles on job boards and expand your network on platforms such as LinkedIn</li></ul>Last week news began trending that claimed more than 30% of IIT Bombay students could not get placements. Later, the institution displaced these concerns and revealed that only 6.1% of eligible students are actively seeking employment. However, the fact remains that fresher <keyword id="6357342" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hiring" source="Orion">hiring</keyword> this year has taken a hit across almost all colleges across the country. “Direct fresher hiring from colleges has significantly decreased, owing to the general sluggishness in the economy,” says Karthikeyan Kesavan (Director &amp; head of perm Placement) Adecco India, a workforce solutions provider. The dip in fresher hiring may seem more pronounced in the IT sector, which traditionally hires the majority of new engineering entrants to the workforce. Typically, the IT sector absorbs 20-25% of the 1.5 million engineering graduates in India annually. “Companies have had to cut back on freshers' hiring due to a weak deal pipeline, recessionary fears in the US, and the need to utilise existing resources effectively,” says Krishna Vij, Business Head, TeamLease Digital, a job portal for tech freshers. According to NLB Services, a talent solutions company, the <keyword id="6374576" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="it-industry" source="Orion">IT industry</keyword> has seen a dip in the <keyword id="6441485" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="freshers-hiring" source="Orion">freshers hiring</keyword> intent from 49% in H1 2023 to 42% in H1 2024. What should you do? Uncertain economic conditions come in cycles and if you are a fresher it is just a coincidence that you trying to find your first job in the middle of one. Nothing to do with how good your skills are. But, to navigate such challenging times better, there are things you can do that increase your chances of getting hired. Acquire relevant skills through certifications In the 21st century, having a degree may not be enough. You need skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for, and proof that you have them. In addition to your regular degree, acquire one or two skills preferably through certification. There are many industry-certified courses available both online and offline. Before you enrol on any such courses, talk to your seniors or those already in a job to find out which are the skills in demand. It is essential to stay proactive and not give up. “Developing a combination of technical competencies and soft skills is crucial, alongside participation in hackathons and collaborative projects to showcase practical abilities,” says Vij. Update your profile and network Getting a job off-campus is a time-consuming process. It involves a lot of preparation and results may not be immediate. The first step is to let potential employers know that you are available for hire. “Continually update your profiles on job boards and expand your network on platforms such as LinkedIn, particularly with regards to target companies. Increase engagement and enhance visibility within the talent acquisition community,” says Kesavan. Seek out a mentor In difficult situations, sound advice always comes in handy. “Connecting with industry peers, experts and mentors can make a huge impact on one’s professional journey,” says Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services. Freshers must find appropriate networks that play a vital role in their learning, scope of opportunities and creating a sustainable career. From your college professor to your neighbour to your senior, you may find a good mentor if you continuously seek genuine help. Take up a part-time job If you are not getting a job consider taking up part-time gigs which are related to your field of work. Working part-time to utilise one’s time in a productive way can be a good idea for many candidates. “This not only empowers them financially but also allows them time to prepare for their full-time professions. While aspirants may choose part-time <keyword id="11018" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jobs" source="Orion">jobs</keyword> as a temporary occupation, the focus must not shift from enhancing one’s skills in the direction they want to excel in,” says Alug. Finally, it is important that one maintains a positive attitude, resilience, and adaptability throughout the job search process.

Fresher hiring sees a significant decline, particularly in IT sector! What should you do?

<ul><li>These scams predominantly target inexperienced job seekers who may not recognize the warning signs </li><li><keyword id="386981" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="scammers" source="Orion">Scammers</keyword> entice individuals with unrealistic offers or by impersonating legitimate companies </li><li>Under any circumstances, candidates should not transfer funds to unfamiliar accounts or reveal their bank/financial details </li></ul><keyword id="6953455" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="job-scams" source="Orion">Job scams</keyword> were always around, but ever since the pandemic and lockdowns, remote job scams have become more common. In the post-pandemic world, many companies have continued with remote work. However, others have called their employees back to the office. Some have also adopted a hybrid model where employees need to go to the office a few days every week. And the scammers are taking advantage of this trend! Why remote job scams are on the rise The increase in fake job scams, especially remote job scams can be attributed to several factors. Lots of people, especially those who got used to the remote working conditions, are now looking for remote jobs because it not only allows them to work from the comfort of their homes, it also does away with commuting and offers a better work-life balance. This is a need that remote job scammers target. Candidates often upload their personal information such as mobile number, email address, educational qualification, etc. on various online job portals during the job hunt. “Malicious parties can easily pry into such personal details and misuse them to create fake jobs. Additionally, with remote work models becoming commonplace, more candidates are falling for these traps in hopes of an opportunity without much verification,” says Sachin Alug, CEO of NLB Services, a talent solutions company. A challenging job market coupled with eager job seekers renders individuals more vulnerable to scams promising lucrative opportunities. Many of these jobs come with the promise of an entirely remote job, with a good salary and healthy benefits. “The prevalence of online job searching provides scammers with anonymity, enabling them to easily post <keyword id="18849320" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fake-listings" source="Orion">fake listings</keyword> that appear authentic. The emergence of deepfakes introduces a new and concerning threat to job seekers in India, further complicating existing scams,” says Manu Saigal, Director, General Staffing, Adecco, a job consultancy. These scams predominantly target inexperienced job seekers who may not recognize the warning signs. Scammers entice individuals with unrealistic offers or by impersonating legitimate companies. This not only jeopardises the financial well-being of job seekers but also tarnishes the reputation of genuine companies, as scammers often exploit their identities to lend credibility to their schemes. Be aware of potential red flags It is possible to identify job scams if you are aware of certain red flags. “By remaining vigilant and aware of these red flags, you can significantly mitigate the risk of falling victim to fraudulent job scams and other deceptive tactics,” says Saigal. Unrealistic offers: Many such job offers are unrealistic, particularly if they offer exceptionally high salaries or benefits with minimal experience required. Also, employers in foreign countries may not be offering fully remote jobs to those in India. Fake urgency: Beware of scammers pressuring you to act quickly, bypass standard application procedures, or pay upfront fees. Reputable companies typically maintain clear and established application processes. Unprofessional communication: Watch for typos, grammatical errors, or poorly written communication in job postings or emails, as legitimate companies typically uphold professional communication standards. Requests for personal information or upfront payment: Avoid disclosing sensitive information such as bank details or social security numbers during the application process. Legitimate companies do not require payment for training or equipment prior to employment. Do not fall into the trap First and foremost, jobseekers must use authentic platforms to share their personal information. Clicking on a random link they receive in email or visiting a job site they have not heard of before is never a good idea. “When contacted for jobs, they must conduct thorough research on the offering party to validate their authenticity. A Google/LinkedIn search can be quite handy in verifying the identity of the employer/recruiter,” says Alug. Under any circumstances, candidates should not transfer funds to unfamiliar accounts or reveal their bank/financial details. Jobseekers can avoid these traps by exercising caution and doing their due diligence before responding to a job. Remember, if something is too good to be true, it probably is.

Remote job scams are on the rise! How to stay safe?

The Indian <keyword id="46964" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="it-sector" source="Orion">IT sector</keyword>, which has seen contraction in <keyword id="6357342" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hiring" source="Orion">hiring</keyword> amid <keyword id="61483" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-economic-slowdown" source="Orion">global economic slowdown</keyword> and <keyword id="6412154" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="funding-winter" source="Orion">funding winter</keyword>, is likely to witness a positive turnaround with 8-10 per cent increase in hiring in 2024, a new report showed on Wednesday. Overall, the hiring in the IT sector is expected to surge by 12-15 per cent in CY 2024, especially due to the surge in global capabilities centres (GCCs) and global economy settling down comparatively, according to talent solution company NLB Services. "From a quarter perspective, the initial quarter will notice an average 8-10 per cent growth in hiring, followed by Q2 and Q4 demand percentage rising up to 12-14 per cent," said Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services. The IT sector has been estimated to have witnessed a growth of 40-45 per cent of jobs in 2023 as compared to 2022. In 2024, hiring is further expected to surge by 15-20 per cent. Owing to global recession and shift in business synergies, the Indian IT sector witnessed a dip during the initial quarters of this year. In fact, in Q1 FY24, IT witnessed the sharpest contraction in headcount in the last three years as companies were experiencing the heat of the <keyword id="29405" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="slowdown" source="Orion">slowdown</keyword> in projects, according to the report. "However, the third quarter of this fiscal year is bringing a favourable outlook. Promising prospects are foreseen in green technology, electric vehicles, and an increased emphasis on AI and cybersecurity," Alug informed. In Q2 FY24, the key IT firms reported a 3-10 per cent average increase in their net profits. The positive growth trajectory was largely influenced by IT players securing strong new wins, expanding multi-year renewals with existing clients, and growing investment into technology, etc. "Despite the initial slowdown some of the skill sets which continued to shine in prominence in this segment included software development (with 28 per cent demand), SAP expertise (12 per cent demand), automotive design (14 per cent demand), and testing skills (12 per cent demand). "Some of the most in-demand IT skills next year are expected to include AI/ML experts, DevOps specialists, full-stack developers, cybersecurity experts, Blockchain developers, Cloud architects, UI/UX designers and so on. "Overall hiring in the IT sector is expected to surge by 12-15 per cent in CY 2024, especially due to the surge in global capabilities centres (GCCs) and global economy settling down comparatively," said Alug.

Hiring in Indian IT sector likely to see turnaround with 8-10% growth in 2024

<ul><li>Tailoring your resume to <keyword id="4317914" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="applicant-tracking-system" source="Orion">applicant tracking system</keyword> (ATS) is important for wider reach</li><li>ATS-enabled resumes increase the likelihood of your application passing the initial screening stage.</li><li>You can create an ATS-friendly resume on your own, use the services of a specialist, or even use ChatGPT to write one. </li></ul> If you have sent your resumes to several employers, and not heard back from them after the customary automated acknowledgement mail, then you are not alone. Certain jobs, especially for freshers, in sectors like IT, receive 100s of job applications and it is not possible for the hiring team to go through all the applications. So, they have a process in place to shortlist them - which is referred to as the applicant tracking system (ATS). What is an ATS friendly resume? In today's competitive job market, tailoring your resume to ATS is crucial for ensuring your application is seen by potential employers. “ATS-enabled resumes are specifically designed to be scanned and interpreted by these automated systems, increasing the likelihood of your application passing the initial screening stage,” says Manu Saigal, Director, General Staffing, Adecco India, a staffing solutions firm. ATS are widely used by companies of all sizes to streamline the recruitment process, efficiently filtering through a high volume of resumes. They analyse resumes for relevant keywords and phrases, matching them to the specific requirements of the job opening. An ATS-friendly resume ensures your skills and experience are effectively conveyed to the ATS, making it more likely to land in the hands of a hiring manager. ATS resumes have caught up because of the extensive use of AI in the hiring process. “Now, recruiters can use AI-powered search to get results personalised to their organisations. This infusion of AI has elevated the quality of candidate recommendations enabling data-driven hiring decisions, marking a paradigm shift in recruitment methodologies,” says Sekhar Garisa, CEO, foundit, a talent platform. Key features of ATS friendly resume The key characteristics of an ATS-friendly resume: Structured format: Uses a clear and consistent format with standard headings and sections. Keyword optimisation: Incorporate relevant keywords and phrases from the job description throughout your resume. Easy readability: Uses simple language, avoids jargon, and maintains clear font styles and sizes. File format: Saves your resume in PDF or ATS-compatible formats to ensure proper rendering. How to create an <keyword id="3382525" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ats-resume" source="Orion">ATS resume</keyword> You can create an ATS-friendly resume on your own, use the services of a specialist, or even use ChatGPT to write one. DIY One can craft an ATS-friendly resume by utilising online resources and templates for ATS compatibility. Leverage free tools to spot keywords aligning with job descriptions, enhancing your resume's relevance. Tailor content meticulously to spotlight skills sought by employers, boosting chances with both ATS and hiring managers. Also, seek feedback from mentors or peers to refine and amplify your qualifications' presentation. “After thorough research and learning the do’s and don’ts, one can create their own ATS-compliant resume,” says Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services, a talent solutions company. Engage a resume specialist There are many resume services which will create an ATS friendly resume for you. Consider enlisting a resume expert for personalised guidance and expertise in creating an impactful, ATS-compatible resume. These seasoned specialists customise resumes for distinct industries and positions, setting them apart from competitors. Professional resume writers offer valuable insights into ATS optimization strategies, enhancing your resume's chances of success in applicant screening systems. Use ChatGPT You may utilise ChatGPT as a tool to enhance your resume's keyword optimisation and identify potential areas for improvement. Leverage ChatGPT's ability to generate different creative text formats of text content to explore alternative ways of presenting your skills and experience. “Use ChatGPT's suggestions as a starting point and carefully review and refine the generated content to ensure it aligns with your overall resume narrative,” says Saigal. Agrees Garisa, “While ChatGPT offers guidance and suggestions for an ATS-friendly resume, it is not a substitute for the expertise provided by a professional resume specialist.” Searching for a job is often a long process and having an ATS-enabled resume could only give you an edge.

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Tech layoffs to continue for sometime thanks to a slowdown in demand and an uncertain economic environment

Anagh Pal

Fresher hiring sees a significant decline, particularly in IT sector! What should you do?

Anagh Pal

Remote job scams are on the rise! How to stay safe?

Anagh Pal

Hiring in Indian IT sector likely to see turnaround with 8-10% growth in 2024

IANS

Creating a search friendly resume – Here’s how to crack the ATS code

Anagh Pal