India's Recruitment in 3 Key Trends
As India experiences rapid change, its recruiting landscape follows suit. Keith Mascarenhas, Managing Director of Royal Consultants, one of the country’s oldest and most experienced firms, shares insights on three must-know trends for global employers eyeing India's talent pool.
India's ascent on the global stage hasn't escaped the notice of Western countries, particularly in Europe where employers are grappling with talent shortages across industries. Recognizing India’s vast pool of English-speaking professionals and their openness to international opportunities, many HR leaders are turning to the largest democracy in the world for recruitment solutions. Over the past year, Royal Consultants has engaged with numerous companies eager to forge connections between Europe and India, unveiling three key trends in the process.
Trend 1: A slow but steady shift from the Middle East to Europe
While Indian workers have long been a mainstay in the Middle East and Gulf States, comprising the predominant labour force in these regions over the past three decades, both candidates and employers are now turning their attention to the European market. With Schengen-countries facing significant talent shortages across industries and skill levels, India has emerged as a promising solution to bridge those gaps. However, the transition to Europe requires thorough preparation, particularly in language acquisition, with candidates typically needing up to nine months of language courses to attain the required B1 level. Consequently, employers seeking to recruit Indian talent for European roles must adopt a long-term approach, planning well over a year in advance from crafting job descriptions to onboarding candidates into their new workplace.
Trend 2: Social Media, AI, and the Importance of Reference Checks
In today's interconnected world, candidates leaving India to work abroad are increasingly informed, thanks to the pervasive influence of social media. While this heightened awareness has made it easier for talent to navigate cultural gaps and access valuable information of the country and its customs beforehand, it has also opened avenues for potential exploitation. Often, potential employees, especially those from smaller villages or the Indian hinterland, remain at risk of being misled or deceived by fraudulent agents, who promise dream salaries and positions that don’t exists. At the same time, candidates have become more professional in creatively adjusting documents thanks to free tools and AI platforms. For us at Royal Consultant, reference checks have become more crucial than ever, serving as a vital safeguard us and the employers we work for against fraudulent practices and fake applications.
Trend 3: Employee Wellbeing, Labour Rights, and Corporate Responsibilities
Today, Indian job seekers pursuing opportunities abroad exhibit a heightened awareness of labour rights, working conditions, and benefits from prospective employers in the country they depart to. At Royal Consultants, we have witnessed a significant surge in inquiries about those topics from candidates during interviews and prior to their departure, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguarding their well-being, understanding insurance policies, and clarifying work schedules. In order to address any concerns or challenges faced by candidates deployed to Europe or the Middle East after their arrival, Royal Consultant has established a dedicated 24/7 grievance desk, ensuring direct communication channels for immediate assistance in case of any issue or question. We are encouraged by the growing self-assurance among Indian candidates - a sign of professionalism and seriousness- as they prepare to embark on their international journeys with us.
These trends reflect the dynamic recruitment landscape in India, characterized by a growing emphasis on long-term planning, transparency, and candidate welfare in the pursuit of international opportunities. We at Royal Consultants are excited about those developments, and expanding our foothold into Europe.
If you are a company looking for Indian talent, please email us with your requirements at jobs@royal-consultants.com or fill out the form here. We are looking forward to hearing from you!