New Delhi: A steady pace of hiring is expected in the country in July-September, however, job prospects are weaker in all major sectors and two of the four regions when compared with the previous quarter, HR consultancy Manpower said.

According to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey that covered 5,265 employers across India showed that the country's net employment outlook -- an indicator of recruitment intentions -- stood at 18 percent for the third quarter (July-September) of 2013.

"Employers expect positive hiring activity in all seven industry sectors and all four regions during Quarter 3 2013 but when compared with 3Q 2012, weaker hiring intentions are noticed," ManpowerGroup India Group Managing Director A G Rao said.

Employers have been scaling their hiring plans downwards in the past few quarters, a development which has been attributed to unfavorable market conditions.

"But alongside the crimped demand, our IT sector continues to be the pillar of strength in the current market scenario and job seekers are expected to find a good number of opportunities in the upcoming quarter," Rao added.

Most optimistic hiring plans were reported in wholesale and retail trade sector and the services sector, where net employment outlook stood at 27 percent and 26 percent, respectively and employers in the southern region are most optimistic, where net employment outlook stood at 30 percent.

Interestingly, while more than a quarter of the employers surveyed indicated they will add staff in the next three months, suitable employability skills are difficult to find.

"Candidates require employable skills. It is imperative to impart domain knowledge and relevant skills through teaching methods, pedagogical tools, industry and alumni interface to the graduates to be successful and productive at the work place arena," Rao added.

Job seekers in most of the 42 countries and territories surveyed can expect to benefit from varying degrees of positive third-quarter hiring activity with employers in 31 countries and territories planning to boost payrolls.

Yet the third-quarter research provides little evidence that global hiring plans are improving by any notable degree.

Worldwide, hiring expectations are strongest in Taiwan, Brazil, Panama, Peru and Turkey. The weakest opportunities for job seekers are expected in Italy, Ireland and Spain.

"Employers around the world are growing accustomed to unpredictable economic conditions and are becoming increasingly agile in the face of an ever-changing environment," ManpowerGroup Chairman and CEO Jeffrey A Joerres said.

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