Working in India

Working in India, especially in large cities, has become increasingly popular as the country has emerged as one of the world’s leading economies. As the world’s most populous country, India has a market that is also one of the largest in terms of spending power.

As an expat working in India, you will generally feel welcome in the Indian workplace, but adapting to local business culture is crucial. Many companies send their international employees for cross-cultural training to smooth the transition.

Job market in India

Where you choose to base yourself in India will largely shape the job market you will encounter. Delhi, as the country’s capital city, boasts a diverse economy and cosmopolitan environment, while Bengaluru is nicknamed India’s Silicon Valley, and Mumbai is a commercial, entertainment, and fashion hub.

Competition for jobs in India is fierce, perhaps more so now than ever. Although Indian universities produce large numbers of qualified graduates, the supply cannot keep pace with the rapid growth in certain sectors of the economy, and graduates’ level of experience is often limited. Companies search for candidates with appropriate and extensive experience, often found in the pool of skilled international applicants.

India is home to one of the world’s fastest-growing IT industries and is now one of the major exporters of software services. Engineering is another rapidly growing sector, including computer science, infrastructure, manufacturing, petroleum, and steel.

Other major employers for those moving to India include the banking, textiles, and tourism industries. If you have skills and experience in marketing and sales, you will find job opportunities aplenty as companies look to tap into the potential of the Indian market. English-speaking educators can find teaching positions at international schools, but these posts are highly sought after.

Large multinational companies typically outsource professional jobs to India for its lower labour costs. Outsourcing has been received controversially in some Western countries, but it means that numerous international companies have an Indian presence, creating potential opportunities for experienced senior professionals and younger professionals.

As Indian companies look to expand globally, they seek foreigners who are willing to start their careers in India and help the business grow elsewhere. As a jobseeker, keep in mind that, given the competition for employment in India, landing a job immediately isn’t a given.

Finding a job in India

If you are working in India as an expat, you probably relocated through an intra-company transfer, as large foreign multinationals have a strong presence in the country. This is why networking is so important for finding work in India.

For those without any connection in India, job opportunities can be explored using online job portals and social networking sites such as LinkedIn. Online resources provide a good overview of the job market and are usually available in English. Companies may also advertise positions on their websites, so it is worth checking individual company sites.

Recruitment agencies can also assist you in your search for employment, but we suggest ensuring that the recruitment agency is reputable; many recruiters in India charge huge sums of money without any results. It’s best to go with recommendations from industry colleagues and avoid making payments upfront. Relocation companies can also steer you in the right direction.

Once you have secured a contract, you must apply for the appropriate work permit and employment visa.

Useful links

• LinkedIn
• Naukri.com
• Monster India
• TimesJobs

Work culture in India

A major adjustment to India’s work culture is the typical business hours: you may start work later in the morning than in other countries and finish later, too. Working hours are often from 9am or 10am to 6pm, Mondays through Fridays and, for some companies, Saturdays too – plus overtime. Of course, this varies across regions and companies, and you may opt to start work earlier. These hours can impact a healthy work-life balance, so we suggest finding a routine that best suits your lifestyle.

Work culture varies significantly across different cities in India. Metropolitan areas like Bangalore and Mumbai tend to have a more dynamic and fast-paced work environment than smaller cities, which may offer a more traditional approach to business practices.

Recently, there has been a notable shift towards flexible work arrangements, including remote and hybrid models, which have become more mainstream in response to employee preferences. There is a growing emphasis on achieving work-life balance, particularly for expats. Companies are increasingly offering wellness programmes and flexible working hours to enhance employee satisfaction.