New Delhi, Jun 1 (KNN) The Diploma Holders have higher chance of getting a job than an engineer for a technical position in an MSME, highlights a survey.

The TMI Group conducted the MSME Hiring Sentiment Survey in April 2016. The survey was administered to 200 MSMEs across multiple industries in the state of Telangana. Cities covered – Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Nizambad, Suryapet & Warrangal. The objective of the survey was to gauge the hiring sentiment of the MSME employers.

The survey revealed that the MSME segment is extremely positive regarding the hiring intention in the coming 6 months that is April to September, 2016 period. 72% of the companies surveyed have said that they will definitely be hiring.

“A staggering 91% of the respondents have said that as compared to the last 6 months, the rate of recruitment is going to increase,” highlighted the Survey.

The maximum hiring is going to happen at the Entry and Mid-levels. So freshers and professionals with 3 to 7 years of experience must look out for opportunities in the MSME sector. Both these levels put together is going to make 77% percent of the recruitment numbers in the MSME segment.

At 43.1%, internal referrals are the most effective method of hiring. 29.9% of the respondents swear by newspaper ads and classifieds to be their most effective hiring method.

Recruitment consultants and job boards score low, maybe due to the fact that they are perceived as expensive. Due to low employer brand, natural walk-ins to the office also scores very low, said the Survey.

In a surprising response, the TMI Survey highlighted that 67% of the MSMEs would hire a Diploma Holder for a technical position and not an engineer. It means that Diploma Holders have a very high chance of employment in the MSME sector. They can work with employers who are looking forward to work with the Diploma Holders.

34% of the respondents have said that sales and marketing are the most difficult positions to fill. Accounts professionals and customer care executives ranked second and third respectively.

When asked about the awareness on Apprentice (Amendment) Act, 2014, the majority of the respondents were not aware of the Apprentices (Amendment) Act, 2014 , i.e. 73% of them responded in the negative when asked about the it.

The top 5 industries surveyed were Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing, ITES/BPO/ KPO/Medical Transcription, Retail/Retail Store, Pharmaceuticals/Drugs, Hotels/ Restaurants/Resort. (KNN Bureau)