Information Technology services and pharmaceuticals are likely to drive hiring growth in 2013, to fill mid and senior positions, said HeadHonchos.com, a leading job search and career management portal.

"The data in 'Management Hiring: Perspective report 2012', indicate that IT or software services and pharmaceuticals or life sciences could potentially drive the hiring growth in 2013," HeadHonchos said in a release.

Pharma has emerged as a powerful employer, replacing industries like telecom, which saw significant hiring in the previous year, it said.The construction or real estate industry, despite slower growth continues to see hiring, given the infrastructure thrust in the country, it further said.

Foreign Direct Investment ( FDI) in retail, along with providing an impetus to senior hiring in retail, is also expected to provide a much-needed boost to the real estate industry, it pointed out.

Banking and finance is expected to be the dark horse, spurring employment on the back of the Banking Reforms Bill, it said.

In 2012, employers looked most for professionals in IT or software services, FMCG industries and BPO or ITES, followed by real estate and pharmaceuticals or life sciences to fill mid or senior positions.

The data released is based on the searches conducted by employers on the portal during last one year.

Elaborating on the findings, HeadHonchos.com CEO Uday Sodhi said, "Middle and senior management hiring in 2012 was reflective of the less than optimistic business or economic performance. Our discussions for 2013, with employers across industries indicate a revival of hiring for mid-senior management positions, signalling progressive business intent."