Why Is It So Difficult to Find a New Job in Singapore?
A recent post on r/askSingapore by a job seeker struggling to find employment has struck a chord with many others facing similar frustrations. The original poster (OP) shared that in the past, they could secure a job within a month, but now, despite multiple first-round interviews, they are seeing no follow-ups. With a focus on corporate sales roles, OP expressed concerns about job scams and an increasing employment gap.
Employer’s Market, Not Employee’s
Many users pointed out that the job market has shifted in favor of employers. With economic uncertainty, companies are cutting costs and hiring selectively.
"Employer's market. They have the luxury of choice. Corporate sales are even more limited now because corporates are not spending money. Hell, hardly anyone is spending money in this market." – u/pohmiester
Others confirmed that hiring is slow across the board, even for less competitive roles like retail and F&B.
"Understand that but even not-so-desirable roles like retail or cafes are not hiring?" – OP
"To be honest, these jobs are quite desirable as part-time fillers. Undesirable would be HDB cleaners." – u/Equal-Association818
Comparing to the Past: A Shift in Market Trends
Some users recalled how different the job market was in 2021 when companies were desperate for workers due to post-pandemic recovery and The Great Resignation.
"2021 was an employee’s market. I had 3-5 offers at the same time back then." – u/AizenSousuke92
"Companies were scrambling to hire people in 2021. Now? They are cutting back and being extremely picky." – u/jnt85
Hiring Practices: Fake Listings and Internal Candidates
Several users speculated that many job postings are not genuine. Companies may be posting openings to gauge market conditions, fulfill hiring quotas, or even make it seem like they are growing.
"A lot of evergreen and fake postings exist. Some companies just want to collect CVs for the future or make their investors think they are expanding." – u/Proud-External7239
"Some just post impossible job descriptions, then reject internal applicants so they can let them go without a retrenchment package." – u/Proud-External7239
This has left many job seekers feeling like they are being interviewed just for show.
"Seems some are interviewing just for fun or to get quota for foreigner hires." – u/AizenSousuke92
The Role of Foreign Hires and Government Policies
A few users also suggested that foreign employment policies could be playing a role in reducing job opportunities for locals.
"Recently joined a company. Kid you not, my whole department – PH/IND/ID EP holders, even the admin lady is from MY. Don’t know what’s going on." – u/kingr76
"Govt said that we have a shortage of workers, Singaporeans are at full employment and earning good salaries?" – u/jeffrey745
What Can Job Seekers Do?
Some users offered practical suggestions for job seekers struggling in this market. Networking, upskilling, and switching industries were among the top recommendations.
"If you don’t have a strong network, job hunting at 40+ becomes very painful." – u/worldcitizensg
"Unless you have a strong reputation, it will be very hard to get a job in a market where no jobs exist. Consider upskilling or moving into a different industry." – u/Proud-External7239
However, others disagreed, saying that upskilling may not always help, especially in sales roles.
"Don't waste time upskilling. In my experience, hirers for sales roles do not care about upskilling, reskilling, or qualifications." – u/Independent_Line6673
Bleak Outlook for 2025?
Many job seekers are feeling discouraged, with some predicting that the job market will only get worse.
"Think 2025 is worse than 2024... I have been jobless for over a year now. Feeling very sad." – u/Gold_Battle1590
For those still searching, the struggle is real. Whether it’s an oversaturated job market, corporate cost-cutting, or government policies, one thing is clear: securing a job in Singapore in 2024 is not as easy as it once was.
