Introduction

In a striking online revelation, a Singaporean woman with a remarkable 18 years of experience in the IT industry shared her harrowing job search journey—one that has left her disheartened despite her extensive qualifications and recently earned additional degrees from a private university.

Job Search Struggles

Posting in the r/askSingapore subreddit, she expressed her disappointment over her job-seeking efforts, stating that even with her rich experience, she has encountered significant roadblocks. She candidly admitted, “I’m not demanding an extravagant salary, just a fair amount that reflects my experience and credentials.” Yet, the results have been discouraging; even after her resume was viewed 407 times on a job portal, she received a meager six profile views.

Community Support

"Am I the only one struggling for a decent job?" she lamented to the community, feeling the weight of her situation. In her plea for assistance, she asked for advice on how to enhance her resume for more visibility and interview opportunities.

Advice from Redditors

While several Redditors replied with thoughtful suggestions, many pointed out that they couldn’t provide targeted advice without seeing the woman’s resume. Nevertheless, they emphasized the importance of aligning her skills and experiences with the job roles she is pursuing. One advised her to make sure her background in IT support was relevant to the jobs she applied for, particularly if they required specific skills like cybersecurity.

“Ensure your qualifications match what they’re looking for,” another commenter urged. “If they seek a senior manager but you’re an individual contributor, you might be wasting your time applying.”

Networking Importance

Networking also emerged as a crucial theme in the responses. “Leverage your connections!” one reader encouraged. “Your personal and professional networks can greatly increase the chances your CV will be noticed among the sea of applicants.”

Timing the Job Search

Some users suggested delaying her job search until after the holidays, arguing that many companies wind down hiring operations during this period. “It’s a tough time to search right now. Your chances might improve once the Chinese New Year is over and bonuses are distributed,” one user noted.

A Broader Context

This woman's struggles resonate with others facing similar challenges in the tech sector. Another IT professional recently shared his plight, having applied for over 1,000 jobs since his layoff in January, only to face rejection. Highlighting an alarming trend, he noted that this marked his third retrenchment in twelve years as companies continue to make cost-cutting decisions and adjust their operational strategies.

Conclusion

As the job market in Singapore continues to evolve, the stories of these seasoned IT professionals underscore the pressing challenges many face in securing employment, reflecting a broader trend within the industry and raising questions about the future landscape of tech jobs in the region.