SINGAPORE: The intense competition for jobs in Singapore has taken a new turn, as evidenced by an alarming post on a popular local forum.

An anonymous user shared that a staggering 725 people have applied for a single vacancy at Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) for the role of Procurement Executive. This phenomenon has sparked heated discussions, with some suggesting that the current job market is even more competitive than the country’s notorious Build-To-Order (BTO) housing application system.

The application in question, which offers a salary of between S$3,000 to S$4,500 per month, has drawn attention not only for its high number of applicants but also for the frustrations expressed by job seekers. The post included a screenshot from Jobstreet, highlighting that the applicant’s submission had been viewed but that there was no guarantee of feedback from the employer.

The ongoing struggles of job seekers have led to comments reflecting on their experiences in the job hunt.

One user lamented, “It’s never easy finding the right job these days. If companies are willing to give you a tryout, you’re considered lucky.” An overwhelming number of individuals echoed this sentiment, sharing their own battle against a challenging job market. One woman stated that she has been searching for six long months, expressing her exhaustion over the process.

While the BTO system, intended to provide affordable housing for Singaporeans, has faced its own challenges, the job market seems to be entering a particularly tough phase.

The comparison made in the forum—though potentially exaggerated—reflects a reality where job seekers feel overwhelmed by the saturation of applicants for each position.

In June, the BTO application rates saw a record-high of 3.1, with just under 22,000 applicants competing for approximately 7,000 flats. Despite improvements in housing supply, this statistic illustrates the kind of competition job seekers are now facing on platforms like Jobstreet, where instances of postings having more than 1,000 applicants are becoming increasingly common.

As 2024 approaches, many applicants have observed that the timing may not be optimal for job applications, but the pressing need for employment keeps many in the race.

Some users have even suggested looking for opportunities abroad, citing Singapore’s limited job market in certain sectors.

In light of these challenges, experts encourage job seekers to diversify their applications, consider upskilling, and remain persistent.

The landscape may be daunting, but with determination and adaptability, finding the right career opportunity is still achievable—even amid numbers that seem almost insurmountable.