SINGAPORE: A local Singaporean has taken to social media to voice her frustrations in an ongoing job search that has proven disheartening despite her extensive experience in the IT sector.

With 18 years of professional experience and having recently enhanced her qualifications from a private university, she had hoped for better prospects but has faced numerous challenges in securing a position.

Job Search Struggles

In her heart-wrenching post on the Reddit forum r/askSingapore, she mentioned that her salary expectations were modest, merely asking for a remuneration that aligns with her experience and educational achievements.

However, after being viewed 407 times on a job portal, she was disappointed to only receive six profile views, prompting her to question if others share her plight.

“Am I the only one struggling for a decent job? It is disheartening to know that a local person like me is struggling to find a job in Singapore,” she lamented.

Seeking Advice

Her request for advice was hopeful, turning to the Reddit community, particularly to those in recruitment, for guidance on how to enhance her resume to secure more visibility and chances for interviews.

While most responses focused on not having the specifics of her resume to provide tailored advice, many emphasized the importance of aligning her skills and experiences with the jobs she aimed to secure.

One user cautioned, “Ensure your skills are relevant for the job you are applying for. If they are asking for cybersecurity but you only have IT support experience, then the resume won’t make it past the review.”

Networking Importance

Additionally, several commenters highlighted the importance of networking, stressing that personal connections can significantly increase opportunities for visibility among hiring managers.

One user stated, “This is where your personal and professional network comes in! The top people will tell you that it’s all about who you know that will get your CV a view.”

Timing of Job Applications

Interestingly, some participants suggested that waiting until after the Chinese New Year may yield better results for her job search, acknowledging the seasonal nature of hiring practices.

“It’s a really bad time to search right now… you’ll have more luck after CNY when people are leaving after the bonuses,” a user advised.

Facing a Broader Challenge

This isn’t an isolated case. Another IT professional recently reported an alarming situation where, since his layoff in January, he had applied to over 1,000 positions without securing a single offer.

This marked his third retrenchment in twelve years, attributed mainly to cost-cutting measures and appealing shifts in employer strategies.

Competitive Job Market

As the job market continues to grow increasingly competitive, especially within the tech industry, stories like these prompt a broader discussion about the challenges faced by experienced professionals in Singapore amidst economic uncertainties.

Will networking and timely job searching strategies improve their chances for employment, or is the landscape facing a more significant challenge? Only time will tell.