SINGAPORE: A Personal Account of Job Searching Challenges

In a heartfelt post shared on the r/askSingapore subreddit, a Singaporean woman has opened up about her ongoing struggle to find employment despite holding 18 years of experience in the IT sector and having recently obtained additional academic qualifications from a local private university.

Her job search experience has been far from smooth. "I've searched through various job portals and got a staggering 407 searches on my profile, yet only six views. It’s incredibly disheartening," she expressed, emphasizing that she has not demanded an extravagant salary but simply sought compensation commensurate with her extensive experience and qualifications.

“I feel lost in the competitive job market. Is anyone else finding it just as difficult to secure a decent job?” she questioned, reaching out for advice from the Reddit community. She sought suggestions on how to enhance her resume to garner more attention from potential employers and increase her chances of landing interviews.

Community Advice

In response, fellow Reddit users emphasized the importance of tailoring her resume to closely match job descriptions. One user advised, “Make sure your skills align with what the potential employer is seeking. If they are looking for cybersecurity expertise and your background is primarily in IT support, your resume could easily get overlooked.”

Networking was another key piece of advice. Many contributors urged her to leverage her personal and professional connections. One commenter echoed the sentiments by stating, “It’s often said that in the job market, who you know can be just as important as what you know. Your resume might end up in a crowded inbox, so a personal introduction could make a significant difference.”

Timing and Market Conditions

Amidst her job hunt, there were also clients who reminded her that timing can affect job prospects. One user cautioned, “Now isn’t the best time to be searching for a job. With the upcoming holidays, it might be more fruitful to resume your search after Chinese New Year when hiring might pick up again.”

In a striking parallel, another IT professional shared his plight on the same Reddit forum, revealing that he has applied to over 1,000 positions since his layoff in January without receiving a single job offer. He lamented that this was his third time facing retrenchment in twelve years due to corporate cost-cutting and changes in operational strategies, highlighting the tough conditions many skilled workers face.

The Broader Picture

With the struggle for employment becoming more pronounced, especially within the tech industry, many are left wondering about the future of job opportunities in Singapore. Will the job market recover after the festive season? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—the road to employment can often be a daunting uphill battle for even the most experienced professionals.