Your questions on SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme (JS scheme) answered
- How do points work in the JS scheme, and what activities earn the most points?
- How can I maximise my chances of finding a job while on the JS scheme?
- How can I stay organised and ensure my activities are approved under the JS scheme?
Job seeking after an involuntary unemployment like a retrenchment can feel like a punch to the gut. Beyond financial uncertainty, you may feel a significant loss of confidence, especially if you have been in the same role for a long time. It’s normal to feel unsure about how to move forward, wondering which roles to pursue, or whether your skills are still relevant in the industry.
That’s where the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme (JS scheme) comes in. Designed to support individuals who have been retrenched or involuntarily unemployed, the scheme provides a structure for you to actively engage in meaningful career-related activities that help your job search progress.
As you participate in these activities, you’ll earn points. Accumulating enough points per month would qualify you to receive financial support. Beyond the six-month support period, you will gain good job seeking habits that will last your career.
To help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence, here’s how you can maximise the JS scheme to motivate you in your job search.
1. Partake in activities that build momentum early and meaningfully support progress
For the first three months of the JS scheme, you’ll earn payouts only when you hit the 10-point target from participating in career-related activities. This initial phase is important if you’re still finding your bearings after a retrenchment and feel unclear about your next steps.
You should use the first three months to set clear directions and develop core job searching habits. Some activities require more effort, and therefore, award more points. Only two activities grant four points each:
- Attending career coaching sessions
- Going for job interviews
We recommend prioritising activities such as career coaching sessions early in your JS scheme journey, so that you can get personalised guidance on your strengths, gaps, and career pathways. If you manage to secure a job interview early, use the opportunity to gauge your interview readiness and the technical skills that are expected for other such roles.
These two activities are essential for setting the direction of your job search, ensuring you are well-informed about roles you plan to pursue. Every interview serves as practice for the next, helping you understand employer expectations so you can refine your approach accordingly.
Additionally, extra points earned will roll over to the next month, giving you greater flexibility to pace your activities in the months ahead, making your job search feel more structured.
2. Incorporate a mix of activities to strengthen your portfolio
Some activities have a maximum number of times from which you can earn points per month. This is designed to encourage you to explore various career-searching options rather than repeat the same activity.
A balanced mix of activities helps you clarify your job search direction while staying actively engaged. For example, a sample month that accumulates 11 points could include:
- Attend a training course on SkillsFuture (two points)
- Network with an industry professional (three points)
- Attend a career-related event, workshop or seminar (two points)
- Attend a career coaching session or advisory services (four points)
This balanced approach ensures you stay active during your job search without feeling stagnant. Over time, these efforts help you build a well-rounded profile with greater confidence, sharper skills, and a clearer career trajectory.
3. Focus on quality applications and interview readiness in the second half of the JS scheme
From months four to six of the JS scheme, the required monthly points reduce to five. By this point, you should have a clearer sense of direction and a stronger understanding of the career path you want to pursue.
You can use this period to focus on refining your resume, tailoring your applications to the job at hand, and preparing for interviews. Every resume sent out on MyCareersFuture or other job portals gives you one point. You can earn points from this activity up to five times per month, which perfectly meets the required number of points required to receive the payout.
Be consistent with your applications, and revisit feedback from earlier coaching sessions to prepare yourself for your job interviews. You’ll find that you’ll be more targeted in finding jobs that better align to your skills and goals. This phase isn’t just about earning points — it’s about increasing your chances of landing your desired role.
4. Stay organised by setting weekly calendar reminders to submit your JS scheme documents
With multiple activities underway, staying organised ensures you lock down point approvals without delay upon submission.
Set aside time to organise all documents, such as course enrolments, completion certificates, job application logs, and networking sessions, into a digital folder. These documents serve as proof of participation for all JS scheme-related activities.
Regular check-ins also help you track your progress via the JS scheme portal dashboard, keeping you aware of completed activities, pending tasks, and which to prioritise next.
A job search that supports you every step of the way
Job seeking after retrenchment or involuntary unemployment is not easy, and it’s normal for the process to feel challenging. The JS scheme is designed to support you through the transition by providing financial aid, guidance, and motivation when you need it most.
With consistent effort and the right approach, the scheme can turn what seems like an uncertain period into a manageable and purposeful journey forward.
It’s common to feel lost and confused after experiencing a retrenchment, and navigating your next steps may feel challenging. But this isn’t a path you have to walk alone. To get the support you need during this transition, visit the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme website to access resources that will help you move forward with confidence.
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