Singapore’s financial services sector grew by 6.8% in 2024. However, managing director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Chia Der Jiun expects this momentum to ease in the coming years. This projected slowdown is already starting to show in the job market.
According to the latest Joint Graduate Employment Survey, 84.4% of fresh business graduates secured full-time roles in 2024, down from 88.3% in 2023, and 91% in 2022.
With graduate employment rates declining and hiring momentum slowing, companies are becoming more selective. This makes it increasingly important for fresh graduates to sharpen their edge and demonstrate the right skills and mindset during interviews to differentiate themselves.
In this article, you will learn more about what banking and finance employers look for in fresh graduates, including:
- How to stand out in the crowded finance candidate pool
- What supplementary or advanced skills provide an edge
- What types of courses can help build those skills
- How can one prepare to interview with confidence
How to make your resume stand out to financial-sector employers
According to Claudia Wong, senior consultant, Banking and Financial Services at Ethos BeathChapman, there is no one-size-fits-all resume format.
However, one key principle remains consistent: Hiring managers are extremely busy and often lack the time to read every detail. Therefore, it is crucial that information on your resume is presented in a clear and concise manner.
“An added advantage goes to fresh graduates with degrees in business, banking and finance, accounting and finance, or analytics,” Claudia said.
“The theoretical knowledge gained provides a solid foundation, helping them integrate more easily into roles that require technical proficiency.”
“This is particularly relevant for non-technology roles, where a grounding in finance or analytics equips them to adapt quickly,” she explained.
Claudia also emphasised the importance of internship or work experience, noting that such exposure builds essential transferable skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and time management. “What matters most is seeing how graduates have actively sought out real-world experience and used those opportunities to develop skills they can apply in professional settings,” she said.
Technical and soft skills that give a hiring edge in banking and finance
Claudia believes graduates who combine technical proficiency with strong interpersonal skills demonstrate that they can learn, adapt, and contribute effectively — a balance that can set them apart to employers.
Emerging technical competencies
According to Claudia, several technical areas are gaining prominence. She explained that data literacy and the ability to interpret insights remain highly valued, particularly as banks embed analytics more deeply into their processes. Familiarity with FinTech, digital banking, and emerging technologies is also increasingly important as the sector accelerates its digital transformation.
She added that knowledge of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations is rising in relevance. Therefore, graduates who can interpret and articulate ESG-related information demonstrate readiness to contribute to the industry’s increasing emphasis on responsible business practices.
Finally, Claudia points out that advanced Excel proficiency continues to serve as a practical differentiator, signalling a strong foundation in data handling and analysis.
Soft skills still matter
Claudia emphasised that soft skills remain equally essential. She believes that agility, adaptability, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly are crucial as digitisation, automation, and regulatory shifts reshape workflows.
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She also stresses the importance of strong people skills, noting that collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholders has become a baseline expectation in modern banking environments.
Underpinning all of this, Claudia emphasised: “At the foundation of all these skills is integrity and strong ethics. Employers consistently prioritise candidates who demonstrate honesty and ethical judgment, ensuring that technical and professional capabilities are matched by a commitment to responsible conduct.”
Courses that build the capabilities finance employers look for
Building these skills doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are many courses available that can help you strengthen both your technical capabilities and soft-skill competencies. Here are some courses to consider:
- Data Analytics Using Power BI by SMU
Learn how to acquire, transform, and visualise data using Power BI — enabling you to generate insightful reports and dashboards for data-driven decision making. - Certificate in ESG for Professionals in Banking & Finance: Sustainable Finance and Impact Investing by SMU
Gain foundational knowledge in ESG principles, sustainable finance frameworks, and impact investing. Learn how to assess and integrate sustainability into finance decisions. - Ethics, Financial Crime and Regulatory Compliance in Singapore by NYP
Get practical skills in ethical decision-making, AML (Anti-Money Laundering)/CFT (Countering the Financing of Terrorism), and regulatory compliance. Learn how to foster accountability and integrity in Singapore’s financial services and asset management sector. - Essential Thinking: Adopting a Growth Mindset for Critical Thinking and Problem Solving in the Digital Age by SMU
Cultivate a growth mindset and essential digital-age thinking skills — critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation, and resilience. Turn these insights into actionable strategies for the future of work.
How to make a strong impression during industry interviews
To stand out, Claudia recommends fresh graduates research the company, practice answers to common interview questions, and have specific examples ready that demonstrate skills, achievements, and adaptability.
“Those who struggle to explain their contributions in internships, projects, or part-time work may come across as unprepared,” she added.
Here’s where confidence, authenticity, and thoughtful questions for the interviewer can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. For example, Claudia suggests asking:
- What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?
- How do you measure success for this position?
- Can you describe the team structure and how different functions collaborate?
Finally, Claudia encourages graduates to show curiosity while staying professional, avoiding personal or compensation-focused questions, as well as questions that can be easily answered with a quick online search.
Standing out in today’s competitive job market means showcasing your experiences clearly, developing the right mix of technical and soft skills, taking the initiative to learn through relevant courses, and showing up to interviews prepared and confident.
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