The outlook is promising if you’re searching for a new job or considering a mid-career switch. According to a recent survey by global recruitment firm ManpowerGroup, nearly half of Singapore’s employers plan to hire in the fourth quarter of 2024. This continued a strong hiring trend in the third quarter when employment growth doubled compared to the previous quarter.
The positive trend is expected to spill over into 2025, where Singapore’s labour demand is expected to stay robust, particularly in manufacturing and services.
With opportunities on the rise, now is an ideal time to explore roles that align with your skills, values, and career aspirations. But here’s the deal: While it’s tempting to throw your resume at every job opening and hope something sticks, a more strategic approach goes a lot further.
5 Tips to Finding the Right Fit
Take a moment to think about what matters—your unique skills, values, and career goals. Finding a job that genuinely fits you can make all the difference, bringing more fulfilment to your work and supporting your long-term career health and resilience. Here are some tips we’ve put together to guide you along.
1. Focus on skills over credentials
If you’re looking to switch roles or industries, now is the perfect time. Singapore’s hiring market is shifting towards a skills-based approach, with employers increasingly valuing practical abilities over formal credentials. This opens up new possibilities, even if your background doesn’t traditionally fit a role on paper. Transferable skills and a growth mindset are in demand, so showcase them.
Advanced job platforms like MyCareersFuture can help you highlight your skills and match them with jobs tailored to your strengths, boosting your chances of landing a role where you can make an immediate impact.
2. Prioritising career health and resilience
Career health encompasses job satisfaction, growth opportunities, and work-life balance. It’s about finding a position that aligns with your skills and offers personal fulfilment. Roles that enhance career health often provide a strong development path, fair compensation, and a supportive culture—elements that help you stay engaged and motivated.
Career resilience, or your ability to adapt to changes in the job market, is also key to thriving in today’s dynamic environment. Nurturing career health and resilience will better prepare you to handle industry shifts or economic changes. To build resilience, it’s essential to focus on continuous learning and upskilling.
3. Evaluating the right job fit
With so many opportunities available, you might feel pressured to accept the first offer. However, assessing whether a role aligns with your skills, values, and career path can significantly impact your long-term satisfaction. Consider whether the role supports your development goals, aligns with your values, and provides the necessary resources to grow professionally.
Look for roles that support career health and resilience by offering work-life balance, inclusivity, and the potential for progression. Selecting a role that fits your unique strengths and ambitions will prepare you for a fulfilling, sustainable career.
4. Upskilling as a path to career growth
In a rapidly evolving market, skills in demand today may shift in the future. Lifelong learning is your strategy for staying relevant and adaptable. Whether pursuing a promotion, making a career switch, or strengthening your current role, upskilling showcases your commitment to growth and adaptability—qualities employers value highly.
Use resources like SkillsFuture to expand your expertise in areas that enhance your career resilience. By continually investing in your skillset, you’re making yourself employable today and future-ready.
Move forward with confidence, not haste
Amid this hiring wave, take the opportunity to find a role that genuinely fits your skills and aspirations. Rather than rushing to accept the first offer, prioritise roles that support your long-term career health. Embrace the shift toward skills-based hiring, allowing your unique strengths and adaptability to shine.
Choosing a role that aligns with your goals, values, and strengths is more than a short-term choice—it’s the foundation for a fulfilling and resilient career journey. By focusing on the right fit, continuously investing in your skills, and nurturing your career health, you’re setting yourself up for sustainable success in Singapore’s dynamic job market.
