We spoke to Sharron Foo, team lead of sales, marketing and retail at Adecco Singapore, about current hiring trends and industry-specific interview questions. She shares her insights here.
Can you share on the current hiring trends for your particular industry of expertise? What are employers looking for, what’s the industry outlook, and what are the skills they are prizing?
Sharron: Singapore’s media and creative industries are now buzzing with energy. There’s been a big push for fresh ideas and digital content, and it’s paying off—between 2017 and 2022, the industry grew by almost 50%. That means more opportunities for people who want to work in this exciting space, whether in content creation, design, marketing, or storytelling.
Much of this growth is due to support from government programmes that help with funding, training, and encouraging innovation. Singapore is now a global creative hub, attracting companies and talent worldwide.
Regarding hiring, employers are looking for people who are comfortable with digital tools and can adapt quickly. Skills like social media management, video editing, content writing, and digital marketing are in high demand. You’ll fit right in if you continuously learn and enjoy keeping up with new trends.
What are some of the industry-specific questions that tend to be asked during interviews in your industry, and how are they best answered?
Interviewers often want to know how you stay current and handle the industry’s fast pace. A good way to answer is to share where you get your inspiration from—maybe you follow certain websites, attend webinars, or are part of creative communities. You can also mention any courses or certifications you’ve taken to upgrade your skills. This shows you’re committed to growing.
They might also ask how you manage your time, especially when juggling multiple deadlines. Describe a real example of a project where you had to stay organised and ensure everything was done well and on time. Talk about how you prioritised tasks, worked with others, or adjusted your plans when needed.
If they ask about tools, don’t simply list them—explain how you use them. For example, you might say you’re comfortable with Adobe Photoshop or Premiere Pro, then give an example of a project where the tool helped you deliver a great outcome.
Are there any particular jobs in your industry that also have very specific questions, and how are they best answered?
Yes, different jobs usually come with other types of interview questions. For example, if you’re applying to be a Creative Director, you might be asked how you lead a team and bring everyone together to work towards the same vision.
It helps to share how you set clear goals, encourage open communication, and create a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas. Talk about a time when your leadership helped the team create something meaningful together.
If you’re aiming for a role as a Social Media Manager, expect to be asked how you measure whether a campaign worked. A good answer would be to mention using tools like Google Analytics or Instagram Insights to track things like likes, shares, and clicks, as well as how many people acted after seeing the post. Give an example of a campaign you worked on and what were the results you saw.
For jobs like Graphic Designer or Video Editor, you might be asked about the software you use and how you visually bring a story to life. You could describe how you use programmes like Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects, and explain how you use music, colour, and transitions to make your work more engaging. Giving a specific example of a project where your editing made a big difference greatly helps.
Are there any situational questions that tend to be asked for your industry, and how are they best answered?
Yes, these are common. You might be asked to talk about a time when someone gave negative feedback on your work, or when you had to meet a tight deadline.
For feedback, it’s okay to admit that it can sting at first but also show how you took it in stride. Maybe you had a project where the client didn’t love your first version. Explain how you listened to their feedback, adjusted your work, and made it better while keeping your original idea in mind. This shows that you’re open-minded and not afraid to grow.
If you’re asked about working under pressure, share how you kept things on track even when the clock was ticking. Maybe you broke the project into smaller tasks, focused on what mattered most, or worked closely with your teammates to make it happen. It shows you can stay calm and deliver when it counts.
Are there any technical or skill tests (written, hands-on or project) that could be accompanied with an interview has part of the hiring process for any roles in your industry? What are they usually like, and what is the best way to approach them?
Being given a task or test during the hiring process is quite common. For example, you might be asked to write a short content, edit a video, design something using a specific tool, or even develop a mini campaign idea. Sometimes, especially for more technical roles, you could be asked to do a coding task or work on a simple user interface design.
The best way to handle these tests is to be prepared. Ensure you’re comfortable using the tools commonly used in the role and stay up-to-date with industry developments. Read the brief carefully so you know exactly what’s expected and manage your time so you’re not rushing at the end. Focus on doing something clear and thoughtful, showing your skills and how well you understand the audience or brand.
A little preparation goes a long way. Remember, these tests are just a way for employers to see how you think and create, so take a deep breath, do your best, and let your creativity shine.
This article was done in collaboration with Adecco.
