Graduating into today’s job market can feel like stepping onto a treadmill that’s already running—and you’re not the only one trying to stay upright. Besides competing with fellow graduates, fresh job seekers are up against retrenched professionals, mid-career switchers and older workers holding on tightly to their positions. Entry-level positions, once seen as a foot in the door, are increasingly being filled by contract workers or candidates with more experience.

The 2024 Graduate Employment Survey conducted by the Ministry of Education shows that 87.1 per cent of graduates from Singapore’s six autonomous universities found jobs within six months of graduation last year—down from 89.6 per cent in 2023 and 93.8 per cent in 2022. Meanwhile, a SkillsFuture report showed that less than 75 per cent of private education institution graduates from the 2023/2024 cohort were employed within six months, with less than half securing full-time roles.

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Even in sectors where hiring remains active—such as healthcare, finance and the public service—the picture isn’t always straightforward. According to the Ministry of Manpower’s labour market report released in June, unemployment rate has risen slightly (2 per cent) despite an increase in the number of job vacancies from 77,500 in December 2024 to 81,100 in March 2025.

So why the disconnect, especially when job portals and government reports suggest there are still vacancies? The reasons are complex: A growing mismatch between classroom learning and industry needs, the rise of AI automating junior-level tasks, real-world experience and soft skills increasingly taking priority, and employers adopting a cautious hiring stance because of economic uncertainty and geopolitical instability.

Whether you’re a uni, poly or private institution grad, there are still smart ways to position yourself and stand out in this challenging climate. From tailoring your CV to reframing unpaid or school experiences into quantifiable value, here’s some practical advice for navigating today’s job landscape with your head up and your game plan sharp.

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TAILOR YOUR CV LIKE A PRO

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One of the biggest no-nos is using the same CV for every application says Marilyn Ho, senior consultant at Robert Walters Singapore. “Candidates should treat every application as an opportunity to tell their story—tailored, authentic, and backed by research. These efforts are still well received and appreciated,” she advises.

Beyond the generic templates, she flags several other issues: typos, bad grammar, overly long CVs, vague clichés like “team player”, and worst of all—copy-pasting job duties instead of highlighting results. “Draw attention to your accomplishments rather than reel off your job description. Think of successful campaigns, new procedures and sales increases. Even if there are no hard KPIs, think about what you can bring to your new employer.”

Don’t leave gaps unexplained either: Job-hopping and unemployment gaps can be viewed negatively. However, these are periods where you’ve learned and developed key transferable skills. Ho says: “Grouping similar roles unde headings such as ‘freelance’ or ‘contract work’ and stating long periods of travel is far better than leaving blanks.”

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF LINKEDIN

LinkedIn is just as important as your CV. Your profile photo, headline, summary and work experience should tell a cohesive story—think of it as your digital reputation. “Every post, comment, and share is a reflection of who you are professionally,” says Ho. “Rather than sharing frequent updates, focus on sharing valuable insights and achievements, as recruiters look out for value-added content.”

For career switchers or new grads, LinkedIn is also a platform to bridge experience gaps. Highlight transferable skills, relevant coursework, volunteer work or personal projects like blogs or campaigns. Linda Teo, country manager of ManpowerGroup Singapore, notes, “These elements signal credibility and initiative. Regularly engaging with industry-relevant content, through thoughtful shares or comments, can also boost visibility and build a distinctive, authentic brand.”

Teo also recommends tracking your LinkedIn Social Selling Index (SSI)—a score out of 100 that reflects how well you’re building your professional brand, finding the right people, engaging with insights, and cultivating relationships. A higher SSI can mean greater visibility and stronger connections.

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

Do your homework: Read employer reviews, speak with current or former staff, and ask smart questions. “During the interview process, it’s important to ask how often check-ins are conducted, how performance is measured, and how feedback is given. These offer real insight into how supportive the management is,” shares Ho.

Researching a company’s recent developments and referencing them during the application process demonstrates genuine interest and awareness, adds Teo. “Candidates who thoughtfully connect their skills to the company’s current priorities tend to stand out, as it shows they are invested in contributing meaningfully.”

Also, come prepared to tell your story. “Authenticity and personal branding are key,” says Ho. “Prepare your personal narrative and motivations, using concrete examples. Rather than offering broad statements, provide specific, relevant experiences related to the role or its scope.”

When it comes to salary, timing matters. Teo suggests talking about money later in the interview stage. “Candidates should approach the topic with transparency and flexibility, referencing industry benchmarks and expressing openness to negotiation.” Try this: “Based on my research and understanding of the industry and the role’s responsibilities, I would expect a range around X to Y, but I’m open to discussing this further depending on the overall package and growth opportunities.”

Remember that interviews aren’t just for selling yourself, they’re your chance to assess the company, too. Look out for signs like high turnover, vague job descriptions, or inconsistent communication.

PRIORITISE PURPOSE OVER PAY

When weighing two offers—one with a bigger pay cheque and another that better aligns with your interests and values—it’s tempting to chase the money. But ask yourself: Which one offers more room to grow? It’s important to note that, as much as dollars matter, when the work culture you’ve entered resonates with you, and the work feels meaningful, you show up differently. The right environment can fast-track your development in ways that salary alone can’t.

“We see more diversity and inclusivity in the workplace with Gen Z entering the workforce,” says Ho. “They are more likely to appreciate and embrace diverse perspectives, which contributes to a more inclusive environment where ideas from all employees are valued.”

Bottom line: The remuneration is important but don’t let it be your only guide. Ask about learning opportunities. Look for a place that supports your voice. And when in doubt, choose the job that lets you evolve, not just earn.

TAKE YOUR SHOT—EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT ‘QUALIFIED’

One of the biggest myths in job hunting is that you need to tick every box in the job description before applying. “In today’s rapidly evolving job market, adaptability is more important than ever,” says Ho. “With industries transforming due to digitalisation and global shifts, the ability to learn continuously and apply knowledge in new contexts is essential for long-term relevance.”

Teo agrees: “Companies are realising that adaptability is one of—if not the—ultimate differentiators. It’s no longer about finding someone who meets every requirement today, but someone who can grow into the role tomorrow. Adaptability isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’—it’s a competitive advantage.”

Soft skills are also taking centre stage. “As AI handles more technical screening, human traits like self-awareness, empathy, and collaboration are becoming key differentiators,” Teo adds.

In other words, if a role excites you and you meet most of the criteria, go for it and show how fast you can learn.