Struggling to find a job after returning to Singapore? You’re not alone, lah! Many Singaporeans who’ve studied or worked overseas face a tough time readjusting to the local job market. The struggle is real, especially when your skills are highly specialized or the local market isn’t booming. Don’t worry, we’ve got some tips to help you navigate this challenge and land your dream job.
SG Job Market: The Reality
- Singapore’s job market can be competitive, especially for specialized roles.
I did my PhD in Texas US at a top institution and was jobless for over a year before a really toxic company took me in. I have no advice but to admit that the local market isn’t so tailored for returning talents constrained to specialised degrees more prominent overseas.
- Recent trends show companies are being more selective, and some sectors, like ESG, may not be as vibrant as hoped. ESG is pretty dead in SG. Many returnees find opportunities scarce, especially in niche fields.
Returnee Woes: The Challenges
- The job market might not value overseas experience as much as you expect.
Sorry to say, but your post reeks of entitlement. Just because you are doing a career pivot plus coming from London does not mean you will get a job in just two months with how tough the job market is now.
- Lowball offers are common, as companies know it’s an employer’s market. Many Singaporeans find themselves having to swallow their pride and accept lower pay than they anticipated.
Job Hunt Hacks: The Solutions
- Be flexible and consider underemployment as a stepping stone.
One ex colleague studied master in Aus, do customer technical support job in sme for the first three years after returned to sg, then gradually find opportunity to move to other more prestige job. The point is, whenever market is not at our side, have to be more flexible, adaptive.
- Use SkillsFuture credits to upskill and broaden your skillset. Here got skill futures can use for free. This can make you more attractive to a wider range of employers.
Advice: underemployment is common in overpopulated world. Best is take any job that will hire you, don’t have to be sustainability cos I doubt there are many such jobs either..or teach?
- Network strategically and tailor your CV to local requirements. Highlight transferable skills and address the specific job description requirements.
