Latest news with #jobseeker
Independent Singapore
08-07-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Job-seeking S'porean who worked 7 years in cybersecurity is now struggling to even get an interview
SINGAPORE: A local Reddit user shared the troubles they are facing as a job seeker. Although they have seven years of experience in cybersecurity, they are now struggling to even land a job interview. They're about to lose their job in a few weeks and are feeling immense pressure. In a Jul 7 (Monday) post on r/askSingapore, u/Resident-State-1934 wrote that they majored in cybersecurity both at their undergraduate and master's levels. They also have a few industry certifications. In addition, they have good reviews and feedback from their former employers, having worked at three companies in the past seven years. However, although they've been 'applying like crazy' for an entire year now, they're getting hardly any interviews ' In fact, most rejections are literally AI,' they wrote, adding that they 'tried everything,' including two different resumes from Fiverr, one based on a recruiter's advice and the other from a more senior worker in the cybersecurity industry. In the past year, they've only had three interviews, of which only one was promising, but they did not land the job. The other two did not even fit his qualifications, and he wondered why they were interviewed for the position at all. 'Other than this, I've literally got no prospects, and I'll be out of a job in 6 weeks. Yes, I'll keep trying, but it's really frustrating,' they added. A number of commenters on the post have encouraged u/Resident-State-1934 to further polish their resume in addition to the tweaks they've already done. 'NUS/NTU kids are already graduating with OSCP/ OSCE3 and a few SANS certs; gotta remember you're up against them who are probably willing to take a lower pay. 'I really recommend zhnging up your resume with a few certs while still applying, it's not an industry where you can be stagnant,' one wrote. 'I would suggest you pause the cold applications for a week. Instead, identify 10 to 20 companies hiring in your space, then reach out directly to their TAs, team leads, or hiring managers on LinkedIn. You'd be surprised how much more effective this is than spraying resumes into the void. 'The market is brutal right now. Even very strong candidates are stuck. AI filters, keyword bias, and soft discrimination are real, but don't let that devalue you, you just gotta beat the system a little smarter. 'I've been on the hiring side before in the internet/tech industry, so if you're open to it, I'd be happy to help review your resume and give honest feedback,' another advised. 'How? I've only had two years of experience and a Sec+, and I had 17 interviews in a span of three months. Make your resume more human, and don't 'optimise' till it's too sterile (eg, full of technical jargon). Cyber roles are filling the market now, and with your expertise, you should be getting calls pretty quickly. Also, you can consider taking your CISSP, or other equivalents to boost your resume hit rates,' one commented. Another reminded the post author that they're still better off than others. 'Many here are unemployed for six to 12 months or longer, and you are only going to be out of a job in six weeks, which is better than a lot of us here. I'm personally at the one-year mark of being unemployed, 12 YoE in total, and interviews normally go to 2nd-4th rounds on average. Don't beat yourself up, the current market, especially in tech/IT, is brutal, and so many experienced candidates like you and me vying for 1 role.' /TISG Read also: Johor to expand internet, boost 5G, cybersecurity, and digital literacy under RM300M funding
Independent Singapore
30-06-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Jobseeker says he's applied for over 100 roles in six months but received only two interviews
SINGAPORE: A local jobseeker recently opened up on Reddit about his struggles to find work in the tech industry, saying that he's been unemployed for nearly six months despite applying for non-engineering roles. In his post on the r/askSingapore subreddit, he wrote, 'I left my previous role due to a psychotic boss and overwork. I've been unemployed for almost six months now. Took the first two months to relax and clear reservist. Unfortunately, I'm now in a situation where I've sent out over 100 applications but only received two interviews so far—one of them for a contract role.' He also mentioned that while he's still financially stable for now, it's not something he can keep up for much longer. He's also starting to get anxious about the growing gap on his résumé and how it might affect his chances going forward. 'I'm worried about the six months block on the resume,' he said. 'Know some people have already posted here, but any insights from people who made it through, anyone stuck in the same boat who recently succeeded in getting out? Any fellow unemployed and struggling?' 'There are lots out there struggling.' In the comments, one Singaporean Redditor shared that a few of their ex-colleagues went through the same thing. 'They were in tech sales and left due to toxic management. One got a job almost immediately, but she joined a small local outfit. Definitely took a pay cut. Another was out of the job for a year before getting an offer,' they wrote. 'Their experiences range from 10 to 25 years, so yes, there are lots out there struggling, and that's the main problem; you're competing with many more experienced jobless people along with more experienced people who simply want to job hop and those who are doing internal transfers.' Another offered a more optimistic view, saying that a six-month gap on a résumé can be framed positively. 'A gap of six months or more on your resume is a career break. Many tech companies tend to be progressive and are generally open to such breaks. If you had meaningful or interesting experiences during this time, it is definitely worth highlighting them. It could even help you stand out.' See also MOM reports decrease in retrenchments, growth in employment for Q3 A third added, 'Tech firms bloated salaries to be honest, prepare for pay cut in non-tech sectors. Good luck!' In other news, a 27-year-old woman shared on social media that she went through one of the strangest job interviews she's ever had. Posting on a local forum, she explained that she had applied to a well-known company and was initially impressed by how friendly the interviewers seemed. However, things quickly took a bizarre turn when the questions veered away from her résumé. Instead of focusing on her work experience or skills, the interviewers asked about her blood type, horoscope, Chinese zodiac sign, and even whether she watched Korean dramas. Read more: Jobseeker confused after interviewers ask about blood type, zodiac sign and K-drama habits instead of her experience Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
Independent Singapore
26-06-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
‘Is this normal?' SG jobseeker puzzled after SME asks for payslip and verbal commitment without written offer
SINGAPORE: A jobseeker recently shared on Reddit that he had a strange and uncomfortable experience during the hiring process with a local SME. In a post on the r/askSingapore forum on Wednesday (Jun 25), the jobseeker said the company asked him to bring his payslip to the very first interview, which already felt like a 'red flag.' During the interview, the hiring manager also mentioned that overtime was 'very normal' in their company, which added to his concerns. But the biggest surprise came after the interview. The HR representative told the jobseeker that if another company offered him a higher salary, the SME would not proceed with the hiring. They also said that if he wanted a written offer, he would need to 'verbally commit' first and reject all other job opportunities he was considering. The jobseeker found this unreasonable and explained that he could not make a decision based on just a verbal offer, especially when he had not seen the full contract. He also mentioned that at that point, he still had no information about things like leave, benefits, or working hours. In response, HR simply told him that 'the leaves and benefits are all normal' and tried to move on. Eventually, HR agreed to send the written offer. But three weeks have passed and the candidate has yet to receive any update. Puzzled by the experience, he asked other locals in the forum, 'Is this normal with SME companies in Singapore? Does anyone have any SME experiences to share?' 'Go find something better, please.' In the comments, most users agreed with the jobseeker and said the company was a 'huge red flag.' Many felt it was totally unreasonable to ask for a payslip during the first interview, let alone expect someone to commit without even seeing a proper offer. A lot of people told him to just move on and find a better employer. One person wrote, 'Red flag! And it's just verbal offer, I ever encounter before. Then they ghosted me. There's no point waiting for them, just keep sending resume and attend interviews.' Another commented, 'Move on. They want to hide information and make their hiring process more tedious, that's their problem.' A third added, 'LOL. Haven't even started work and they are already saying OT is very normal? Someone trying to gaslight you. What SME is this? Very good pay or prospects? If no, then who do they think they are? Go find something better please.' It's worth noting that an individual is only considered an employee after signing a contract of service. Also, according to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), if someone decides not to turn up on their first day of work, they should inform the employer as soon as possible and try to resolve the matter politely by explaining the reason if they can. In such cases, the employer is not allowed to claim notice pay or any compensation under the Employment Claims Act, since there is no official employment relationship yet. Read also: Man questions if he's being exploited after becoming a 'one-man marketing team' for five brands Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
Independent Singapore
25-06-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
‘Too young to lead? Too expensive to hire': 26-year-old jobseeker says her age, past job titles, and salary expectations are putting off potential employers
SINGAPORE: A 26-year-old jobseeker recently shared on Reddit that her age, past job titles, and salary expectations are putting off potential employers. In a post on the r/askSingapore forum, she explained that she has spent the past six years building her career in marketing, gaining experience through both in-house roles and freelance projects. Her resume includes titles like 'Senior Marketing Executive/Assistant Marketing Manager in MNCs or Marketing Manager positions in SMEs,' where she was involved in everything from strategy to execution. During her university years, she also ran her own freelance digital marketing business, working with over 20 clients. Altogether, she's built up a solid portfolio featuring 'more than 80 campaigns and projects.' Despite her solid track record, she said many hiring managers seem unsure about how to assess her profile. The combination of her age and senior-sounding job titles has raised eyebrows in interviews. For instance, she received pieces of feedback like, 'You're so young and already a manager?', 'Why are you applying for a Senior Executive role when you've already held Manager positions?', and 'Not sure if you're ready to lead, you'll be managing people older than you.' She continued, 'And worst of all, when it came to salary negotiations, one hiring manager literally laughed in my face and said: 'You're asking for so much. People your age usually only earn S$3.5k–4k.' My current salary: S$5.2k before CPF.' According to her, the manager titles weren't just for show. At her past SME jobs, she had to wear multiple hats and even led small teams of three to four people. She believes the titles were fair based on the scope of work and responsibility she carried. Still, she's realistic about the fact that joining a larger organisation might mean starting at a more junior level, such as Assistant Manager or Senior Executive. 'I fully expect that my 'rank' would drop,' she said. 'And honestly, that's not a big problem for me. The title doesn't matter as much, I'm more focused on the scope and opportunities.' Looking for advice, she asked other locals, 'Should I downgrade my job titles on my resume? I know that adjusting my titles might affect future salary negotiations. I've worked LIKE A DOG the past six years and I really don't want to undersell myself la… even if I'm okay with a lateral move or slight pay cut given the current market.' 'Would love to hear your thoughts, especially if you've faced age-related bias, or had to make similar decisions when it comes to resume strategy.' 'No, don't downgrade your titles. You earned them.' In the comments, many Singaporean Redditors discouraged the jobseeker from changing her previous titles just to appease recruiters and potential employers. One said, 'You can show humility during the interview, but never undersell yourself for the things you have accomplished. Dare to command the premium because you should be confident in what you have done and achieved in your previous role, regardless of whether it is an MNC, SME, or a start-up.' Another commented, 'My honest take? No, don't downgrade your titles. You earned them. In SMEs, wearing multiple hats and leading small teams is normal, and that experience counts. Downgrading your title might help in the very short term with gatekeeping hiring managers, but long term, it risks underselling yourself.' 'Also… that hiring manager who laughed at your salary ask? That was just unprofessional and probably projecting or even salty. In a decent MNC or high-growth startup, S$5.2k isn't even that crazy.' A third echoed this sentiment, stating, 'Ignore the hiring manager who said you're asking for so much. Outdated mindset and stuck in the past. In MNCs, S$3.5-4k is fresh grad pay right now.' Is it okay to tone down your resume to get a job? Some job seekers wonder if they should tone down their resumes or tweak their job titles to avoid looking 'overqualified' for certain roles. But according to career experts, that's not a smart move. Former Disney executive Carrie Stone says misrepresenting your credentials can seriously backfire. She told Monster , a global employment website, 'We do not recommend that job seekers hide relevant information. If job seekers misrepresent credentials, they are seen as dishonest, and employers will question their integrity.' William Finlay, a sociology professor at the University of Georgia, agrees. He explains that fudging your past roles or experience is often a 'deal breaker because it calls the candidate's honesty into question.' So what should you do instead? Instead of toning down your resume, experts say it's better to tailor it to the role you're going for. According to certified professional resume writer Tracy Parish, your resume should be 'custom-designed' for each job you apply to. This means listing down all the skills that actually matter for the position and showcasing the qualities/traits the company is likely looking for. Also, if there are parts of your experience that don't apply to the role, you don't have to include every single detail. It's okay to leave out unrelated positions or accomplishments if they don't add to your case. And don't forget the cover letter. Stone says this is where you can address any potential concerns upfront (like your level of experience or age) and reframe them as assets. Read also: Singaporean says he's not having kids due to high cost of living and climate change: 'Don't see much hope for this world' Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)
Associated Press
24-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Aerotek Survey Reveals Evolving Job Seeker Concerns Regarding Economy and Skills Development
Over 70% of respondents expect employer-provided skill development opportunities HANOVER, Md., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aerotek, a leading provider of workplace solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance, announced today the release of its Job Seeker Survey: Q2 2025. The survey offers new insights into how the economy is impacting job seekers' searches, motivations and desired skill development. Aerotek surveyed more than 2,600 recent job applicants to better understand job seekers' sentiments in today's labor market. The Job Seeker Survey: Q1 2025 marked the start of Aerotek's 2025 report series, with respondents initially expressing optimism about their job searches and long-term career prospects. The latest findings, however, show a notable decline in positive sentiment. Thirty-four percent of job seekers now believe their chances of finding a quality job are worse than they were a year ago — a 14-point increase from Q1, signaling growing uncertainty in the job market. Economic Barriers Limit Job Seekers' Progress Companies are slowing down their hiring processes and retaining existing employees longer, contributing to a significant drop in worker optimism about finding quality work. According to the survey, 55% of job seekers feel the economy is the biggest barrier to achieving their career goals. Additionally, 16% identify 'gaps in employment history' as their most significant job search barrier, marking a 10-point increase since Aerotek's Q1 2025 survey — the highest level recorded in the quarterly series. Job Searches Growing Longer and More Competitive Survey results indicate that job searches are lasting longer, with 34% of respondents saying they have spent at least six months looking for work. This aligns with broader trends showing a slowdown in hiring activity in 2025. Additionally, more than 25% of job seekers expect to submit 50 or more applications before securing a position. This marks a slight increase from the previous survey and suggests job searches are requiring more time and effort. Skill Development Expectations Are Shaping Job Choices Job seekers increasingly expect continuous learning and skill-building opportunities from their employers. In fact, 73% of respondents expect employers to provide opportunities to acquire new skills, and more than 25% have left a job due to insufficient skill development. For companies seeking to improve their retention rate, providing skill development opportunities is essential. This is particularly important for those in industries challenged by the skilled labor shortage as a significant portion of skilled trades professionals retire from the workforce. Leadership and Technical Skills Are Top Priorities for Job Growth When asked about the skills they most want to develop, job seekers identified leadership as the top soft skill, with 29% aiming to improve in this area. On the hard skills side, nearly half (48%) expressed a strong interest in enhancing their technical proficiency related to their specific field, such as machinery operation, welding or electrical work. 'Our latest survey data shows that despite economic uncertainty and longer job searches making the labor market more challenging, job seekers remain focused on developing new skills to improve their prospects,' said Bill Ruff, vice president, strategic sales at Aerotek. 'Employers who invest in training and development will be best positioned to attract and retain top talent in this evolving landscape. Ongoing training also plays a key role in closing skill gaps and preparing for workforce changes, including the retirement of experienced workers.' For more detailed findings and insights, view Aerotek's Job Seeker Survey here. To learn more about Aerotek and its staffing and services solutions, please visit About Aerotek Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 14,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an operating company within Allegis Group, a global leader in talent solutions. To learn more, visit: | 1-888-AEROTEK. About the Research Aerotek's Job Seeker Survey was conducted as an independent online survey to understand what job seekers want. More than 2,600 job seekers were asked about their career ambitions and employer preferences. Respondents were located in the U.S. and Canada and completed the survey in April 2025. The survey targeted job seekers who have applied for work since March 2025 and were seeking jobs in the sectors Aerotek serves, including manufacturing, robotics and automation, facilities and maintenance, distribution and logistics, construction and other industries. When you need help building and managing your workforce, contact us. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Aerotek
