Singapore’s Economy Shuffle
Remember that sweet spot when the SingFlip was all smooth and the job market was a breeze? It felt like a calm breeze over the Marina Bay. Fast‑forward to now: the pandemic hit hard, and the unemployment rate has spiked to its highest level in a decade.
What’s Happening Behind the Numbers?
• In Q1 2020, 19,900 more folks stepped out of the workforce (excluding domestic helpers).
• The unemployment rate crept up from 2.3% to 2.4%.
• People are tightening their wallets, feeling the pinch.
Job Hunting 101: Pick the Right Field
Instead of chasing the sweeping apocalypse of tourism, retail, food & beverage (F&B), and arts & entertainment—industries that are still nursing pandemic wounds—try snagging gigs where employers are ready to pony up some cash.
Where You’re Likely to Score a Job
- Technology & FinTech – From app developers to cybersecurity mavericks.
- Healthcare & Tele‑medicine – Doctors, nurses, and virtual care specialists.
- Green & Sustainability Sectors – Renewable energy, sustainability consultants.
- Logistics & E‑commerce Platforms – Warehousing, delivery tech, and data analytics.
- Capital Markets & Investment Banking – Investment and risk management roles.
Extra Tips For Your Job Hunt
- Update Your CV – Highlight the skills that companies need.
- Network Like Crazy – Connect with recruiters and alumni on LinkedIn.
- Keep Learning – Upskill in tech, data science, or green tech.
- Be Adaptive – Show you can pivot as market demands shift.
- Stay Sane – Balance job searching with mental wellbeing.
Bottom line: Play the numbers, choose the resilient industries, and remember: in a world that’s ever changing, the best posts are the ones that stick around.
Top 10 industries hiring as of mid-2020 according to Jobstreet survey
What’s Sizzling in the Job Market (as of June 2020)
JobStreet’s latest snapshot is a goldmine of insight for anyone on the job hunt—or for hiring managers who want to stay ahead of the curve. They sifted through a whopping 33,000+ vacancy posts to spot where employers are still throwing their hats in the ring.
Top Ten Bread‑Crumb Industries That Still Need Fresh Talent
- Healthcare – From nurses to tech support in hospitals, the demand for caregivers is hotter than ever.
- Education – Teachers, tutors, curriculum designers – the classroom is buzzing.
- Banking & Finance – Loans, analytics, fintech, the gold rush for financial whizzes continues.
- Government – Public service roles keep piling up, as officials swap policy for people.
- Computing & IT – Developers, cybersecurity, cloud experts – the tech world never sleeps.
- Security & Law Enforcement – This sector’s got a 41 % jump in postings, so if you’re a security pro or a detective, you’re in demand.
- Transportation & Logistics – Drivers, supply‑chain planners, warehouse managers are all on the move.
- Construction / Building / Engineering – Workers and planners building the future are still on the hunt.
- Manufacturing & Production – From factories to quality control, the production line raves for new hires.
- Insurance – Risk assessors, claims adjusters, policy creators – the insurance domain is gathering momentum.
Bottom line? The job market is full of opportunity, especially in sectors that survived the “circuit breaker” slowdown. If you’re looking to jump in, keep your eye on these headline industries – they’re the ones that would probably let you in the door with a coffee and a smile.
Industries worst hit by Covid-19
What the COVID‑Crumble Means for Your Job Hunt
If you’re still feeling the aftershocks of the pandemic, you’ve probably noticed that certain fields are running low on openings. That leaves job seekers outnumbering vacancies by a wide margin—perfect for a friendly competition!
Top Five Industries That’ve Plummeted
- Aerospace: From runway to quiet runways. The sky’s no longer the limit for hiring.
- Grooming/Beauty/Fitness: Less “shampoo” in the markets, plenty of people looking to spring into action.
- Retail: The shops have dimmed, but those who know the shop floor still shine.
- F&B/Catering/Restaurant: Chefs and waiters, you’ve got the world craving your services.
- Event Management/MICE: Conferences and trade shows are now just a name on a spreadsheet.
So if you’re scouting for a new role, remember: a great match could be one of many waiting for the right talent. Stay sharp, keep your resume updated, and let the numbers work in your favor!
Jobs that people are searching for
Job Hunt 2025: Hiring is On Fire
Employers are currently swimming in a sea of talent, thanks to the surge in job seekers. The market’s buzzing, and here’s the skinny on where the demand spikes are.
Data Entry – Jumping at 162% Growth
- Jobs: From administrative assistants to clinic aides and customer‑service crushers, data entry roles are expanding faster than a soda can on a hot day.
IT – A Cool 41% Surge
- Positions: Network gurus, IT project managers, help desk savants, and hardware technicians are all riding the upward curve.
Human Resources – 20% Boost
- Opportunities: Become an HR business partner, employee happiness officer, or e‑learning wizard.
So, whether you’re a clipboard‑clutching “data‑entry diva” or a server‑whispering IT pro, the job market is humming with possibilities. Time to roll up those sleeves and dive in!
10,000 public and private sector jobs to be created
Government’s Big Job Buzz: 10,000 New Positions in One Year
To curb rising employment challenges, the government has rolled out the SGUnited Jobs Initiative, aiming to bring a whopping 10,000 fresh roles into the market over the next 12 months.
Public‑Sector Power‑Ups
- Early childhood education — because every little mind deserves a bright start.
- ICT — tech‑savvy roles that keep the digital world humming.
- Social services — making sure communities get the help they need.
Private‑Sector Play
Partnering with industry giants like Micron and SMRT, the initiative is also cooking up opportunities in:
- Engineering — blueprint your future!
- IT & digital media — keep the pixels flashing.
- Administrative positions — because organization skills matter.
Ready to jump into the workforce? The SGUnited Jobs Initiative is buzzing, and new possibilities are just a click away.
Jobs in finance and tech
Mass Hiring Madness: What You Need to Know If You’re Hunting for a Job
Big Finance & Tech Giants Are Going Full‑Throttle
Imagine a hiring frenzy that could fill a skyscraper’s worth of desks. That’s exactly what’s happening at DBS, the banking powerhouse that’s on a roll to hire over 2,000 people this year. And guess what? More than 1,000 of those spots are tailored for fresh graduates—so if you just landed your diploma, you’re in the running.
Meanwhile, the telecommunication sky‑rockers at Singtel are gearing up to fill roughly 2,000 positions. Of those, 300 are earmarked for new grads, giving the youth a shot at the corporate rhythm.
Start‑ups & SMEs: Small but Mighty
- Secretlab – The premium gaming chair brand isn’t just taking up space on the market; it’s also opening 30‑40 doors for hire. Whether you’re into gaming or just love a good chair, they’ve got a few spots.
- Ninja Van – This delivery sidekick is looking to staff up with 30 vacancies, including entry‑level roles. Got the right hustle? Ninja Van’s got you.
Key Takeaway: Stay in the Loop
If you’re eyeing an upgrade or just want to stay ahead of the crowd, make reading the business news a daily habit. Follow the companies on LinkedIn, set alerts, and keep those eyes and ears open. The next hiring wave could hit your doorstep sooner than you think.
Temporary jobs you can do now
Got Cash, Not Confidence? Why a Temporary Gig in Singapore Might Be Your Ticket to Survival (and a Full‑Time Future)
Let’s face it—jobs that come with a “temporary” stamp are no longer a “great” idea, they’re a lifeline. In a crisis, any paycheck beats none at all. A temp gig can even be your shortcut to networking gold: the people you meet might just give you a referral or land you a permanent role down the road.
Why a Temporary Job Still Wins
- Income on the front burner: Keep the lights on and the bills paid while you hustle on your own problems.
- Build bridges: Every client, coworker, or manager you meet could be a future ally.
- Keep the dream alive: Freelancers or entrepreneurs who’re hitting a slump can ride a temp role until the next wave of gigs ripples in.
Singapore’s Rescue Plan: SGUnited Jobs
The SGUnited Jobs initiative is launching calls to combat job losses. The government is even rolling out short‑term roles aimed at keeping the pandemic’s impact at bay.
For instance, you’ve heard about the $3,800 Covid‑19 test swabber gig from last month? And safe‑distancing ambassadors are being offered up to $2,500/month for a while, plus safe‑distancing enforcement officers continuing to take the test.
Current SGUnited Temporary & Traineeship Opportunities
- HR Executive – Workforce Singapore (9‑month contract) – $2,000–$2,500 per month
- International & Community Development Manager – Government Technology Agency (11‑month contract) – $4,000–$7,000 per month
- Business Analyst – Singtel – traineeship for fresh graduates – $2,500 per month
- Assistant Executive – Correctional Rehabilitation Services, RT – Singapore Prison Service – $2,050 per month
- UX / Graphic Designer – Land Transport Authority (6‑month contract) – salary undisclosed
- Temperature Taker – Tempserv – $8 per hour, 8 hours a day, near Clementi MRT station
Pull your socks up, check the postings, and get in the game—your temporary punch could turn into the permanent slam dunk you were waiting for.
Is now the best time to change jobs?
Staying Put or Jumping Out? A Post‑Covid Career Guide
Work‑Hopping Before Covid vs. Today
Back in the pre‑pandemic era, the job market looked like a buffet—many choices, plenty of opportunities. That freedom has all but vanished. With unemployment trending up and companies shedding staff, the talent pool is becoming a crowded mess. If you’re in a high‑demand field such as software engineering or data science, you’re still a coveted player. But for most of us, the odds now favor employers.
An Exception: Covid‑Hit Industries
If your industry has felt the pandemic sting, it’s time to scout fresh horizons. Don’t wait for the next round of layoffs. Falling into the red can mean a sudden pay cut or a frantic scramble to keep the same workload with fewer teammates.
Salary Reality Check
- Across the board, salaries are tightening as the economy flickers.
- Take a long, hard look at your finances and think about trimming the cost of living.
- Learn to thrive on less—sharpen your budget and upgrade your frugal skills.
Here’s the Bottom Line
Whether you’re staying in place or hunting for a new role, expect the stakes to be higher. The market may be a bit of a rollercoaster, but with smart planning and a pinch of humor, you can navigate the new job landscape without losing your grin—or your sanity.
