Retrenched due to COVID-19? Here’s how you can find a new job fast.
As Singapore gradually opens up businesses and services after the Circuit Breaker, many workplaces are still feeling the negative effects of the global pandemic. In a Singapore Survey Report conducted by JobStreet among over 5,000 candidates in May 2020, it was found that 23% of employed Singaporeans pre-pandemic had been permanently retrenched. That’s equivalent to 2 out of 5 Singaporeans who lost their jobs due to the crisis.
Of those Singaporeans permanently retrenched or laid off, those who were not working full-time bore the brunt, making up 58% of the total. Those who had tenures of less than 12 months (48%) were also negatively affected, as were those employed by workplaces with only up to 50 employees (51%).
Get employed fast when hiring resumes in the next few months
With phase two of Singapore’s reopening now in place, most businesses and services are now allowed to operate—but within certain safety parameters. As such, freeze-hiring will definitely ease up within the next few months.
Roles that are most likely to be in demand are expected to come from the following sectors:
sales/customer service/business development (30%),
admin and HR (19%),
and engineering (16%).
Find a role that fits your qualifications here. Or, you can take a look at what industries or companies are hiring right now.
How to ensure you find a new job fast when companies begin hiring? Here are some quick tips:
Figure out what you want in a job.
Make a list of all your qualifications for an ideal job: title, salary, moving-up opportunities, location, benefits, etc. This will help you zero in on the companies that do have any or all of these factors and get you closer to the job you really want.
Update your resume.
Don’t just click “apply” to all the jobs you think you can vie for in rapid-fire succession. Take a look at your own resume first and see where you can update your own qualifications and achievements. You may have taken seminars or upskill certifications in your previous job, which may make you more desirable to future employees. You can also look at where you can sharpen your existing cache of capabilities. Whatever new skills you learn, include those in your resume and your JobStreet profilev.
Upgrade your tech know-how.
Now that everything and everyone is going online, are you updated on the latest skills, software, and apps being used in the job market? It always helps if you upskill yourself in terms of knowledge in tech, as many hirers will be looking for candidates who are easier to train and integrate into their systems. Don’t forget to include improving even the most basic of tech skills, like video conferencing. Upgrading your tech know-how will definitely make you more employable.
Use job-hunting tools that will make you stand out.
Now that opportunities are starting to open up again, there will most likely be stiff competition among job candidates—especially those who were negatively affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Make sure you’re aware of any and all tools you can use that will help you find employment—fast.
With #WorkNowv, you can make it easier for employers to zero in on your profile and know that you are immediately ready for hiring. Simply click on “Additional Info” in your JobStreet profile then add the hashtag above.
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As a steadfast partner to employers and candidates, JobStreet has launched the campaign #TogetherAhead, with a specially set up COVID-19 Employment Solutions Hub to offer guidance to both businesses and individuals through this crucial time.
#TogetherAhead, we rise above our challenges.
