Finding your ideal job may feel incredibly difficult. An adage we often hear is “the job market is really tough at the moment,” murmured by people who have consistently been looking for better opportunities but to no success. The reality is that Singapore’s economy in terms of unemployment is relatively healthy and you may just need to tweak your game plan a little to score that dream job.
Discover the five job search mistakes you could be making and how you can turn your luck around:
1. you only use the desktop to apply for jobs
Do you stick to one device to complete a single online task, such as shopping, booking a restaurant or applying for a job? Now, there’s no need for you to switch between devices, which may disrupt your application process, because you can apply directly from your mobile phone or tablet. The best websites are responsive, making it easy for you to navigate through content (and jobs) within the constraints of smaller screens.
2. you don't stay up to date with industry trends
Keeping abreast of industry trends and breakthroughs is just as crucial for people seeking employment as it is for recruiters. Randstad’s Workforce Insights blog has been designed to provide you with helpful hints and tips on everything to do with writing your resume and cover letter, searching for a job and more. It’s a great platform where you can pick up knowledge that you can use to impress potential employers in your next interview.
3. you’re using your daily commute time inefficiently
91 per cent of Singaporeans own a smartphone. If you're planning to make your next career move, use your mobile device to search for a new job on the way to work. Make the most of your commute time – browse our latest jobs and bookmark or apply for the ones that catch your eye.
4. you're taking longer than is needed to apply for jobs
By using your smartphone or tablet as your primary device for job applications, you'll be ready to apply for your dream job as soon as it is advertised. Preload your CV onto your my randstad account or save it on your device as a PDF file, ready to fire off to a prospective employer immediately. If you’re browsing casually and aren’t able to apply straightaway, you may miss out on the chance to interview for your dream job. Didn’t find a suitable role? Fill in this form on your job preferences and we will send you a personalised alert when your perfect job is available.
5. you’re searching hard, not smart
If you’re picking your brain over which words to enter into a job search bar and only relying on this method of job seeking, you’re not taking advantage of Randstad’s personalised search. Our technology gives you relevant jobs through your my randstad account. The website does all the hard work for you by suggesting jobs based on previous searches. This is how we match the best roles to the best candidates.
Looking to make your next career move? Randstad is one of the world’s largest recruitment and HR services providers, and our Singapore office has more than 20 years' experience placing high-calibre mid to senior level professionals in companies across multiple industries. Visit our job listings to apply for the jobs we have to offer.
frequently asked questions
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What makes a resume stand out to recruiters?
A resume stands out to recruiters when it prioritises skills and measured achievements over duty. Highlight your achievements using metrics, percentages, or figures that demonstrate your value. Use specific keywords to highlight your skills and capabilities that have led you to your achievements.
A simple way to make your resume stand out is the smart use of bullet points, font choice, colours, and formatting. You should also check for spelling and grammar mistakes before you submit it.
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How long should a resume be?
Resumes that are two pages long are considered acceptable for middle- to senior-level professionals, as it gives enough space to detail career progression, highlight leadership roles, and showcase a wide range of technical skills or complex project achievements.
If you are no longer a fresh graduate, you should also eliminate older and irrelevant information like your high school results and condense some information like internships from earlier years in your career.
However, some job seekers in industries like legal, life sciences or insurance may include more pages to list published papers and research, as well as technical certifications to operate.
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Do I still need a cover letter?
Yes, you still need a cover letter but the format and content have evolved to fit the preferences of employers and recruiters now. Cover letters are much shorter and concise, focusing on achievements and career motivations to show the value. The cover letter has also taken the format of an email body or LinkedIn message instead of a separate document.
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What are the most common resume mistakes?
With the use of AI, common mistakes like typos and grammar errors can be easily fixed now. One mistake to avoid is to send a single, non-tailored resume to every job as this can often be viewed as a sign of low interest or being unfocused.