JOB HUNTING DURING A RECESSION

Does the recession have you down about your job prospects?

Take it as a chance to get your head in the game and get ahead once you graduate.

The global pandemic hit Singapore’s economy really hard in 2020, and while 2021 could only be described as “shaky” at best, the economy through 2022 was showing positive, and solid, signs of recovery. However, the threat of recession is now looming this year, with low growth numbers and rising inflation.

With the potential for the economy to slowly slide back into recession, landing a job may be more challenging. Although safe distancing measures are lifting, a less dynamic job market may not bring about as many opportunities, especially with other graduates and industry veterans moving around as well.

So, although things may be looking bleak, figuratively and literally, it still remains important that you keep things in perspective in regard to your job search process and management of expectations.

Research and clarify

Before you start making plans about your career, research the hardiest industries in tough times and find relevant jobs accordingly. Keep in mind that job satisfaction should still be a priority though!

Liking what you do matters more in the long run than a short-term recession, so do not switch industries just because it offers more prospects.

If you still have some doubts to clear up, ask. Speak to a career coach or simply strike up a conversation with someone wiser and more experienced – they might be able to give better insight into what you should expect from the job market or specific industry once you graduate.

Start early

Even if there is no recession, the job market in Singapore is generally pretty competitive for fresh graduates. As such, the best course of action is to prepare ahead: start working on your network, call up possible leads and expand your resume with relevant work experience.

Do not stop (applying)

Even if you do not hear back from firms you have applied to, keep your momentum going and continue to send out applications. These companies may be reviewing a large number of applicants and shortlisting a select few for their rigorous assessment centres.

Set a daily goal and reward yourself whenever you reach it, whether with a delicious mug of coffee, or sitting down to play your favourite video game. But one of the most important things to remember when you are applying for jobs is to manage your expectations of what you will actually land straight out of school. Try and keep an open mind throughout the job search process as you never know where an unchartered path will bring you further in your career.

Interview processes are long and tedious enough as they are, but add in prevalent virtual modalities, and you have a whole different ball game. Keep in mind that most company hiring processes are not designed to be remote and there are new logistics to be addressed.

Take stock of all your skills and then look for opportunities wherever they may be, even outside your industry of choice. While this may not be ideal for you, when the job market has recovered and you can move into your preferred sector, employers will be impressed by your experience, resilience and ability to leverage your top skills in a different environment.

Keeping your mind open to all the possibilities in front of you may even lead to great job satisfaction as well.

This is something we have all heard before: Make your resume and cover letter look professional. Tailor them to every employer you apply to.

Matching your skills to job descriptions in order to impress recruiters is especially crucial right now, so make sure you send the best version of your resume to the employer you are applying to.

Do not disregard graduate internship opportunities either; work hard and see if you can approach your manager to convert you to a full-time employee when things begin to look up again.

If you have a hobby that could be turned into a shortterm business, you can consider this option, too. Do you like to paint little pebbles? Sell them on the internet. Have a good grasp of English? Tutor children online or create online English papers.

There is no better time to get familiar with video interviews than the present, especially with some ongoing safe management measures. Practise by dressing like you are going for a face-to-face interview to get yourself in the mindset, and keep your tone cheery to get your enthusiasm across.

Above all, tough times are exactly when you should keep abreast of the latest news with regard to the economy, and especially the industry you are intending to enter. This will not only help you plan your job hunt better, but could also be the critical differentiating point to push recruiters to hire you instead of another equally qualified candidate.

If you are looking to earn a little more while gaining some work experience, apply for temp or part-time positions at companies you are hoping to join. Alternatively, you can simply apply for relevant jobs that will give you some insight into your profession of choice – for example, a part-time role as an accounts executive.

However, do not sweat it if your part-time gig has little to no links to your chosen field of study; you will still be able to build on all the invaluable soft skills you have gained for future interviews.

Conclusion

Last but not least, trust that this pandemic and possible recession will not go on forever. There is light at the end of the tunnel; we just have to find it!