Are you finding it harder to land that next job, despite applying endlessly? You’re not alone. In fact, six in ten workers in Singapore say their job search has become more challenging over the past year, according to a recent report from LinkedIn. This reflects a broader, global trend where professionals are feeling the strain of a sluggish job market and a competitive talent landscape. As we delve into why the job search is more challenging than ever and how you can stand out, I’ll share strategies that go beyond simply adding a #OpenToWork banner to your LinkedIn profile.
The Reality of Today’s Job Market: More Applicants, Fewer Responses
Job hunting isn’t just difficult—it’s increasingly frustrating. Professionals are applying for more roles than ever before but receiving fewer responses. According to LinkedIn’s research, almost half of applicants in Singapore report being “ghosted” by recruiters, with no feedback on why they were rejected. It’s easy to feel like you’re sending resumes into a void when you’re applying to dozens of jobs and hearing nothing back.
For example, a 30-something digital marketing professional sent out 100 applications in 2024 but only secured three interviews. This experience highlights the reality many job seekers are facing today. But the question remains—what can you do to change this cycle and get noticed?
1. Quality Over Quantity: Stop Playing the Numbers Game
You may be applying for jobs left, right, and centre, but are you tailoring your applications to stand out? LinkedIn’s findings suggest that a more targeted approach can help job seekers gain traction. Rather than applying to five or more jobs a week, consider focusing your energy on roles that truly match your skills and experience.
- Customise your CV and cover letter for each role you apply to.
- Highlight specific achievements rather than listing job responsibilities.
- Research the company’s culture and align your application with its values.
Focusing on quality over quantity will make a more lasting impact than simply playing a numbers game.
2. Leverage Your Network: Human Connections Matter
Online job applications alone aren’t enough. Networking remains one of the most powerful tools in job hunting. Career coaches and headhunters consistently emphasise the importance of personal relationships in the hiring process.
- Engage with decision-makers on LinkedIn.
- Share your work, thoughts, and ideas to create visibility.
- Ask for referrals from colleagues or contacts who know your work.
Headhunter James Koh stresses that companies prioritise referrals, making this an excellent way to fast-track your application to the interview stage. If you can get someone inside the company to vouch for you, it will significantly improve your chances of being noticed.
3. Build a Strong Personal Brand: Make Recruiters Find You
Your LinkedIn profile is often the first thing recruiters will look at when they consider your candidacy. Keep your profile up-to-date, highlight your key achievements, and make sure it reflects your current skills and experience.
- Showcase your accomplishments with numbers or concrete results.
- Add a professional photo to enhance your profile.
- Include five or more skills to boost your visibility.
Job seekers with complete profiles are far more likely to get noticed by hiring managers. According to LinkedIn’s research, users with at least five skills listed are 5.6 times more likely to be contacted by recruiters.
4. Don’t Rely on Job Boards Alone: Look Beyond Traditional Channels
While platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor are useful for job searches, they can be crowded, with hundreds of applicants competing for the same roles. Instead of solely relying on these platforms, consider using alternative job search strategies:
- Attend industry-specific events and networking meetups.
- Connect with hiring managers directly via LinkedIn and offer your portfolio.
- Get involved in professional organisations where job leads are often shared informally.
Taking an active role in industry communities will allow you to build relationships that might lead to job opportunities, even before roles are officially posted online.
5. Keep Learning: Upskill to Stay Relevant
The skills gap is one of the biggest barriers to successful job hunting. Companies today are looking for candidates with a combination of soft skills and technical expertise. If you’re not keeping up with evolving industry trends, particularly in areas like AI and data analysis, you may be missing out on opportunities.
- Take online courses to enhance your skillset (platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning are great resources).
- Attend workshops or boot camps that focus on in-demand skills like digital marketing, project management, or coding.
Keeping your skills current will not only improve your chances of landing a job but also give you a competitive edge over others who may not be actively upgrading their abilities.
6. Think Outside the Box: Consider Gig and Freelance Work
The gig economy is growing, and it’s not just about ride-hailing or food delivery. Many industries—especially in technology, marketing, and creative sectors—are turning to freelance and contract workers to fill specialized roles. This offers flexibility and autonomy while allowing you to build experience in high-demand areas.
- Consider freelancing in areas like content creation, graphic design, or digital marketing.
- Explore contract opportunities to get your foot in the door with larger companies.
- Be open to remote or part-time work that can lead to full-time opportunities.
Freelance work can be an excellent stepping stone to permanent roles and offer more flexibility than traditional 9-5 jobs.
7. Be Patient and Persistent
Job hunting is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. Veteran job seekers like Walter Navarro (a 52-year-old marketing professional) have found that persistence is key. In a competitive market, it’s essential to stay resilient, keep networking, and stay focused on improving your personal brand.
Remember, job hunting is often a waiting game, but with the right strategies in place, you’ll eventually land that perfect opportunity.
Conclusion: Navigating the New Job Market
The job market in 2025 is increasingly competitive, but by adopting smarter strategies, you can stand out from the crowd. Focus on networking, building your personal brand, and continuously upskilling to stay ahead of the curve. Don’t just rely on applying to as many jobs as possible; instead, tailor your applications to the roles that truly match your expertise. Most importantly, remember that persistence and adaptability are key—success in job hunting is often about staying the course and evolving with the changing market.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
