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SINGAPORE: Thousands of fresh graduates are expected to enter the Singapore job market this year, flooding a labour pool that is seeing more retrenchments. Industries that are still hiring include accounting, engineering and sales.
Josh Goh, senior manager, Corporate Communications, The GMP Group, said: "The situation has changed. Fresh grads need to prepare themselves. They need to dress appropriately; they need to portray a very enthusiastic, willing-to-learn attitude."
Recruitment agencies said preparation, experience and presentation will help give applicants a winning edge, so internship and knowledge about the company and job matter.
One also has to be prepared to accept a salary range that is on average about 5 to 15 per cent lower than last year.
Despite widespread hiring freezes, a recent survey of some 120 firms by the National University of Singapore (NUS) showed that 90 per cent of these companies will take in fresh graduates. The survey covered industries such as manufacturing, finance, transport and the public sector.
The Singapore Management University (SMU) said some students are delaying their graduation to explore more internships. More have also gone to career service centres for advice, especially those who are hoping to find a job in banking or finance.
Universities, in turn, have revved up their outreach activities.
Loh Pui Wah, director, Career and Attachment Office, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), said: "We are approaching companies such as new and emerging industries that traditionally do not hire fresh graduates. We are also targeting the SMEs, so we are aggressively going out to them to discuss employment opportunities and inviting them to NTU."
Some students, however, remain unfazed about the challenges ahead. Economics major Lim Wensi, who is graduating from SMU in July, is feeling upbeat about getting a job in the tourism sector.
He said: "I'm not overly anxious about not getting a job because I feel there are still jobs out there, especially in the tourism industry. I'm also prepared to do contract work, part-time work during this time until the economy picks up. Well, the back-up plan would be to go overseas to do a Masters."
Observers said contract work can build up crucial job experience until a permanent position comes along.
- CNA/so
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