As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the global and local economy, we’re seeing further layoffs and pay cuts. This comes as new graduates are also entering the job market.

The Singapore government has come up with various initiatives to boost employment, ranging from the Jobs Support Scheme to SGUnited internship and apprenticeship jobs. 

However, for many, job hunting remains a solitary experience, with unanswered applications and interview after interview with no offers. This can add emotional and financial stress on your life. 

Here are some recommendations from experts on how to start or restart your career during this period.

1.  Believe in Your Own Value

It’s important to realise that retrenchment is not a reflection of your ability, but of the company’s challenges today. It’s also important to remember that your job does not define you. It’s just one aspect of your life.

Likewise, not getting a call back or job offer after an interview doesn’t mean your skills are not valuable to the world. So get out there and try again, for a different role or in a different industry. Meanwhile, you can maintain mental resilience during this process with the following innovative solutions.

2. Keep Yourself Updated

Whether you’re a fresh graduate or in the middle of your career, your skills and resume should reflect your digital savvy and play them up according to the jobs you are applying for. If you need a skills boost, it’s a good time to upskill yourself with SkillsFuture or external knowledge providers such as LinkedIn Learning.

3. Prepare for Every Interview

Take time before each interview to research your potential employer, your interviewer and the job details. Find out what their vision and mission are, and how you can contribute to their goals. Don’t rush through your interviews and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Even if the job market is difficult right now, it’s better to find the right company with values you share, than to be disappointed later.

4. Consider Each Opportunity

At this moment, employment offers are constantly changing. Some companies are hiring more contract or temporary staff, and others may focus on increasing manpower in certain departments. Your next job offer may be for a different role in the company you applied to, or a temporary position. It’s important to ask yourself if that is something you’d consider for now, instead of writing it off straight away.

5. Wait Out the Situation

If you can, reduce your monthly expenses as much as possible and try to wait out the current job market. At the moment, with hundreds of applicants for every job out there, it can be difficult to stand out. As the situation improves, job opportunities should also increase and your resume will be more prominent. Try to take on freelance gigs meanwhile, or pursue an interest or passion to strengthen your resume and network. You never know how things might pan out.