In the Global Talent Competitiveness Index commissioned by INSEAD, Singapore emerged as the best country in the Asia Pacific to attract and develop talent. The Republic’s fifth year on top, the little red dot is filled with opportunities and offers a conducive environment for Singaporeans to fulfill their ambitions. But, with such a diverse, competitive talent pool, the onus is on job seekers to stand out. Here are five habits of successful candidates that can help you score that interview:
Personal branding
Being highly aware of their skills and professional competencies, some candidates easily stand out from the competition by effectively conveying their unique selling proposition. A great personal brand isn’t always about the job applicant, but rather about how well they are able to fill the gaps the company currently lacks. Make sure you know how to present yourself well in your CV, emphasising the qualities that were highlighted in the job description.
Keeping up the momentum
Successful candidates are always on the lookout for suitable positions to apply for and are careful not to become discouraged by any rejections that may come along the way. Similar to day-to-day work, a job search can also quickly become a somewhat monotonous routine. Compared to the occasional application, this routine is exactly what a job seeker needs to increase their chances of getting a call back from a prospective employer.
Being strategically selective
Job seekers need to understand the difference between knowing what they want and being choosy. While being strategically selective may be good when streamlining your job search, being picky without proper justifications greatly narrows your prospect of finding an excellent job. Always do your research and be careful not to focus solely on the cons of a job without weighing them against the pros.
Seek employment in growing industries
Finance, manufacturing, IT and marketing sectors are some of Singapore’s booming industries and will likely to be looking for talent to support them in their growth. Successful candidates find out how their past experiences can be adapted to these markets and use them to their advantage. If the position that you are applying for requires a different skill set, consider picking up relevant courses to increase your chances of getting your foot in the door.
Tap into your network of contacts
Take advantage of your connections and discreetly reach out to reliable industry contacts and former colleagues to let them know that you are currently seeking job opportunities. Don’t hesitate to offer help wherever possible to your contacts when they need them, as this might just be the favour that they will reciprocate in future.
