The pandemic has disrupted traditional hiring practices and accelerated industry and workforce transformation. That is why in 2020, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Workforce Singapore (WSG) supported employers and job seekers by engaging 240 partners across government agencies, community and industry groups, technology providers and recruitment agencies.
In its 23rd Jobs Situation Report, MOM stated its aims to “build a skills-based workforce, overcome mismatches and missed matches caused by poor skills fit and gaps, and pair people with jobs out in the marketplace today and in the future”.
This skills-based hiring approach lets employers expand their hiring pool to find the best candidate for the job, while giving displaced workers new opportunities in different sectors (relevant qualifications and job titles notwithstanding).
Read Also: 3 Traits Employers Should Look For When Hiring In Today’s Jobs Market
#1 LinkedIn Skills Path
One such skills-based hiring initiative is LinkedIn’s pilot for Skills Path, which will be launched with the support of the National Jobs Council. Skills Path allows job seekers to upskill with free LinkedIn Learning courses and validate these skills with multiple-choice assessments. Jobseekers can then list the skills they have acquired on their LinkedIn profiles.
Jobseekers must also answer interview questions with a video or written submission. Those who pass these steps get an employer call back within 14 days. For employers, you need to be able to tap on the LinkedIn Skills Path to access suitable candidates more easily.
#2 MyCareersFuture Portal
Since the launch of the MyCareersFuture portal in 2018, WSG has worked with technology partners, including JobKred, WCC and X0PA, to tap on their job matching algorithms to facilitate more efficient matching based on jobseeker’s skills, experience, etc. and job requirements.
WSG has also partnered JobScan to help users build optimal resumes that are tailored to the jobs for which they are applying. This technology helps jobseekers ensure that the key requirements indicated in the job posting are covered in their resume.
On MyCareersFuture, MOM has curated career-related content from private-sector recruiters (e.g. Michael Page, Randstad and Robert Walters) and other career resource providers.
#3 Recruitment Portals Such As Monster, JobsDB, GrabJobs, Jooble and Neuvoo
Different job portals cater to different groups of employers and market needs. For example, MyCareersFuture caters to employers keen to expand their local workforce. It also posts job openings from Indeed.
WSG and MOM have also worked with other job recruitment partners as LinkedIn, Monster, JobsDB, GrabJobs, Jooble and Neuvoo to channel job openings to those looking for jobs with them.
Read Also: Top 10 Job and Internship Portals For Employers Hiring In Singapore
#4 Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs)
Many Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) serve as programme partners and managers, working with government agencies to co-create, curate and run programmes that support the jobs and skills development for their industry.
TACs reach out to different business communities, each with their own specific needs. TACs who have supported employers and job seekers who struggled with the economic impact of the pandemic include:
- WSG worked with the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) to drive business-to-business matching under the SGUnited Jobs Initiative. This allowed employers with increased demand for manpower due to pandemic to hire or second workers from employers with excess manpower due to the pandemic.
- The Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) helped roll out the Job Redesign Reskilling Programme for Hotel Industry. The programme helps employers make full use of the down time to transform and get their post-pandemic operations ready whilst retaining and upskilling as many employees where they can.
- SGTech also launched its Career Support Group in August 2020. Providing peer support and mentorship to jobseekers keen to start a career in the ICT sector, they augment the government’s efforts to connect employers to this growing pool of experienced talent.
Read Also: SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways Programme: What Are The Benefits And Who Can Apply?
#5 The Community (Such As Self-Help Groups And Non-Profit Organisations)
MOM’s Self-Help Group (SHG) partners, include the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), the Eurasian Association (EA), the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) and Yayasan MENDAKI.
SHGs have targeted programmes providing job-matching support and are able to equip jobseekers with skills needed to progress in their career. WSG is working with SHGs to further strengthen this role they play by inviting them to participate in WSG career events.
WSG is also working with Non-Profit Organisations (NPO) to get their communities and stakeholders to learn more about employment opportunities and gain a deeper understanding of various business sectors.
Employers Can Look At More Places For Talent Today
When looking for employees, employers can rely on various digital platforms to advertise their opening. You can start with the MyCareersFuture Portal, as well as use LinkedIn and others jobs portals.
At the same time, employers can also work with various communities to provide support – be connected – to jobseekers. You can lend support in various ways as well – you may contribute to the cause of SHGs and NPOs, you can also lend your expertise if they require speakers for various events or you can even approach such communities to kickstart various initiatives.
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