“Grad loh!!”
Congrats, you survived college. But now, reality kicks in and it’s time to find your first full-time job. When the celebratory suppers are done, you suddenly find yourself staring at job portals wondering where to even start.
The thing is, no one really hands you a manual on how hiring in Singapore works. Behind every job ad and interview lies a set of unspoken truths about getting hired that can catch fresh grads off guard. To save you the trial and error, here are some insider tips we wish someone had told us earlier.
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In Singapore, we grow up with grades hanging over our heads – from PSLE, to A-Levels or Diploma, and even through uni finals. It’s been drilled into us that the higher your GPA, the brighter your future. But once you step into the working world, that number on your transcript suddenly matters a lot less.
Sure, a strong GPA might get your CV noticed, but it won’t guarantee you the job or success after you land it. The same goes for whether you graduated from a private or local university, Polytechnic or ITE. Employers care more about how you think on your feet, whether you can adapt when things go sideways, and if you’re someone they’d actually want on their team.
You’ve polished your CV, applied to dozens of jobs, maybe even gone for a few interviews – and still, nothing. Don’t panic, it’s not just you. Even if you’re “doing everything right,” it can take a few months before landing your first full-time role. Hiring processes often move slowly – companies need time to shortlist candidates, conduct multiple rounds of interviews, and finalise budgets or approvals. So if things feel quiet, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
In fact, things are looking a little more positive than before. According to the Ministry of Manpower’s latest data, around 9,300 graduates from the 2025 cohort – or 52% – were employed as of June this year, up from 48% for the 2024 cohort at the same time last year. The proportion of grads in permanent roles also rose to 44%, compared to 37% in 2024.
These figures are expected to climb even higher as more fresh grads continue their job search in the months ahead. So, if you haven’t landed something yet, you’re not behind – you’re right on track.
Here you are waving your education certificate up in the air – but hold up. That doesn’t mean you’ll be raking in a 5-figure salary straight away. Starting pay can sometimes feel underwhelming, especially when social media makes it seem like everyone is landing cushy jobs with sky-high salaries. Truth is, those cases are simply not the majority.
Most fresh grads start modestly, and that’s okay. Your pay will grow as you gain experience, or move into sectors that are expanding. We suggest researching the median and average salaries for your positions using data published by recruitment firms.It helps to know what’s realistic in the market, instead of believing people on social media who talk about their 5-figure salaries. For a more accurate gauge, you can refer to the Straits Times’ Singapore Salary Guide 2025.
Image credit: Uchify
Here’s our next tip: don’t dismiss contract, freelance, or part-time gigs just because they’re not labelled “full-time.” A part-time or temporary gig that is relevant to your dream job might just be the gateway to full-time employment. Just think of it as test-driving the job before committing. These roles build real skills, expand your network, and sometimes even open doors to permanent positions.
One way to dip your toes in is through the GRaduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) Programme by Workforce Singapore. This scheme is similar to the earlier SGUnited Traineeships (SGUT), which resulted in close to 9 out of 10 participants securing full-time employment.
The GRIT programme offers structured 3- to 6-month traineeships across different sectors, so you’ll get hands-on industry experience, a stipend co-funded by the Government, and a smoother transition into full-time roles. This is a good option for grads who want something more structured than freelance work, but aren’t ready to commit to a permanent job just yet.
Companies may not always have full-time openings, but during interviews, you can ask if there are vacancies in other teams or related departments. If the company culture feels like a good fit, keep your options open – another team within the same department might be hiring, and you can always explore a rotation later on. Even if the experience feels company-specific, it still adds weight to your resume and shows that you’ve picked up industry know-how.
You know what they say, “your network is your net worth”. Although it may sound cliché, there’s definitely some truth to it. Building connections through internships, LinkedIn, alumni circles, or industry events can open way more doors than firing off cold applications.
A referral from someone in the company often carries more weight than sending 50 resumes into the void. So don’t be shy about reaching out, striking up conversations, or even sliding into LinkedIn DMs. Trust us, most people are more open to sharing advice or leads than you think.
Image credit: Pang Yuhao via Unsplash
Here’s the thing: many fresh grads don’t actually start out in the field they studied. And that’s not a sign that you’ve “failed” – it’s part of the learning process for you to pick up relevant skills along the way towards your ultimate dream job. Career paths these days are rarely linear. Gone are the times when you’d join one company and stay there till retirement.
Your first job doesn’t lock you in forever. Plenty of people start in one field only to find new strengths or passions later on. What matters more are the transferable skills you pick up along the way – project management, teamwork, data analysis – all of which become stepping stones for your next move. During your job search, using real-life examples will help your resume stand out more.
So, instead of stressing about whether your first job matches your degree perfectly, think of it as a launchpad. Stay open, learn what you can, and trust that pivots are part of the journey.
Sure, your grades and CV might get you shortlisted. But once you’re in the interview room, it’s not just about ticking boxes. Here’s what employers look for instead: whether you’ll gel with the team, adapt to the company culture, and bring more to the table than what’s written on paper.
Think less “I must prove I’m perfect,” and more “How do I show I’m curious, collaborative, and willing to grow?”. At the end of the day, someone who vibes well with the team and shows openness to learning often beats out the most technically qualified candidate. A tip when applying for a job is to ask friends who are existing employees or have worked in the company about the culture there. After all, it can be difficult to judge whether you will be a good fit before starting.
And if you’re worried about slipping up, read our handy guide to common job interview mistakes before your next round of interviews.
Just because you’re done with school doesn’t mean the learning ends there. The job market is shifting fast, with fields like AI, green tech, and digital services opening new doors every year.
So when you land your first job as a fresh grad, do identify the skills you’d need to advance in your career. There are various ways you can do so: like picking up a SkillsFuture course, diving into Coursera, or checking out NTUC LearningHub. It’s time to level up your career character so you’re always ready for the next big opportunity.
We know, we know – some of these “truths” might put a damper on your adulting plans. They aren’t setbacks but are part of the process every fresh grad goes through. Here’s the good news: graduates are still being hired, and the job market has plenty of secure opportunities if you stay open.
What really makes the difference is your mindset: being intentional, adaptable, and willing to explore different routes. So don’t stress about having it all figured out on day one – define your priorities, take small steps, and keep your eyes open for what’s next.
For more tips and resources to help you chart your career path, do check out the career starter pack for fresh graduates by Workforce Singapore (WSG).
This post was brought to you by Ministry of Manpower Singapore.
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