As jobs are a top concern for Singaporeans in the Covid-19 crisis, TODAY’s Voices section is publishing first-hand accounts from jobseekers in which they reflect on their experiences and what keeps them going. 

In this first instalment of Jobseekers’ Diaries, fresh graduate Sean Lim Wei Xin writes of the key lessons from his months-long job hunt and how he is pressing ahead despite the gloomy economic prospects.

Searching for a suitable job under normal circumstances is already daunting.

There is so much to consider: Salary, interest, career progression and workplace culture.

You will need to spruce up your resume, dress up for interviews and sometimes take tests. It is also emotionally intimidating when it dawns on you that this is the start of adulthood. 

But the raging pandemic has worsened this experience and affected the global economy. Many firms are barely holding back on retrenchments, let alone hiring fresh graduates like me.

It is the worst time to graduate now.

With a keen interest in communications, I emailed media companies and expressed my desire to work for them. I naively thought job offers would come in readily, given my relevant internship experience and a thick portfolio of articles that showed my background in writing. 

But no matter how colourful your resume is, this is pointless when companies are not hiring. Unsurprisingly, I faced rejections or was ignored. 

What puzzled me during my job search, however, were requirements that are dated or even irrelevant. I came across a teaching apprenticeship programme at a learning centre that required applicants to provide their Primary School Leaving Examination English grade, among other things.

I did well at that national exam, but seriously, are primary school grades relevant to an applicant’s suitability for the role? 

The centre explained that these grades are emphasised for what it called a “technically demanding academic position to teach English and writing skills”.

But I am still unconvinced by the need to list grades from 13 years ago. Even the Education Ministry does not have this requirement to apply to be a teacher. 

I also scanned opportunities under the SGUnited Traineeships programme. It is a laudable move by the Government to provide fresh graduates like me with income and the chance to build experience during these difficult times. 

But I discovered that some basic benefits, such as sick leave and overtime pay, were not covered and depend on the goodwill of companies. Many of these traineeships have similar rigour to that of a full-time job. 

While jobs are important, some basic protection is necessary. Perhaps times are really bad, and I should be appreciative that the Government and firms are offering such opportunities. 

While finding a job now is depressing, I take comfort in the fact that I am not alone. Many friends who graduated this year are also struggling with their job searches.

I reassure myself that the situation is beyond my control.

Also, I recognise my own privilege: My family is getting on fine and there is no immense pressure on me to urgently find a job to support the household, unlike some who may not be well-to-do and need a job quickly.

Thankfully, to get by, I have been doing ad-hoc teaching and paid freelance writing. These are things that I enjoy doing, but I wish to embark on a full-time career soon. 

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Mr Sean Lim Wei Xin, 25, graduated with a political science degree from the National University of Singapore in May, but started his job hunt in February. He has applied for roles in journalism, production, teaching and other sectors.

If you are a jobseeker with a compelling story or know someone who wishes to contribute to this series, write to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number.