Tunnel vision hinders growth in Singapore

Skills shortages remain an ongoing challenge for many employers in Singapore, yet there is one underutilised strategy that employers could consider to help overcome this skills gap, and that is candidates with transferable skills.

Too often we see Singaporeans being trapped in career silos because they don’t believe they can cross industry boundaries. At the same time, the situation is compounded by employers that do not consider the transferable skills of candidates who could support their growth plans.

This is despite the ongoing skills shortages, which remain a factor in Singapore. Those employers that take steps to overcome this skills gap by becoming more flexible in their requirements when it comes to a candidate’s industry background and transferable skills are successfully securing top talent.

For example, a HR professional with experience in the FMCG industry has the technical skills necessary to perform their role in the financial services industry. That’s why we advise employers to give credence to transferable skills. By over-emphasising the value of previous same-industry experience, employers could be missing out on talented people and motivated workers.

It is particularly concerning in industries where there is a shortage of skilled professionals and employers may need to consider candidates who have the necessary competencies but may not at first glance be the perfect match.

This also extends to considering candidates with transferable skills and then using training to overcome any skill gaps. For instance, an employer seeking a payroll candidate could consider accounts payable or data entry clerks who can be moulded into a payroll role. An employer that needs a Personal Assistant could consider strong administrators or team assistants as their transferrable skills will meet most of their requirements.

When considering what skills are transferable, we advise employers to look at what is really essential and what is desirable in a potential candidate. Consider candidates with the right cultural fit, who have the desired behaviours and transferable skills, not just the specific background initially required.

By considering transferable skills, you open a vacancy to a larger pool of candidates who have solid experience, suit the company, and can become a highly valued asset with a little technical training.

Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.

Chris Mead, Regional Director, Hays - South East Asia