Overseas job seekers revive their career in Singapore

Hays doubles staff to cater 26% increase in permanent jobs registrants and 31% in contractual positions.

Job seekers who have not been able to restart their career after the global financial crisis should consider a move to Singapore, says recruiting experts Hays.

“Job seekers are feeling frustrated after a tough 18 months. Many, particularly in countries such as the US and the UK where unemployment is high, have found it difficult to find work at home,” says Chris Mead, Regional Director of Hays in Singapore, according to a Hays report.

“As a result increasing numbers are making the move to Asia. In Singapore, we’ve recorded a 35 to 45 per cent increase in applications in the past three months.”

Mead says Singapore’s popularity is not surprising given the opportunities available.

“Most sectors are hiring and there has been a significant increase in the number of jobs registered with us this last quarter compared with the previous quarter. There’s been a 26 per cent increase in permanent jobs and 31 per cent in contract positions.

“By sector, finance, banking, oil and gas, pharmaceutical and IT have all experienced increases of more than 25 per cent. There’s also been rises of between 17 and 20 per cent within sales and marketing, HR, construction and property.”

In order to handle the volume of applications, Hays itself has been on a recruitment drive and has subsequently seen some record results.

“Over the last year we have more than doubled our staff numbers, tripled the number of people we’ve placed into jobs and almost quadrupled our fee growth. We have ambitious growth plans for the future and aim to significantly increase our headcount again in the next 12 months.

“For those looking to revive their career, this is an exciting time to work in the recruitment business, especially in Singapore,” says Mead.