Back to base: Firms woo overseas Singaporeans to buck intense talent crunch

Hiring challenges will intensify this year.

More local employers are targeting Singaporeans who work overseas, Robert Walters’ annual Global Salary Survey revealed today.

Apart from helping employers cope with the government’s fair consideration framework, locals working overseas also provide an edge because of their international exposure coupled with knowledge of the local business culture.

Figures from the survey suggest that in-demand candidates who switched jobs in 2014 could command an average 10 - 20% salary increment.

“The employment landscape of 2015 will likely see the competition for Singaporean professionals accelerate. To fulfil the market’s demands, organisations are looking outside of the tight candidate pool and recognising the importance of attracting overseas Singaporeans back home. This creates opportunities for a more dynamic workforce and offers potential employers varied professional experiences to draw from,” said Toby Fowlston, Managing Director of Robert Walters Singapore.