Hiring trends of 2024 and outlook for 2025

Photo by Erge Mahindra

Jobstreet Express, part of Jobstreet by SEEK, highlights the top 5 most applied-for roles and the top 5 most in-demand positions on its platform.

Admin Clerk was both the top applied-for role and the top most in-demand position. The remaining four applied-for-roles were warehouse assistant, sales promoter, service crew and facilities maintenance technician. Meanwhile, the other top most-in-demand positions were sales promoter, general worker, technician and service crew.

In 2024, the hiring market for semi-skilled roles faced persistent challenges. According to the statistics from the Ministry of Manpower, roles such as waiters, cleaners, and customer service often remain unfilled for over six months.

Key barriers included physically demanding conditions, unattractive pay, unfavourable work schedules, and unappealing work environments. These trends emphasise the growing difficulties for semi-skilled jobseekers balancing rising personal expenses and employment hurdles.

Between Q1 and Q3 of 2024, the platform experienced more than tripled growth in retail industry job postings, reflecting the fast turnover and high demand for semi-skilled roles.

This growth aligns with broader market trends, such as increased hiring activity in response to labor shortages and shifting consumer behaviors. While new client acquisitions contributed to this increase, the growth also underscores the platform’s role in meeting the industry’s urgent workforce needs.

“As the backbone of many industries, semi-skilled roles are pivotal to Singapore’s economy, yet they remain one of the most underserved segments in hiring,” said Juairi Jaafar, General Manager, Jobstreet Express Singapore. “In our first year, we’ve connected businesses and job seekers with unmatched efficiency, and we remain dedicated to supporting these vital industries with innovative solutions.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Jobstreet Express foresees significant transformations in the labour market driven by several key factors. Advancements in technology will continue to reshape skill requirements, making digital literacy and adaptability critical for job seekers across industries.

As businesses adapt to an ever-changing economic landscape, agility in hiring and workforce planning will become essential to staying competitive. Furthermore, ongoing government initiatives to support lower-wage workers will likely create more opportunities for upskilling and career advancement, contributing to a more inclusive and resilient workforce.


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