Despite its small size, Singapore has a reputation for being a dynamic powerhouse, not just in technology and finance, but also as a vibrant epicenter for a globally-minded workforce. This bustling city-state is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and innovation that has long attracted talent from all corners of the world.

Singaporean employees are now embracing their own global ambitions, with more workers looking beyond borders to pursue a career. G-P’s 2024 World at Work report revealed that a majority (68%) of Singaporean employees are actively seeking new job opportunities — a 10 percennt increase from last year. Notably, a third (33%) of local employees are willing to relocate for work, well above the global average of 19 percennt.

Singapore’s job market has shown signs of stabilization, following a challenging period in 2023, marked by a doubling of local retrenchment figures. Now, the Ministry of Manpower’s latest report indicates sustained employment growth and low unemployment rates. Despite this, a growing number of Singaporeans are seeking career advancement and change.

With competition for global roles intensifying, job seekers must find ways to differentiate themselves. But where should they start in this dynamic job market?

Defining career aspirations

Employees considering making a move to a global company should be clear about their professional aspirations.

Apart from compensation, G-P found the top reasons for seeking positions with global companies include the opportunity to work in a culturally diverse environment (59%), options to travel or work abroad (56%), and more chances to acquire new personal skills (56%). Although job seekers may be hesitant to express their ambitions upfront for fear of deterring potential employers, it’s crucial to communicate these global aspirations early in the process.

During an interview, a candidate can communicate their aspirations by transparently sharing that their interest in the role is partly because of the global opportunities it affords. If asked why this is a priority for them, candidates can further support their interest by mentioning professional skills, such as having the necessary language skills to excel in another market, or personal motivations, such as a childhood spent traveling or a fascination with a specific culture.

Clearly communicating goals and providing justification for them isn’t about being demanding; it reflects confidence and self-awareness. This clarity enables candidates to position themselves as proactive and motivated, qualities that can significantly enhance their appeal to potential employers.

Embracing networking

In today’s digital age, many Singaporeans may prefer to build their online networks rather than participate in traditional ‘in-person’ networking. While there’s no denying that virtual connections are important, candidates looking to distinguish themselves should embrace both traditional and modern networking methods to create genuine connections and stay attuned to newly available opportunities.

Career fairs and in-person meetings offer invaluable opportunities to make meaningful connections. Beyond standard networking, these face-to-face interactions allow candidates to demonstrate essential skills that can be difficult to convey online, such as language proficiency and active listening, as well as having conversations about topics and common interests that may not come up in a virtual meeting.

Whether networking is virtual or in-person, competencies in communication are particularly important in global companies, where effective communication across cultures is essential. Compared to their global counterparts, Singaporean employees hold high expectations of their team leaders in this area — 65 percent believe that cross-cultural communication skills are vital to managing diverse teams effectively, a significant increase from 48 percent in 2023.

Strengthening soft skills

As the business world becomes more interconnected, Singaporeans vying for senior positions must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills. These qualities can be highlighted during interviews, especially when discussing past leadership experiences.

Candidates who effectively communicate their ability to be agile and adapt to unforeseen challenges tend to stand out –  especially when they can highlight problem-solving abilities or instances where they successfully navigated unexpected changes. G-P’s report found nearly six in 10 (59%) Singaporean employees say creativity and problem-solving abilities are critical in leaders, while a significant 70 percent believe adaptability and flexibility are essential traits.

Further, the rise of remote work has underscored the importance for Singaporeans to develop collaboration skills like project management across time zones and cultural awareness when working with diverse global teams.

These growing expectations and requirements reflect broader global dynamics, leading employees to seek resilient leaders and workplaces capable of navigating complex situations.

Singapore as a hub for global talent

Earlier this year, the Singaporean government revealed several initiatives aimed at supporting the country’s global ambitions, including the Overseas Markets Immersion Programme, which provides financial assistance to companies to send employees abroad for global roles. This is a positive step towards building the country as a hub for global talent and developing leaders of tomorrow.

As Singapore’s economy continues to evolve, the country’s citizens are well-positioned to capitalize on the diverse employment opportunities available. Taking these steps to embrace the challenges and rewards of international careers will ensure Singaporeans can contribute to the country’s ongoing success and establish their own global identities.

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