Job-jumpers might lose out
by Chris Mead

Skills may be in demand, but Singapore’s employers have become wary of a candidate unable to demonstrate reasonable job stability

 

IF YOU have two years or more tenure with each of your previous employers, you have a definite advantage in today’s job market. This is because today’s employers prefer to interview candidates with a stable resume and view with caution any job applicant with several examples of less than two years tenure.

This should not come as a surprise, since retention has become a major focus for employers. Why? Many employers have invested time and resources in training new staff only to see them resign one year later to chase a higher salary elsewhere.

Unfortunately this movement of candidates is all too common, as the current job market is very buoyant with strong vacancies on offer. For some candidates, a move to another firm or employer for only a slight increase in salary is viewed as a positive change.

Consequently, employers now prefer to wait for a stable candidate than risk employing an immediately available candidate who has job-hopped and who could potentially leave their organisation a short time later.

This short-term focus from some candidates is imprudent, since instead of chasing a slight increase in salary, the current job market allows candidates to focus on their long-term goals and look for opportunities that will develop their career in the direction they ultimately wish to pursue.

They can look for those vacancies that provide an interesting workload and that will allow their skills and career to develop.
 


About the Author
Chris Mead is General Manager of specialist recruitment firm Hays in Singapore bottom line.

This article was contributed by Hays in Singapore. For further information on managing your career, current vacancies or to discuss your next career move, contact them at 6223 4535 or visit www.hays.sg.