Are you having a hard time finding high-paying entry-level jobs in Singapore? Does it feel impossible to find a job that offers a good salary without requiring years of schooling or experience?
If you’re struggling to find a job when you don’t have a lot of (or any) work experience, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for some tips that will help you land an entry-level job in Singapore as quickly as possible.
What to Write in a Resume When Applying for an Entry-Level Job?
When it comes to tips for entry-level jobs, our first recommendation is to write a great resume. A clear, well-written resume can help you to land an entry-level job in Singapore faster, and it will serve as a good jumping-off point when you apply for other jobs in the future.
What Is a Resume?
A resume is a brief document that summarizes your skills, education, and job experience. It allows hiring managers to quickly see what qualifies you for the job so they can decide whether or not they want to invite you in for an interview.
Resume vs CV
The main difference between resumes and CVs is length. A CV is designed to summarize your full history, especially when it comes to academic credentials and achievements.
A resume, on the other hand, is a concise outline of your work history, education, qualifications, and experience. A resume is usually capped at 1-2 pages, but a CV can be quite a bit longer.
For entry-level jobs, most of the time, only a resume will be required to apply.
How to Write an Entry-Level Resume
It’s okay if you’ve never written a resume, or if it’s been a while since you last updated yours. Regardless of your specific situation, here are some tips to help you create a resume that separates you from other applicants and makes you appealing to potential employers:
Keep It Short
The average resume is approximately 489 words long. You don’t need to include tons of details or write long paragraphs about your work experience or education. In fact, the shorter your resume is, the better.
Remember, most hiring managers don’t spend a very long time reading resumes. They’re busy people who have lots of applications to sift through. If you can get right to the point and highlight your strengths, you’ll be more likely to land an interview and get hired.
Format It Properly
Make sure your resume is formatted properly, too. It should include your name and contact information at the top, followed by clearly labeled sections for your education, work experience, skills, etc.
Use plenty of white space between sections and include bullet points to make your lists as easy to read as possible. By making these simple formatting changes, you can improve the appearance of your resume and help the hiring manager to skim it (without overlooking important details).
Use Plain Text
If possible, submit a plain text resume when applying for jobs.
Plain text documents do not include any formatting except for line breaks. They’re easy to copy and paste, and they’re easier for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to read.
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to vet candidates and pick out those who are the best fit for the job. If your resume isn’t written using plain text, the system might not pick up certain keywords or phrases, and you’ll be less likely to get called for an interview as a result.
Include All Relevant Experience and Skills
It’s easy to sell yourself short when you’re drafting an entry-level resume, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience or training. Now is not the time for modesty, though.
When you’re writing your resume, list all experience and skills that seem relevant. This includes soft skills like written communication, oral communication, leadership, etc.
Focus on Education and Extracurriculars
If you don’t have a lot of work experience, be sure to highlight your education and any extracurricular activities you participated in in school, too.
Were you in any clubs, for example? Did you volunteer at any events? If so, list those on your resume and highlight the skills that helped you to be successful in those endeavors.
These skills and experiences might be more relevant to the job for which you’re applying than you originally thought.
Proofread
Always proofread your resume, then proofread it again, before you submit it. A resume that’s full of typos and grammatical errors will not be impressive to a hiring manager.
Keep in mind, too, that errors can be distracting and may pull the hiring manager’s attention away from your skills and accomplishments. Instead of reading about the things that make you a good fit for the job, they’ll be looking at all the mistakes in your resume, which doesn’t help you to make a good first impression.
Look at Examples
If you’re feeling lost about how to format or write your resume, don’t be afraid to look at examples. You can easily search online for resume or CV examples from people applying for jobs like the one you want.
Feel free to use these as a jumping-off point, but never copy someone else’s resume word-for-word. This is a surefire way to get your resume tossed out. Your resume (as well as any other documents you submit alongside it) should be 100 percent unique to you.
Do I Need a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is an introductory letter that you attach to your resume. Your cover letter will give the hiring manager (or whoever is reading your resume) a chance to learn a bit more about you, your goals, and the reasons why you’re interested in the job.
In most cases, job ads will let you know whether or not a cover letter is required alongside your resume.
If you include a cover letter, keep it brief (about 3-4 paragraphs). It should be personalized for each job for which you’re applying, too.
Remember, if it feels like it was copied and pasted after you applied for a different job, hiring managers may be less likely to reach out for an interview because it won’t seem like you’re very interested in this specific position.
What to Do at an Interview for an Entry-Level Job?
After you’ve submitted a well-written resume, you’ll likely get called in for an interview.
An entry-level job interview can be intimidating, to say the least. That’s why, when they’re searching for tips for entry-level jobs, a lot of people look for advice to help them through this process.
The more you prepare for your entry-level job interview, the easier it will be for you to make a good first impression. You’ll also increase your chances of getting hired.
Here are some specific tips that will help you nail your next entry-level job interview:
Plan Ahead
Make sure you understand all of the logistic elements of the interview. This includes the location, the time, and how long it’ll take for you to drive there from your house.
Map out your journey ahead of time so you know where you’re going and don’t have to stress about finding the place on the day of the interview. Leave early and allow yourself a cushion in case there’s traffic or it takes you a while to find a parking space, too.
If you’re doing a virtual interview, check your internet connection so you can feel confident that everything is working properly. Make sure you have a good microphone and assess your background to avoid having any embarrassing items show up on camera.
Choose the Right Outfit
Whether your interview is virtual or in person, you should always dress to impress. Choosing the right outfit helps you to show the hiring manager (and other interviewers) that you’re invested in the interview process and that you want to make a good first impression.
A basic rule of thumb is to wear trousers and a dress shirt, a skirt and semi-formal top, or a dress. Avoid wearing casual shoes, too.
Consider Your Body Language
Be aware of your body language and the messages you could be sending to interviewers without speaking.
Are you slouching or fidgeting, for example? Are you giving off signs that you’re above the job or not particularly interested in it?
Remember, 76 percent of recruiters will reject candidates if they seem arrogant. Make sure you’re not accidentally sending those messages when you arrive at the office and sit down for the interview.
Research the Company
Always do some research on the company before you arrive for the job interview.
Learning about the company and the specific job for which you’re applying will help you to feel more confident. It’ll also help you to tailor your responses and make sure you’re answering questions in a way that will impress the interviewer.
Practice
It’s a good idea to run through a practice interview before the big day arrives. Practicing will help you to feel more confident and help you to identify specific things to be aware of during the interview process.
Ask a friend or family member if they will ask you some practice questions and help you rehearse your responses to common interview topics like your work history or the reasons why you’re interested in this position.
Ask the Right Questions
Toward the interview, it’s common for you to be allowed to ask the interviewer some questions about the job, their expectations for you as an employee, the company culture, etc.
When they’re asked, “do you have any questions for me?” it’s common for interviewees to freeze up or say that they don’t have anything to ask.
Failing to ask questions can actually make it seem as though you’re not interested in the job, though. This then decreases your chances of getting hired.
Instead of falling into this trap, think ahead about some questions you might want to ask. For example, “What’s the average length of time people keep this job?” or “What’s the hardest thing about this job?”
Master the STAR Method
The STAR method can help you to answer questions with clear, detailed examples but without rambling. If you were asked a question about how you handled a difficult customer, for example, you could use the STAR method to answer as follows:
- Situation: Explain the context of the situation
- Task: Explain what you needed to do
- Action: Explain how you addressed the problem
- Result: Explain what happened because of your actions
What Are Some Entry-Level Jobs and Industries that Pay Well in Singapore?
Have you been looking for an entry-level job in Singapore without much luck? If you’re not sure where to look to find entry-level jobs that pay well, here’s a list to get you started.
Outlined below are 5 industries in Singapore that offer lots of well-paid, high-demand entry-level jobs. In addition to learning about the industry, you’ll also find some information about the top companies that are hiring for these positions, as well as the most in-demand entry-level jobs and their salaries:
1. Admin
When you work in the admin industry, you act as the backbone of your employer. You carry out a wide range of tasks that keep the business running smoothly, from scheduling appointments to organizing files. There is (and likely always will be) a strong need for driven employees in this industry, especially as new businesses continue to open throughout Singapore.
Top 3 Entry-Level Jobs in Admin
Administrative Assistant
Average Annual Salary: $21,600 to $30,000 per year
Companies: Ley Choon Construction and Engineering, Cornerstone Group, LHT Holdings
👉 Browse Admin Jobs in Singapore on GrabJobs now
Data Entry Clerk
Average Annual Salary: $18,000 to $30,000 per year
Companies: Search Personnel, Alpine Shipping, Kwan Yong Construction
👉 Browse Data Entry Jobs in Singapore on GrabJobs now
Personal Assistant
Average Annual Salary: $30,000 to $42,000 per year
Companies: Coastal Marine, Jasper Shea & Associates, Mavenside Consulting
👉 Browse Personal Assistant Jobs in Singapore on GrabJobs now
2. Banking & Finance
The Banking & Finance industry in Singapore is a rapidly growing industry with lots of job openings for all kinds of workers, including entry-level employees. If you are passionate about finance, good with numbers, and are looking to get a foot in the door, here are some of the top jobs to consider:
Top 3 Entry-Level Jobs in Banking & Finance
Bank Teller
Average Annual Salary: $34,800 to $45,600 per year
Companies: ICBC Ltd, GCG, Singapura Finance
👉 Browse Bank Teller Jobs in Singapore on GrabJobs
Finance Admin Officer
Average Annual Salary: $21,600 to $27,600 per year
Companies: CO Wealth Advisory, MyFinB Group
👉 Browse Finance Admin Jobs in Singapore on GrabJobs
Junior Financial Analyst
Average Annual Salary: $43,000 to $69,000 per year
Companies: Edenred Singapore, Anton Murray Consulting, Bitmain
👉 Browse Financial Analyst Jobs in Singapore on GrabJobs
3. Creative & Marketing
There are a lot of in-demand entry-level jobs for those who want to work in the creative & marketing field, especially with so many new companies forming in Singapore. The following are some of the top entry-level jobs in this field.
Top 3 Entry-Level Jobs in Creative & Marketing
Marketing Assistant
Average Annual Salary: $30,000 to $42,000 per year
Companies: Coastal Marine, Servicom Medical, One Consulting Global
👉 Browse Marketing Assistant Jobs in Singapore on GrabJobs
Junior Marketer
Average Annual Salary: $30,000 to $42,000 per year
Companies: Kidz Treehouse by Kowabunga, Digital Hunt
👉 Browse Marketer Jobs in Singapore on GrabJobs
Junior Graphic Designer
Average Annual Salary: $24,000 to $33,600 per year
Companies: Golden Bridge Foods Manufacturing, Cityneon Holdings
👉 Browse Graphic Design Jobs in Singapore on GrabJobs
4. Tech
The tech industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in Singapore. There are tons of job opportunities in Singapore for those who want to work in the tech sphere, even if you don’t have a lot of experience, including the following:
Top 3 Entry-Level Jobs in Tech
Software Developer
Average Annual Salary: $36,000 to $48,000 per year
Companies: Avensys Consulting, Search Index, Rakuten Symphony
👉 Browse Software Developer Jobs in Singapore on GrabJobs
IT Support Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $24,000 to $48,000 per year
Companies: Cultivar Asia, KLA-TENCOR, Infinite Computer Solutions
👉 Browse IT Support Jobs in Singapore on GrabJobs
Solution Engineer
Average Annual Salary: $48,000 to $72,000 per year
Companies: AvePoint Singapore, Micron Semiconductor Asia Operations
👉 Browse Solution Engineer Jobs in Singapore on GrabJobs
5. Public Sector/Government
For those who want to work in the public sector or for a government agency, there are always lots of openings available (including for entry-level positions). Regardless of your specific interests or background, you’ll likely be able to find a public sector job that aligns with them.
Here are some of the top entry-level options that also pay well:
Policy Lab Research Associate
Average Annual Salary: $36,000 to $60,000 per year
Companies: The National University of Singapore, Singapore University of Social Sciences
👉 Browse Research Jobs in Singapore on GrabJobs
Administrative Executive
Average Annual Salary: $25,200 to $36,000 per year
Companies: AGB Education Singapore, Public Sector Science & Technology Policy and Plans Office
👉 Browse Government Admin Jobs in Singapore on GrabJobs
Public Sector Sales Associate
Average Annual Salary: $16,800 to $60,000 per year
Companies: Amazon, IBM
👉 Browse Public Sector Sales Associate Jobs in Singapore on GrabJobs
Find an Entry-Level Job in Singapore Today
Now that you know more about finding an entry-level job in Singapore, it’s time to begin your search. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll have a much easier time finding entry-level jobs that pay well and align with your unique skills and career goals.
Are you ready to start looking for high-demand entry-level jobs? Check out the GrabJobs search tool to begin your hunt and find great matches today.
