Jobstreet by SEEK in Singapore has released new insights highlighting how jobseekers must adapt to a tightening labour market, as retrenchments rise and job vacancies continue to decline, according to data from the Ministry of Manpower. Drawing on its 2025 Job Search Rewind and recent platform data, the hiring platform pointed to several structural shifts shaping employment prospects as Singapore moves into 2026.
The data paints a challenging picture for fresh graduates and early-career professionals. Job switching has become less common, particularly among younger workers aged 25 to 29, reflecting growing caution amid economic uncertainty. Figures from the Ministry of Manpower show that the percentage of employed residents changing jobs fell from 7.6 percent in 2024 to 6.2 percent in 2025. Despite this trend, Jobstreet noted that mobility still pays off for some, with six in ten job switchers reporting income increases.
At the same time, the nature of what workers value from employment is evolving. Nearly half of employees said their priorities had shifted since starting their current roles. Among those aged 25 to 34, 33 percent now place mental health at the top of their priorities, while 31 percent of employees aged 35 to 44 cited family and caregiving responsibilities as their main concern. These changes point to a workforce that is increasingly selective, even as external conditions make career moves riskier.
Tech roles and “new collar” skills drive application growth
Despite the broader slowdown, technology-related roles continue to attract strong interest from jobseekers. Jobstreet’s platform data showed a 169 percent year-on-year surge in applications for information and technology roles, alongside a 29 percent increase in science and technology positions. Other sectors also recorded growth, including security and law enforcement at 24 percent, accounting, audit and tax services at 16 percent, and non-profit and social services at 10 percent.
The platform described this demand as being fuelled by “new collar” skills, which blend technical capabilities with practical, transferable competencies. Searches for IT roles frequently included soft skills such as customer service and relationship management, alongside technical skills including troubleshooting, computer science and Python programming. This combination reflects employer demand for candidates who can apply technical knowledge in real-world business and customer contexts.
Importantly, experience levels appear to be less of a barrier than in previous years. Keywords linked to entry-level roles rose sharply, with searches for “fresh graduate” increasing by 82 percent, “no experience” by 34 percent, and “graduate” by 28 percent. Jobstreet’s data also showed that 64 percent of employers would consider hiring less experienced candidates if they demonstrated a good attitude, suggesting that mindset and adaptability remain decisive factors.
AI fluency and skills-based hiring take centre stage
Artificial intelligence skills have emerged as a defining requirement for candidates seeking to stand out. According to Jobstreet by SEEK’s Hiring, Compensation and Benefits 2025 report, 54 percent of employers now consider AI skills when hiring, with 19 percent viewing them as a primary consideration. This shift is already visible in job search behaviour, particularly among entry-level candidates.
Between November 2024 and October 2025, keyword searches for “data analysis” in entry-level roles increased by 12 percent, while searches for “automation” surged by 93 percent. These trends indicate that even junior candidates are expected to demonstrate some level of familiarity with AI-driven tools and data-centric work.
Beyond AI, education and language skills are also playing a growing role in hiring decisions. Searches for education credentials such as “polytechnic”, “degree”, “bachelor”, “university” and “honours” rose by 130 percent year-on-year, underlining the continued importance of formal qualifications. At the same time, language capabilities gained prominence. Searches for “Chinese” and “Mandarin” ranked third among top keywords, rising 71 percent, while “Japanese” and “Korean” ranked tenth and eighteenth respectively. Jobstreet said these results show how language skills can complement formal education and help candidates differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Looking ahead, Jobstreet by SEEK emphasised that staying employable in 2026 will require continuous upskilling, verified credentials, and a clear understanding of how skills align with market demand. With competition expected to remain intense, the platform encouraged jobseekers to take a proactive approach to managing their career health as the labour market continues to evolve.
