SINGAPORE: Is the Job Market for Marketing Graduates Overwhelmed?
Recently, a Singaporean graduate from a prestigious UK university took to social media to express her frustrations regarding the job market. Despite submitting over 100 applications since December 2025, she remains without a full-time position.
In a forum post shared on May 22, the graduate recounted her return to Singapore, filled with optimism that her qualifications and experience would facilitate her entry into the workforce.
With upper second-class honours and a year’s worth of practical marketing internship experience, she believed she approached her job search with the requisite seriousness.
Unlike many applicants who indiscriminately dispatch cookie-cutter applications, she dedicated countless hours to meticulously customising her CV and application responses. Her goal was to distinguish herself in an increasingly convoluted market.
For roles that particularly piqued her interest, she went above and beyond by crafting personalised cover letters.
“I primarily applied to positions aligned with my interests, which include performance marketing, paid media, and market research roles. Occasionally, I would also consider general digital marketing roles, provided they are not heavily creative,” she detailed.
Concerned about potentially undermining her own prospects, she consulted her university’s career services for feedback on her applications and CV. Reassuringly, the advice echoed her own thoughts.
“They affirmed that I’m on the right path,” she shared. “Despite applying for over 100 positions, I’ve only secured 5-6 interviews. I reached the final stages for two interviews but unfortunately faced rejection.”
“I won’t sugarcoat it; this has significantly impacted my mental well-being. I feel increasingly helpless and anxious. To make matters worse, my family lacks support, with my mother attributing my unemployment to personal failings,” she confessed.
Seeking solace and perhaps some insights, she posed a question to fellow Singaporeans about the duration it took them to land their first full-time positions post-graduation.
“How long did it take you to secure your first full-time job? I’m feeling utterly lost and despondent as the days lengthen,” she wrote.
“I have been applying everywhere, and so far, nothing.”
Her post struck a chord with many, leading to discussions about the increasingly crowded and precarious job landscape.
One Redditor remarked, “There are simply too many graduates. Numerous senior marketing professionals I know have been unemployed for 6 months to 2 years. I also got a job but lost it within the year. The marketing sector certainly seems unstable these days.”
Another individual shared a similar tale, stating, I graduated in August 2025 from an Australian university and spent 5 months job hunting before landing a short-term contract in February 2026.
Now, with my contract ending in three months, I’m also searching widely, yet have come up short. My current employer has indicated they won’t convert my role to full-time, citing market conditions.
Others offered pragmatic suggestions. One said, The current economic climate is detrimental to the job market. You’re targeting cost-centre roles; companies are hesitant to incur additional salary expenses.
Consider seeking revenue-generating positions like business development or sales, as these remain essential even during downturns.
Another commenter advised, Have you thought about pursuing opportunities in the UK? Given your UK qualifications, it could be advantageous.
Contextually, I’m an NUS graduate who had a 6-month exchange program at the University of Glasgow and have learned that many graduates from UK institutions prefer to work there.
The pay tends to be significantly better, and there are no CPF contributions to contend with, unlike in Singapore.
In an unrelated note, a jobseeker expressed astonishment after what he presumed was an interview for an administrative position turned into a recruitment pitch for an insurance role, culminating in a reprimand for lacking sufficient “drive.”
Source link: Theindependent.sg.
