SINGAPORE – Your first job may not be your first choice, and that is fine.
That was a key message to young jobseekers from employers and human resources experts who spoke at the SPH Media Career Expo, held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre on August 22.
Rather than focusing too narrowly on getting their ideal job or a specific starting salary, they can assess the roles more broadly, such as whether there are opportunities to learn, grow and work closely with decision makers, said Derrick Teo, chief executive of manpower solutions agency Elitez Group.
“It is okay if your first job is not your dream job,” Teo said during a panel discussion on what employers look for in fresh graduates. He also encouraged jobseekers to take a longer-term view when weighing opportunities, as “life is a marathon, not a sprint”.
Joining Teo on the panel were SMRT director of human capital management Terence Low and Skills Development Academy founder and chief executive Jim Giam. The panel was moderated by The Straits Times Assistant Business Editor Cheong Poh Kwan.
(From left) ST Assistant Business Editor Cheong Poh Kwan moderating a panel with SMRT director of human capital management Terence Low, Skills Development Academy founder and chief executive Jim Giam, and Elitez Group chief executive Derrick Teo.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
For large employers such as SMRT, which offer a wide range of roles across many functions, hiring managers also look beyond what a candidate can do at the point of hiring.
Low said candidates who stand out are those who have the right attitude and the willingness to learn, collaborate and take on responsibilities. It is important that they demonstrate the potential to grow with the company.
The impact of artificial intelligence on the hiring dynamics was also discussed.
Low said most resumes he receives now look very good as candidates can craft them with the help of AI. To stand out, candidates have to share about their internship or other work experiences, he said.
Similarly, Giam said candidates should go beyond simply listing the AI software they could use on their resume. Show evidence that they have used AI to improve their work or come out with solutions, he said, adding that candidates who demonstrate resourcefulness will stand out.
The two-day career expo brought together 34 participating employers, agencies and training providers across sectors ranging from aviation and healthcare to transport, security and real estate.
For jobseeker Angeline Yeo, who is in her late 30s, the panel prompted her to rethink how she would assess her next role.
“I will be looking across more criteria to accept a job apart from just seeing the salary.
“Being a mid-career switcher who is moving out of retail, I come with a very specific experience that may not be transferable. But I want to see what is the best out there for me,” she said.
At the exhibition booth for training provider Vertical Institute, head of policy and partnerships Tan Weng Han said many who approached him were mid-career switchers, with some asking whether AI skills were really in demand.
Tan said that even as workers learn to use AI, human judgement remains important. “At the end of the day, we tell them their judgement still matters. You cannot prompt your way out of it.”
Suresh A. was among those who came to the expo to find out how he could upgrade his skills. He said he was keen to pursue more advanced training in AI.
Earlier in the day, Crystal Lim-Lange, founder of Forest Wolf and Deep Human Club, delivered a keynote address on the human skills that remain important as AI changes the workplace. Her work focuses on areas including leadership, emotional intelligence and personal growth.
Forest Wolf and Deep Human Club founder Crystal Lim-Lange delivering a keynote address at the SPH Media Career Expo on Aug 22.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
Lim-Lange encouraged attendees to consider what they want others to associate with their names, what their competitive advantage is and what problems they can help solve at work. She also spoke about building social capital and staying visible online and offline, rather than relying solely on job portals.
The SPH Media Career Expo 2026 continues on August 23 from 10am to 6pm at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Hall E at Level B2. Visitors can explore opportunities at the participating booths and attend the career talks and panel discussions on day 2.
