• Jun 13,2025

Standing out amidst a competitive job market and AI taking over

The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has eased automation and manufacturing work among many other industries. The job market is also getting more competitive with growing expectations of qualifications from employers, as seen by how 61% of workers in Singapore report difficulty in finding new positions (Source: Straits Times). Entry-level jobs now require experience most fresh graduates have yet to even obtain. Competition within the job market will only exponentially grow from now, and securing a stable career is more crucial and difficult than ever. Continue reading to find out how to stand out from the other hundreds of candidates vying for the same job position as you!

1. Find careers in thriving industries

Sometimes the industry you are seeking a career in may be a sunset industry, so competitions for spots in this industry may be more intense. Instead, consider sunrise industries where job prospects may be friendlier and opportunities in the job market is more abundant. However, you can always still compete for your dream career if you are motivated and confident to stand out amongst a large pool of candidates!

2. Set yourself apart from the others

Instead of being a jack of all trades and master of none, focus on a specific skill set and develop your strengths around it. This will allow you to maximise your competency in that area, leaving a more lasting impression. Rather than being someone who can vaguely do everything, you will stand out as someone with depth and expertise, clearly showing prospective employers why they need you over others who only possess the basics.

3. Keep your competitors close

The best way to identify what you may be lacking is to observe what other candidates have that you do not, such as certifications, specialised skills, or relevant experiences. Learn from what they are doing better in and do it yourself: enrol in the same courses and earn those certifications. This helps level the playing field, putting you on equal footing with other candidates. It also gives you a clear goal to work towards, allowing you to use your time productively rather than simply waiting for opportunities to appear.

4. Don’t rely on what is depriving you

Refrain from relying on AI tools in the first place. Overdependence can hinder your ability to think and be creative. If what you are able to bring to the table mirrors what any other candidate, or even AI itself, can produce, you will not stand out. Employers may question the value you bring if they feel they could have generated the same outcome themselves. In fact, 83% of employers in Singapore struggle with finding skilled talent in 2025 (Source: Manpower SG). Focus on displaying originality and your own insights, that is what sets human and technology apart.

5. Make sure you are their best option

Amidst how everyone is now stacked with various prestigious certificates and competencies, emotional intelligence, accountability, and confidence are one of the many traits that not everyone is able to build from mugging 24/7. Rather than selecting between the “vast” options of exact copies, 67% of employers say they value soft skills more than educational qualifications when hiring (Source: Indeed). Be open to feedback and communicate frequently to show that you are eager to learn. Practicing something you have never done before is difficult, but if you want to improve and appear more attractive as a candidate, you have to get out of your comfort zone. Prove that you are the perfect candidate and that you fit the exact template they have been looking for.

In conclusion,

Other than upskilling yourself to differentiate from the jobseeker pool, you need to be confident and know how to sell yourself. Focus on what you can offer to contribute and make a difference in the company. Employers already know you want the job; your goal is to make them want you just as much.