Most candidates in Singapore use their mobile phone to look for a new role but prefer more conventional methods to then apply for the job they are interested in, according to new research from recruitment experts Hays.
The latest Hays web poll asked candidates in five key Asian markets how they use their mobile in the job hunting process.
Job hunters in Japan were the most likely to use their mobile to find a new role (69 per cent) with Malaysia a close second (65 per cent), then Mainland China (59 per cent) with Singapore and Hong Kong both at 58 per cent.
“While candidates in Singapore are very comfortable searching for jobs using their mobile only 26 per cent then applies for a job using their mobile. The employment market in Singapore is changing fast so candidates need to be more mobile responsive to make the most of opportunities when they hit the market,” says Grant Torrens, Business Director of Hays Singapore.
“Singapore (16 per cent) has a low number of candidates who use their mobile to receive job alerts which represents a missed opportunity to track what’s happening in Singapore’s job market,” he said.
“Receiving job alerts on your mobile is an easy way to get the jump on your competition. However, you also need to be able to respond quickly when you spot the right job and that means having an up-to-date resume handy to attach and send via a mobile with an application.”
“It’s also worth noting that contracting and temping is a growing employment sector in Singapore that can offer loads of benefits to quality candidates – particularly those in emerging technologies. Being nimble when it comes to responding to these new opportunities is essential and that means knowing how to use your mobile throughout the recruitment process including creating and sending a quality application to a prospective employer.”
“There is also a message in our poll results for employers in Singapore. They need to be able to attract the best candidates in a market seeing growing skill shortages making it even more important to reach tech savvy younger candidates. This means ensuring job ads and the application process are mobile-friendly,” said Grant.
Job hunters in Mainland China and Singapore are the most likely to apply for a job using their mobile (26 per cent) followed by Hong Kong (23 per cent), Malaysia (21 per cent) and Japan (12 per cent).
Hong Kong’s job hunters are the most likely to view job alerts on their mobile phone (19 per cent) followed by Japan (18 per cent), Singapore (16 per cent), Mainland China (15 per cent) and Malaysia (14 per cent).
The web poll was conducted online at www.hays.com.sg between February 2018 and May 2018.