The First Word: The truth behind ATS rejections
The claim is everywhere: “75% of resumes are rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems before a human ever looks at them.” It appears in LinkedIn posts, career-coach webinars, and countless template-selling sites. Job seekers spend hours tweaking fonts, removing tables, and stuffing keywords, convinced they’re outsmarting a ruthless robot. A new study from resume platform Enhancv […]
The First Word: Employers share Gen Z unemployment challenges
Much of the current conversation around employment in Singapore focuses on macroeconomic challenges, shifting global trends and technology disruption. While it is undeniable that these are valid concerns, it also obscures a more fundamental issue that is still persisting till today. That is, the growing mismatch between the expectations of job seekers and the demands […]
The First Word: When layoffs hit, more than jobs are lost
In 2025 it appears there’s been no shortage of listicles and human interest pieces detailing the hundreds of thousands whose careers have been impacted by the rise of AI (which saw 4,0000 roles cut at DBS earlier this year) and slowing economic growth. Most recently, Agoda laid off 50 employees in Singapore, citing “enhancing operational […]
The First Word: Reshaping employee benefits to attract and retain top talent
Workplaces in Asia have undergone significant transformations in recent years. Rapid technological advancements, economic shifts, and changing demographics have reshaped the way people work and what they expect from their employers. At the same time, they have also influenced talent management strategies. According to Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s (CIPD) Asia Employee Benefits Report […]
The First Word: Shaping tomorrow’s talent today
Starting in the working world is both thrilling and daunting. For fresh graduates, it marks a huge shift from structured classrooms to fast-paced work environments, where they must navigate new expectations, expand their knowledge and experience, and find their place within corporate culture. For employers, this is a chance to plant the seeds for tomorrow’s […]
The First Word: How to land your dream job in this economy?
With the job market constantly evolving, it is increasingly more challenging for job seekers to secure a job. According to a recent survey we at Robert Walters Singapore conducted, about 88% of jobseekers feel that their job applications often go ignored. Half of the candidates who responded to the survey mention that they send out […]
The First Word: Rethinking quiet quitting in a changing workforce
The phrase “quiet quitting” has gained traction in recent years, sparking debate among employers, workers, and workplace experts alike. Far from a new phenomenon, it reflects a growing sense of disconnection between employees and their workplaces — one that recent data suggests is affecting nearly 59% of today’s workforce. Instead of resigning formally, quiet quitters […]
Five methods of adapting performance reviews for hybrid work
The landscape of work has dramatically transformed in Southeast Asia, with hybrid work models becoming the new norm across industries. As organisations in countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia navigate this complex terrain, traditional performance review approaches are proving inadequate. The region’s diverse workforce, characterised by dynamic technological adoption and evolving workplace cultures, demands innovative […]
The First Word: How Gen Z entrepreneurs redefine leadership in uncertain times
Singapore’s economy, once celebrated for its stability, is facing a new kind of test. Inflation remains sticky, living costs have continued to climb, wage growth is uneven, and younger professionals face a more precarious future than previous generations. As companies adjust to a post-pandemic reality marked by inflation, digital disruption, and evolving workforce expectations, a […]
Five strategies for cross-border talent management
The dynamic landscape of Southeast Asian business demands innovative approaches to talent management that transcend national boundaries. As organisations in the region continue to expand and integrate across markets, the ability to effectively manage and mobilise talent becomes a critical competitive advantage. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economic community has significantly reduced barriers […]
