Newspapers seen as most effective job search source

RESOURCING   TRENDS   SPH

Singapore – Job seekers in Singapore prefer browsing the newspapers for a job, rather than using online job portals, because they make for easier reading.

According to The Straits Times, a recent survey conducted by the Singapore Press Holdings revealed that 83% of the workforce prefer newspapers if they are seeking a job. This compares with 55% who prefer word of mouth or referrals and 53% who prefer the internet.

Only 21% are likely to use resources such as employment agencies, and about 20% each are likely to use career fairs and government job centres.

In fact, most respondents (37%) see newspapers as the most effective job search source, followed by mouth or referrals (30%), while only 14% said the internet was most effective, and 6% for employment agencies

Respondents said their top reason for choosing newspapers is the convenience of getting a newspaper easily. Other reasons include the higher number of jobs advertisements and that they are up-to-date and easier to search.

Additionally, Kelly Services noted that job seekers prefer newspapers recruitment pages as they have more ads than those online, and also make for easier reading.

Mr Dhirendra Shantilal, senior vice-president for Kelly Services (Asia-Pacific), said that online job advertisements may be of inconvenience to older workers who are unfamiliar with technology, since they assume every job seeker has access to a computer and knows how to navigate the websites.

It was found that Generation Y makes up the majority of users of online portals, while Generation X and Baby Boomers continue to use traditional platforms such as newspapers and job referrals.

Also, the survey found that 60% of respondents who would conduct job searches via newspapers use The Straits Times. This is followed by Lianhe Zaobao at 7% and The New Paper at 4%.

Andree Mangels, division manager of Robert Walters explained newspapers send a signal to job seekers that employers are serious about hiring because it costs more to place an advertisement in a newspaper than online.

He also noted that junior candidates often use online portals but senior candidates are more likely to turn to headhunters or apply directly via a job ad in the newspaper. This is also for security purposes, as candidates do not want their resumes floating about in cyberspace.

The bi-annual survey polled 1,018 people aged 15 to 59 in Singapore.

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