According to the Ministry of Manpower’s latest Job Vacancies Report, nearly 8 in 10 job vacancies in 2024 did not list academic qualifications as the main hiring requirement. This trend marks a growing shift towards skills-based hiring, where practical abilities, relevant experience, and soft skills are taking centre stage in recruitment decisions.

At Reeracoen, we’ve seen this transformation first hand across sectors and job levels. Whether you’re hiring or job hunting, here’s what you need to know about the rise of skills-first hiring in Singapore — and how to stay ahead.

Key Insights from the 2024 Job Vacancies Report

Source: MOM Job Vacancies 2024 Report

A Clear Shift to Skills-Based Hiring

Between 2017 and 2024, the share of job listings where academic qualifications were not the main consideration rose steadily — especially among PMET (Professional, Managerial, Executive and Technician) roles. In 2024:

• 78.8% of all vacancies prioritised skills and experience over grades
• For PMET positions, this trend was even more significant, particularly in tech, finance, and training roles

Rather than degrees, employers are now asking:

• Can this candidate code, sell, advise, or lead effectively?
• Do they bring industry experience or transferable skills?
• Are they adaptable, collaborative, and proactive?

Top 5 PMET Roles Where Grades Take a Backseat

These high-demand roles placed less emphasis on paper qualifications and more on capabilities and fit:

• Teaching and Training Professionals
• Software, Web & Multimedia Developers
• Commercial and Marketing Sales Executives
• Financial and Investment Advisers
• Computer Network & Infrastructure Specialists

Conversely, qualifications remained more critical in roles such as registered nurses, civil engineers, and accountants — where regulatory compliance or technical certification is essential.

Why Employers Are Making the Shift

Employers adopting a skills-based approach reported better hiring outcomes, including:

• Faster recruitment processes
• Improved employee performance
• Wider and more diverse talent pools

Amid a tight labour market and rising competition for skilled professionals, this flexible mindset helps companies fill roles faster — and smarter.

Demand for PMET Talent Remains Strong

In 2024, 57.7% of all job vacancies were PMET positions, continuing a decade-long upward trend. PMET demand was highest in:

 

Vacancies in these sectors were largely newly created roles driven by business expansion or digital transformation — not just replacements.

The Hardest Roles to Fill in 2024

Despite a decrease in long-term unfilled vacancies (down to 19.4% from 23.5% in 2023), certain jobs remain challenging to fill:

Hard-to-fill PMET roles:

• Financial and Investment Advisers
• Teaching and Training Professionals
• Commercial and Marketing Executives

Hard-to-fill non-PMET roles:

• Waiters
• Cleaners
• Shop Sales Assistants

For PMET roles, the skills gap remains the key barrier. For non-PMET jobs, physically demanding work and limited wage progression continue to affect hiring.

How Employers Can Embrace Skills-Based Hiring

To successfully shift toward skills-first recruitment:

• Redesign job descriptions – Focus on deliverables and key skills, not degrees
• Invest in HR capabilities – Upskill hiring teams to assess for competencies and potential
• Leverage tools like job redesign grants and training subsidies – Tap on resources such as Workforce Singapore’s Career Conversion Programmes or IHRP’s HR certifications
• Expand hiring pools – Consider mid-career switchers, candidates from adjacent industries, or those with vocational training
• Incorporate flexible work arrangements – Attract diverse talent who may be balancing caregiving or career transitions

What This Means for Jobseekers

If you’re exploring new opportunities in 2025, here’s what matters more than your academic transcript:

• Industry-Relevant Experience (even Project-Based or Freelance)
• Certifications (e.g. in Digital, Sales, Finance, or Project Management)
• Soft skills like Communication, Critical Thinking, and Adaptability
• Evidence of upskilling, such as attending courses on platforms like SkillsFuture or Coursera

With nearly 80% of roles now open to skills-first candidates, it’s a great time to reposition your strengths — not just your school background.

Final Thought from Reeracoen

Singapore’s workforce is becoming more dynamic, and so are hiring strategies.

The shift to skills-based hiring isn’t just a trend — it’s a transformation. At Reeracoen, we help employers and professionals across APAC adapt to these changes with confidence, agility, and purpose.

Whether you're building a future-ready workforce or making your next career move, we’re here to help you succeed — beyond the resume.

Explore new opportunities with Reeracoen today: www.reeracoen.com

 

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References:

MOM Press Release – Job Vacancies 2024

The Straits Times - Teaching and tech professionals in high demand in 2024 as Singapore’s job market remains tight

Job Vacancies Report 2024 – Manpower Research and Statistics Dept

Channel News Asia - Share of job vacancies for PMETs rose again in 2024: MOM

The Business Times – More Employers Looking Beyond Academic Qualifications

Straits Times – Skills-Based Hiring on the Rise in Singapore