As Singapore enters the second half of 2025, the job market is showing signs of both strength and strategic caution. Growth remains steady, but hiring strategies have evolved—focusing more on agility, high-demand skills, and sector resilience. Whether you're a jobseeker planning your next move or an employer preparing for year-end demand, Reeracoen—Singapore’s leading recruitment agency—shares what you need to know to stay ahead.

1. Optimism Holds, But Hiring Is Strategic

Employment indicators suggest Singapore’s labour market continues its upward trend into Q3 and Q4 2025:

• Over 4 in 10 companies are planning to expand headcount in the second half of the year.
• Hiring intentions are highest in transport, logistics, healthcare, and tech-enabled services.
• Permanent placements are rising, but many firms are increasingly turning to contract and project-based hiring for added flexibility.

What this means:

Organisations are hiring—but they’re doing so with greater focus. Jobseekers with specialised skills or relevant sector experience have a distinct edge.

2. Rise of Contract and Part-Time Hiring

Contract, temporary, and freelance roles are becoming mainstream. This shift isn’t just about cost control—it reflects a more agile approach to workforce planning.

For employers:
Hiring contract staff allows scaling without long-term liabilities, especially for project-based roles or seasonal demand.

For jobseekers:
Contract work opens doors to top firms, builds relevant industry experience, and often leads to full-time conversion—especially in sectors like:

• E-commerce & supply chain
• Financial services
• Healthcare support roles
• Technology implementation

3. In-Demand Skills in H2 2025

The second half of 2025 will see stronger demand for skills that align with digital transformation, business development, and operational efficiency. Key capabilities include:

• AI & Automation
• Data Analytics & Reporting
• Digital Marketing & CRM Platforms
• Sales Development & Key Account Management
• Healthcare Administration & Medical Tech

Employers are now hiring for both skill depth and cross-functional adaptability.

4. Sector Outlook: Logistics, Healthcare, Tech, and Financial Services

Logistics & Supply Chain

Hiring is up across freight, last-mile delivery, and warehouse automation roles as businesses gear up for holiday season peaks and year-end fulfilment.

Healthcare

With ongoing demand for patient care, diagnostics, and medical services, hospitals and private providers continue to expand hiring—especially in allied health and clinic operations.

Tech & Digital

From software implementation to digital campaigns, tech talent remains in high demand—though firms are now favouring hands-on execution roles over senior strategy functions.

Financial & Business Services

Private banking, wealth advisory, and client-facing roles are increasing, particularly among regional hubs based in Singapore.

→ [Browse Reeracoen’s latest roles in logistics, healthcare, and tech] today.

5. Candidate Expectations & Retention Priorities

Employees in 2025 are increasingly selective. Recent surveys show:

• 32% of workers are open to switching jobs in the next six months.
• Top priorities include: better compensation, career progression, and flexible work arrangements.
• Employers that invest in learning, development, and hybrid work policies will have stronger retention outcomes.

→ [Request a Workforce Strategy Consultation] to optimise retention and attract top-tier talent.

6. Regional HQs and MNCs: Selective but Active

Singapore remains a key regional base for APAC operations. While global uncertainty continues to influence hiring pace, roles in:

• Wealth management,
• Digital transformation, and
• Compliance and risk management

are actively being filled by international firms based here.

→ [Submit your profile for regional roles with global firms] via Reeracoen’s executive search team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is it an employer’s or candidate’s market in the second half of 2025?

It’s a balanced market—hiring is stable, but demand is focused on specialised and high-performing candidates.

Q2: Which industries are hiring the most?

Logistics, healthcare, financial services, and digital marketing remain high-growth sectors for both permanent and contract roles.

Q3: Are contract roles worth applying for?

Yes. Many contract roles offer exposure to top firms, competitive pay, and conversion to permanent employment.

Q4: How can I make myself more competitive?

Upskill in digital platforms, analytics, automation tools, and AI-enabled workflows. Show cross-functional experience and results-driven impact.

Q5: When should I start applying for year-end hiring cycles?

Begin by late July to mid-August. Most employers plan ahead for Q4 and year-end activations, including e-commerce peaks, annual reporting, and healthcare staffing.

Final Thoughts

H2 2025 is shaping up to be an opportunity-rich period—provided you’re proactive. Employers should align their talent strategy with digital acceleration, flexible staffing, and sector-specific needs. Jobseekers should focus on relevant upskilling and explore both full-time and contract opportunities.

At Reeracoen, we connect Singapore’s top professionals with growing firms across APAC. Whether you’re hiring or applying, we’re here to help you move forward—smarter and faster.

 

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References

• Ministry of Manpower – Labour Market Reports
• Singapore Department of Statistics – Labour Force and Employment Data
• Institute of Policy Studies – Social and Employment Research
• The Business Times – Singapore Hiring Trends 2025
• Channel News Asia – Singapore Jobs and Workforce Updates
• SkillsFuture Singapore – Skills Demand for the Future Economy
• Public Service Division – Workforce Transformation Resources
• Enterprise Singapore – Industry and Sector Outlooks