July Jolt: Singapore’s Job Postings Drop Sharply—But Hiring Momentum Holds in September 2025

GeneralSeptember 08, 2025 09:00

Singapore’s labour market experienced a surprising jolt in July 2025—job postings plunged by 4.8%, the steepest drop seen in over two years. But even as headlines suggest a cooling market, a closer look in September 2025 reveals a more nuanced picture: hiring remains active, with certain sectors accelerating and others simply recalibrating.

At Reeracoen, we guide both companies and professionals through changing tides. Here’s what the latest data tells us—and what it means for your business or career today.

Singapore’s Hiring Pulse – September 2025
🔻 Yes, Job Postings Dropped

  • 4.8% decline in July—the sharpest since February 2023.
  • 17.8% year-on-year decrease in job ads compared to July 2024.
  • Sectors such as healthcare, IT, and personal care saw sharp drops.

✅ But Hiring Is Still Strong

  • Hiring demand is still 36% above pre-pandemic levels, proving that companies continue to search for talent despite the drop in new listings.
  • The labour market remains resilient, with unemployment steady around 2.1%.

In short: fewer ads, but jobs are still being filled. This signals a recalibration—not a recession.

Most Affected Job Categories (July 2025 Data)

These roles were likely impacted by hiring freezes, longer decision cycles, or budget reviews—particularly in sectors previously on hiring sprees.

Which Jobs Are Still Booming?
Surprisingly, while healthcare and IT hiring slowed, these industries surged ahead:

Takeaway: Demand remains high for professionals in education, sports, wellness, hospitality, and public infrastructure.

The Pay Transparency Gap
One troubling trend from the July data is the steep drop in salary disclosure:

  • Only 21% of job postings included salary info in July (down from 30% in 2023–2024).
  • Sectors like driving (64%), beauty (60%), and cleaning (53%) had the most pay transparency.
  • By contrast, tech, finance, and R&D roles were the least transparent.

💡 Implication for Employers: Lack of transparency may reduce applicant quality and hurt employer branding—especially in competitive roles.

September 2025: Why This Still Matters

While July’s numbers paint a picture of contraction, the underlying fundamentals remain strong:

  • Low unemployment (2.1%)
  • Sustained hiring above pre-pandemic levels
  • Sectoral opportunities are shifting, not shrinking

This means employers must stay agile, and jobseekers must be proactive.

Insights for Reeracoen Clients & Candidates

💼 For Employers

  • Be strategic—emphasise salary transparency to boost response rates.
  • Look beyond "trendy roles" and tap into surging sectors: education, pharmacy, civil engineering.
  • Use market recalibrations to attract candidates who previously may have been unavailable.

💡 For Jobseekers

  • If you're in a slowed sector (IT, healthcare), upskilling, pivoting, or networking is now essential.
  • Consider high-growth fields where hiring is strong and less competitive.
  • Ask smart questions—including about salary—during interviews to set clear expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why did Singapore job postings fall so sharply in July 2025?
According to multiple sources, job postings fell 4.8% due to seasonal trends, hiring freezes in certain sectors, and a shift towards more selective recruitment.

Q2: Does this mean companies aren’t hiring anymore?
No. Hiring is still 36% above pre-COVID levels, and unemployment remains low at 2.1%—a sign of ongoing labour market health.

Q3: Which sectors were most impacted?
Healthcare (e.g. nursing, dental, physicians), IT infrastructure, and data roles saw the steepest declines in job ads.

Q4: Which sectors are hiring the most?
Sports, pharmacy, education, civil engineering, and hospitality are showing strong growth in job opportunities.

Q5: Should employers disclose salaries in job ads?
Yes. With salary visibility falling to 21%, jobseekers are increasingly favouring ads with transparent compensation. This can boost application rates and trust.

 

Your Next Step Starts Here

🎯 For Employers:
Need help navigating a cooling yet competitive job market?
Let Reeracoen connect you with high-calibre professionals across Singapore.
👉 [Contact us here – Client Form]

🚀 For Jobseekers:
Looking to make a smart pivot or land a role in a high-growth sector?
Submit your profile today and let us guide your career forward.
👉 [Submit your profile – Candidate Form]

 

 

Disclaimer:

The information provided in our blog articles is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. 

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the ever-evolving nature of certain topics may result in content becoming outdated or inaccurate over time. Therefore, we recommend consulting with qualified professionals or experts in the respective fields for specific advice or guidance. Any actions taken based on the information contained in our blog articles are solely at the reader's discretion and risk. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, or adverse consequences incurred as a result of such actions.

We may occasionally provide links to external websites or resources for further information or reference. These links are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement or responsibility for the content or accuracy of these external sources. Our blog articles may also include personal opinions, views, or interpretations of the authors, which do not necessarily reflect the views of our organisation as a whole. We encourage readers to verify the accuracy and relevance of information presented in our blog articles and to seek professional advice when needed. Your use of this website and its content constitutes acceptance of this disclaimer.

 

References

Related Post