SINGAPORE: Despite holding a Computer Science degree, a Master’s, and having over 15 years of experience in the tech industry, one Singaporean professional says he has been unable to land a full-time job since being laid off last year — not for lack of trying, but because companies seem to prefer hiring fresh graduates.

In a post on Reddit’s Ask Singapore forum on Friday (May 23), he shared that he had applied to “tons of jobs” across the country, from government positions and entry-level roles to openings outside his field.

However, he found that most of his applications received no response, while the few that did ended in rejection.

He added that he even attended a tech career fair, where 90% of the job openings were in software development—an area he was already familiar with.

Unfortunately, the recruiters there told him bluntly that they preferred hiring fresh graduates or candidates with very recent, hands-on experience.

“They were frank. They said they prefer fresh grads or those with direct experience. As the things they learn are newer. Ok. Valid point, I thought. It seems like my comp sci knowledge is wasted,” he said.

In addition to the tech fair, he also took part in several other career events, including those organised by the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i). But once again, he found that most of the available roles were in the retail and food and beverage sectors, which were not aligned with his skills or qualifications. According to him, only about “one per cent” of the openings were suited for degree holders.

After repeated setbacks, he admitted feeling discouraged. He said the experience made him question the usefulness of the many articles that encourage mid-career individuals to switch industries or pursue a different path.

“They said we should look beyond and try for other roles. The truth is, as much as we want to… Will the employers want us? From my experience talking to them, mostly no. Those who are open to it are mostly MNCs. And they are the ones who are not hiring now.”

Toward the end of his post, he shared that in his desperation to make ends meet, he took on gig work such as driving for Grab while actively applying for jobs overseas.

Some folks I know don't have this problem, very in demand.

This person should ask themselves 15 years experience doing what. Gain what skills. Sometimes it's attitude relax, no skills learnt then suddenly cannot find job. End up blame the whole world instead of looking on the mirror.

Ask for 15 years exp salary with fresh grad skills. That's why comparing against freshies lah.

I am one of those IT dinosaur in 40s thats failed to catch up with the ever changing IT scene.

Still take ages to code a simple web app from scratch with ancient language like PHP without any framework in my notepad whereas it can be easily done in blink of eye now with chatgpt.

Similar to MY....once u hit mid 40s.....very difficult to get opportunities outside....unless u r very special....