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Jobseekers’ Diaries: Facing retrenchment with no job offer yet, I’m pressing on with my search for work

In this instalment of Jobseekers’ Diaries, marketing professional Afiqah Aziz recounts the setbacks during her months-long job search and how she is holding out hope for a job offer.

The writer has fired off more than 100 job applications but attended just three interviews, with another two lined up. She has not received a job offer.

The writer has fired off more than 100 job applications but attended just three interviews, with another two lined up. She has not received a job offer.

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Afiqah Aziz

As jobs are a top concern for Singaporeans in the Covid-19 crisis, TODAY’s Voices section is publishing first-hand accounts from jobseekers in which they reflect on their experiences and what keeps them going. 

In this instalment of Jobseekers’ Diaries, marketing professional Afiqah Aziz recounts the setbacks during her months-long job search and how she is holding out hope for a job offer. 

Having had to take a massive pay cut when my employer lowered wages across the company from July because of Covid-19, I felt nervous and anxious for the future.

This was followed by downsizing by the company and, as head of marketing for the past two years, I was told that I would be retrenched come October.

There have been nights when I could not sleep well, as I was worried about the reduction in household income, which meant that we had to cut our family expenses.

My husband still has a stable income, but I wanted to be able to contribute to the family and continue supporting my two-year-old daughter and 64-year-old mother.

I had been searching for work via various job portals, to no avail.

It was depressing when I failed to receive any replies from employers initially. I asked myself if the job market was really bad or if employers were hesitant about my capabilities.

Every rejection hurt. Over time, it took a toll on my health.

But it struck me one day that I should stop worrying, stay positive and focus fully on my job search.

I confided in friends, some of whom are in human resources. They told me that I should not stop sending out job applications.

My last resort was to reach out to my Member of Parliament. He referred me to Workforce Singapore’s Careers Connect centre, where I met career coach Rozita.

Rozita helped me identify skill sets applicable to other roles in areas such as customer service, client servicing and business development.

I was initially insistent on marketing roles, but slowly mustered some courage to consider other job scopes.

I also improved my resume, and included keywords relevant to the job and industry.

Things got brighter as I received more calls from employers for interviews. This increased my confidence.

So far, I have applied for more than 100 roles in marketing, customer service, client servicing and business development.

I have attended three job interviews and will be going for another two. I have not received any job offers and this has set me back a little.

Thankfully, Rozita told me about a career ambassador position at Workforce Singapore, which has allowed me to temporarily supplement my income while I continue searching for work.

I am deployed at the Careers Connect centre at Woodlands Civic Centre under a short-term contract. I provide basic advisory services to jobseekers at the centre.

It has been eye-opening, as I understand the challenges confronting some jobseekers. Hearing their stories has helped me better appreciate what I have.

My job search, coming in the midst of economic uncertainty, has made me realise the importance of diversifying my career paths and staying relevant.

Putting food on the table for my family is my top priority. If the work requires me to step out of my comfort zone, I do not mind giving it a go, so long as it is within my capabilities.

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Ms Afiqah Aziz, 30, is a marketing professional. She sought help from her Member of Parliament after an unsuccessful months-long job hunt. She is now on a short-term contract as a career ambassador with Workforce Singapore.

If you are a jobseeker with a compelling story or know someone who wishes to contribute to this series, write to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number.

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