Singapore's Gen Z face ghosting, unpaid internships in job market

Singapore's Generation Z job-seekers are confronting a difficult employment landscape marked by unconventional obstacles that extend beyond traditional interview processes. Hiring managers and early-career professionals have identified several recurring pain points, including recruiter ghosting, the expectation to undertake multiple unpaid internships, and persistent anxiety about career progression during entry-level job searches.

The phenomenon of employer ghosting—in which recruiters or companies cease communication without explanation—has emerged as a significant source of frustration among young job applicants. Simultaneously, job-seekers report facing pressure to accumulate extensive internship experience before securing permanent positions, often without adequate compensation. These trends highlight a widening gap between employer expectations and the actual experiences of Singapore's youngest workers attempting to establish their careers.

Industry stakeholders are now openly discussing these challenges, examining both the employer perspective and the realities facing entry-level candidates. The conversations reveal systemic pressures and misaligned expectations on both sides of the hiring process. Career anxiety among young professionals has intensified as they navigate an unpredictable job market while managing financial constraints and unclear pathways to stable employment.

These discussions underscore the need for greater dialogue between hiring managers and job-seekers about realistic expectations, fair hiring practices, and support mechanisms for Singapore's next generation of workers entering the professional world.