Your first job may not be your dream job, and that’s okay, fresh grads told at SPH Media Career Expo

That was a key message to young job seekers from employers and human resources experts who spoke at the SPH Media Career Expo, held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre on Aug 22.

Rather than focusing too narrowly on getting their ideal job or a specific starting salary, they can assess the roles more broadly, such as whether there are opportunities to learn, grow and work closely with decision-makers, said Derrick Teo, chief executive of manpower solutions agency Elitez Group.

“It is okay if your first job is not your dream job,” Teo said during a panel discussion on what employers look for in fresh graduates. He also encouraged job seekers to take a longer-term view when weighing opportunities, as “life is a marathon, not a sprint”.

Joining Teo on the panel were SMRT director of human capital management Terence Low and Skills Development Academy founder and chief executive Jim Giam. The panel was moderated by The Straits Times assistant business editor Cheong Poh Kwan.

(From left) ST assistant business editor Cheong Poh Kwan moderating a panel with SMRT director of human capital management Terence Low, Skills Development Academy founder and chief executive Jim Giam, and Elitez Group chief executive Derrick Teo.

For large employers such as SMRT, which offer a wide range of roles across many functions, hiring managers also look beyond what a candidate can do at the point of hiring.

Low said candidates who stand out are those who have the right attitude and the willingness to learn, collaborate and take on responsibilities. It is important that they demonstrate the potential to grow with the company.

The impact of artificial intelligence on the hiring dynamics was also discussed.

Low said most resumes he receives now look very good as candidates can craft them with the help of AI. To stand out, candidates have to share about their internship or other work experiences, he said.

Similarly, Giam said candidates should go beyond simply listing the AI software they could use on their resume. Show evidence that they have used AI to improve their work or come out with solutions, he said, adding that candidates who demonstrate resourcefulness will stand out.

The two-day career expo brought together 34 participating employers, agencies and training providers across sectors ranging from aviation and healthcare to transport, security and real estate.

For job seeker Angeline Yeo, who is in her late 30s, the panel prompted her to rethink how she would assess her next role.