askST Jobs: How Gen Zs can apply smarter, not harder, in their job search

In this series, journalist Megan Wee offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to

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Q: A recent LinkedIn survey of Gen Z job seekers found that 32 per cent struggle to highlight their skills during their job search, while 54 per cent wish they have a more efficient way to assess if they are a good fit for a role. Facing these challenges amid a competitive job market, how can young job seekers streamline the process?

A: When it comes to job searching, young people are encouraged to approach it with intention, said LinkedIn Asia-Pacific’s head of human resources, Ms Sumita Tandon.

“That means focusing on roles they’re genuinely excited about and can see themselves growing in over the next couple of years – not just applying broadly,” she added.

With companies increasingly employing skills-based hiring, she encourages young job seekers to focus on the core capabilities listed in the job descriptions, rather than the titles and number of years of experience needed.

“Many Gen Zs I speak to underestimate how much they’ve already learnt,” she said, explaining that many of them have subconsciously built valuable skills through school projects, co-curricular activities, internships, part-time jobs or volunteer work.

These could include project management skills developed from organising a school event, people management skills from leading a student club, or problem-solving skills from volunteering.

Ms Evan Loke, director of the permanent division at recruitment firm Persolkelly Singapore, points out that job descriptions often contain broad terms, with the true expectations hidden between the lines.

For example, “strong communication skill” is not just about speaking well. It requires translating complex ideas between diverse teams, negotiating the scope of work with stakeholders and delivering persuasive presentations, she said.

Ms Tandon added that given how LinkedIn profiles are recruiters’ first stop in learning more about the candidates, it is worthwhile for job seekers to make their profiles work harder.

For instance, instead of listing skills, job seekers can demonstrate how they have used these skills by providing real, concrete examples.

Separately, Ms Loke emphasises quantifying the results of one’s experience, like how many team members one leads in a role.

Job seekers can also enhance their resumes and profiles with the addition of brief testimonials from people they have worked with, such as professors, managers or teammates, she added.

Given how quickly the demand for job skills is changing, Ms Tandon stressed the importance of demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow by highlighting one’s adaptability.

Ms Loke suggested that young professionals keep a list of their accomplishments, enable smart job alerts and use easy-to-update resume templates.

They can keep an ongoing list of their key skills – each accompanied by a few real-life examples – which helps with matching job requirements to their skills.

Setting up job alerts based on one’s top skills can also make it easier to find suitable job openings and allow one to observe patterns in how employers phrase their needs in such listings.

Knowing the pattern would allow job seekers to curate a flexible template structured around specific skill groups, so that they can easily rearrange or swop out points to adapt the resume to the language of each job posting.

“One of the best things Gen Z professionals can do early in their careers is to adopt a growth mindset,” said Ms Tandon.

First, young professionals should make it a habit to reflect on what they have learnt from different tasks, such as leading a project, working cross-functionally or navigating a challenge.

Second, young professionals should actively seek feedback from their peers, managers and even interviewers.

“Understanding your strengths allows you to double down on them, while feedback on growth areas gives you a clear road map for what to improve or develop next,” she added.

Finally, young professionals should make upskilling a priority, and stay informed on trends within and beyond the industry they are in.

She said: “Career growth is about continually investing in yourself, staying agile and being open to what’s next…

“When you lead with this mindset, everything else will follow.”

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