Overview of Hiring Activity
The foundit Insights Tracker in Singapore saw a 14% annual decline in hiring activity between April 2024 and April 2025.
Hiring demand dipped 2% month-on-month, with a 9% drop over the past six months, marking a strategic recalibration as companies shift from growth to optimisation.
Hiring Trends by Industry (MoM numbers)
5 out of 15 industries saw month-on-month growth in hiring.
In Demand:
Advertising, Market Research, PR, and Media (+2%) grew modestly as brands invested in data-led outreach and media innovation to stay competitive.
Facing Challenges:
Education (-5%) saw the steepest decline after earlier surges, while Hospitality & Travel (-4%) and BFSI (-3%) faced short-term dips due to cost control and external volatility.
Hiring Trends by Functional Area (MoM numbers)
1 out of 12 functional areas recorded hiring growth over the last month.
In Demand:
Marketing & Communications (+1%) saw slight growth, indicating stable demand for brand specialists despite broader caution.
Facing Challenges:
Legal (-9%) and Software, Hardware & Telecom (-4%) saw the sharpest declines, driven by digital maturity and tech stack consolidation. Functions like Finance & Accounts (-3%), Sales & Business Development (-3%), and HR & Admin (-1%) also saw subdued hiring.
About the foundit insights tracker
The foundit Insights Tracker (fit) Singapore, earlier known as the Monster Employment Index, is the leading guide to Singapore’s e-recruitment landscape. By examining millions of job listings, fit offers deep insights into hiring trends, role demand, and sector-specific shifts.
