Is it very hard to secure a job in the government sector??

silv3rgal SG

I read from various government job vacancies (for degree holders @ ministries and statutory boards) that they require good honours, or good degrees from recognised universities (esp our very own local universities). And even when they ask for only " At least a pass in a degree from a recognised university ", they seldom consider degrees below 2nd lower honours (including degrees without honours). And if forunately you get shortlisted for an interview, it's like you have to go through tedious QC (quality control) before you actually get the job(if you're lucky). They just wanna make sure that they are employing the cream of the crops.

Is that true??

Well, that's only my perspective, which may not be correct. Thats why I'm posting such a thread here....any views or verifications?

Ah Cek SG

some govt sectors also accept 2nd lower hons and below. eg. MINDEF

some commercial like SIA accepts only 2nd upper hons and above.

sohguanh SG

Speaking from real life experience, YES!!! It is very true. You need a good piece of paper to get in. After all, they are trying to get the cream of the crop into their ministries and statutory boards.

As for GLCs, there is more leeway but they would prefer good grades and if you were former gahmen ppl then better cuz you would have know their working corporate culture.

As for private sector, some don't like to employ former gahmen ppl becuz they know most of those are use mouth order ppl do work not hands on ppl. But then they still will employ if say company biggest customer is gahmen.

You all will be surprised how much money worth of contract is thrown out by gahmen every year to boost the economy. Mindef and MHA and MOE are the fat sheep a lot of private companies are eyeing cuz they are given the largest pie of the budget every year.

To go gahmen sector, please prepare a big piece of paper Mr. Green

ditzy SG

I would say no, because I consider signing on as a regular to be government sector job too. Laughing

Heartbreak-Kid SG

I think alot of people are also applying for govt job. I personally just went to a got job interview and realise that are alot of ppl who are unemployed. Is the governement’s unemployment rate figures accurate?

dork3d SG

Well, the figures are there, just have to believe them.

Me had gone for several interviews with government bodies and stat boards like IRAS, CPF, it's not based on the requirements set in the job placement ads. Me don't have what they needed but they called me for interviews. During interviews, you had to show that grades are not everything and you can be equally competent as those with 1st or 2nd class honours.

It's a perception that they only wanted the best. But not many people know that many of these "creams" never made it through the probation period even they are employed. This is a fact!

chunyong SG

1) Have a gahmen agency background...best is MHA or SPF.
2) Ensure u have done 'special' things dat u can highlight to show u can and have gone the extra mile.
3) Ensure ur results dun be too terok.

Ibram Gaunt SG

I was recently employed by a certain government ministry even though I only have a 2nd Lower Hons Degree. But I have 2 years of work experience in the private sector and this tipped the scale in my favour during the selection process. And I think the that the test-essay that they will make you do during the 1st or 2nd interview will count during the selection process as well.

So it's not true that the government will only take in the "cream of the crop". They consider other factors too before employing someone.

It's a great job...and it took me 2 years before I found it. But it is worth the effort ...I wrote to this ministry 3 times in my 2 years before I succeeded on the 3rd try...

Good luck in your civil service job hunt Smile

donchoo SG

My sis got a job offer at Ministry of foreign affairs starting pay about 3500. But she turned it down since she wanted to work overseas.

silv3rgal SG

But sometimes its so hard even to get to the interview stage....
people might not even have the chance to show that grades aren't everything..as well as their competency....

heh..i guess experience counts alot.....

thousandisland SG

is it likewise true for scholarships? i’ve applied for iras, kpmg and pwc. but my grades arent stellar, cca records are far from flawless. what kinda pple are they looking for? i do hope i can make it to the interview at least.

silv3rgal SG

I believe for scholarships, you really need to have at least superb grades......