Entry-level hiring trends show rising demand for skills and experience

Entry-level job markets in India and Singapore are facing challenges regarding candidate qualifications and experience requirements.

In India, a report by Gi Group Holding reveals a shift toward skill-based hiring. While academic degrees still influence initial access, 76% of employers prioritize practical proof—such as certifications, internships, and software fluency—when shortlisting Tier-2 and Tier-3 graduates. The report highlights a significant skills gap, noting that 64% of employers find fewer than 40% of entry-level candidates able to pass initial domain and skill assessments. Employers are increasingly valuing trainability, learning agility, and functional communication over pure academic merit.

In Singapore, fresh graduates are expressing frustration over entry-level roles that demand one to two years of prior experience. One biomedical science graduate reported difficulty securing laboratory positions due to these requirements, noting that the lack of internship opportunities in some educational programs makes gaining initial experience difficult. This has led to graduates taking administrative or specimen reception roles that do not align with their intended career paths in hopes of eventually transitioning into technical work.