These are the ‘in thing’ in Singapore these days. I visited two to date.

The first was an F&B Job Fair, held in IMM. Being the first job fair that I’ve visited, I was like a kid being let loose in a candy store. I was so excited and full of hopes, especially when I was told that the employers will hire on the spot. The truth of the matter is, they only hire the junior workers, eg, cleaners, waiters, waitress on the spot.

There were lots of jobs available and only one junior administrative post. Most of the employers although outwardly mention that for the more senior positions, related experience is not required, but inwardly it does. That was my realization after trying various booths.

There was this local company (rather famous restaurant which I always had a very good impression of) gave me the worst impression on their hiring tactics. One woman was extremely ‘bitchy’. I was curious as to what duties a ‘Guest Relations Officer’ does in their establishment and questioned her about it. After her explanation, I told her is it not the same as a maitre d’? She just looked at me with ‘hate’ written in her eyes. I think she felt threatened by me somehow and lied to me about the pay they were offering to their staff. When her colleague told her they could consider me for administration work, she absolutely refused, stating there was no such vacancy. Believe it or not, an argument ensued with me present!!! I told them it’s fine and just left that booth, feeling really despondent and upset. How unprofessional!!!

When I approached another establishment, a Japanese sounding one and applied for the same post, (they have another fancy sounding name for it) the hiring staff was really pleasant and asked me what the other establishments were offering me. When I revealed the amount, the lady was absolutely dumb-founded and told me it was just quite impossible that they would be offering such a low salary. It was here that I discovered how the other ‘bitchy’ lady lied to me about the salary.

I think I was over dressed (shirt blouse, skirt and heels), I mean I carried this ‘huge’ bag with my portfolio inside and looked ‘too professional’. Everytime, I approached a booth to ask if there was a vacancy, the attendees would somehow not hear the part which I asked if there was a job opening and proceed to ask which company I represented and who was I looking for??

People are just too taken aback when I revealed that I was looking for a job. Once again, I have to blame my appearance. Just what is wrong with me???

The good thing was, Channel News Asia interviewed me and I appeared on the 10 pm news that day. It seems they had trouble finding ‘English’ speaking candidates at the fair. Finally, I’m being appreciated for my English speaking skills. Watching the news that day surprised me, cause I had no idea I spoke such good English. That was such a boost to my moral, which I desperately needed.