Finding the perfect job or applicant in Singapore's fast-paced labor market can feel like a race against the clock. Job portals and recruitment agencies both promise to make that race easier, but they work in very different ways. In 2025, when hiring needs are more diverse than ever, both still play important roles in connecting people with the right opportunities.

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The Case for Job Portals

Job portals like FastJobs Singapore are built for speed, convenience, and reach. Employers can post a role and start receiving applications quickly, while jobseekers gain direct access to thousands of listings across industries, from F&B and retail to logistics, customer service, and admin.

The process is straightforward: search, apply, and track your applications in one place. FastJobs recommends jobs to you based on your profile preferences, such as minimum salary, location, job type and/or via job titles, helping you save time and focus on the roles that fit you best. With technology, you can set job alerts to receive the latest jobs and avoid missing out on opportunities. In Q2 2025, employers on FastJobs can view job seekers who set their profile “to be visible to all employers” with a match score and invite the right talent to apply for any opening. 

FastJobs offers flexibility and connectivity to hundreds of direct employers - you can apply anytime, anywhere with verified and direct employers who are hiring with a few clicks. 

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The Case for Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment agencies, on the other hand, provide a more personalised approach. They pre-screen candidates, match them to roles based on skill set and cultural fit, and handle much of the coordination between employer and applicant.

This makes them particularly valuable for:

• Niche or specialised positions
• Confidential hiring situations
• Senior-level roles requiring targeted headhunting

For jobseekers, agencies might give access to exclusive opportunities that may not be advertised online.

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Why Both Still Matter

Think of job portals as your tool for speed and reach, and agencies as your partner for tailored matchmaking. Many employers in Singapore use both portals to quickly fill urgent operational roles, and agencies to find specialised talent.

For jobseekers, combining both options maximises your exposure. Applying directly through portals like FastJobs keeps you in control, while agencies can act as an advocate for you in more targeted hiring scenarios.

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About FastJobs

FastJobs is Southeast Asia’s leading mobile-first job platform, helping jobseekers find full-time / part-time roles quickly and easily. With smart job-matching features, instant application alerts, and one of the fastest employer response rates in the region, FastJobs empowers people to start and grow their careers with confidence.

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Start your search today

Whether you’re looking to fill roles quickly or take the next step in your career, FastJobs helps you connect with the right match, faster and easier. Explore the latest opportunities or post your job listing at FastJobs.sg today.