There many jobs here. We have shortages of nurses, crane operators, etc.

Hey,

I am a recent graduate from SMU who was in your shoes, previously applied to multiple MA programs for MNCs in my penultimate year. Similar situation, been rejected in various stages of the interview process (Rejection from 1st rounds, 2nd rounds, even Final rounds). Finally landed a job 4 months after grad that pays 4K.

For your job search, my advice to you is to search through warmer leads. Don't just depend on jobstreet or adverts - talk to employees in companies through linkedin, ask your friends for referrals. In short, be more proactive than the typical job hunter. If you can't find opportunities, create your own opportunities.

Since you are able to make it past 1st and 2nd rounds, your resume should be fine. The issue then, is why you aren't able to convert your interview to an offer. Sometimes it comes down to luck - there might be a candidate that's just more suitable than you. More likely though, you're not selling yourself as the right candidate for them.

Generally, a company is looking for an employee who 1. Wants to work for them for the long term 2. has the capability to do the work given and 3. is a great fit for the company culture. Look through your answers in the interview and identify whether you're giving them the answers they are looking for with regards to those 3 points.

If your problem is not getting interviews, take a look at your resume and your job hunting process.
If your problem is not getting past the rounds, review your answers in interviews and learn from your mistakes.

Contract is ending at the end of the year and I have yet to secure another job after a few months of job search. So far I have been mostly applying for permanent roles only to not much avail as I only have slightly more than a year of experience. Should I just jump to another contract job or should I still stubbornly wait for a permanent job? Seeing how bleak the economy is going to be really worries me.

Did they extend your contract?

My opinion, I have ever been in a 1 yr contract when I 1st started my career, it sux and I feel bad when I am in it, then the economy was also bad. I was in a 1 yr contract, renewable but I decided not to renew as contract staff in the company was treated like 2nd class citizens, with a different namecard.
continue to apply to perm, your history with contract job would not be a factor, I dun think the job market is very bad. I have recently found a perm job, but I have close to 10 yrs exp.
It boils down to how well you did in the interview.
But in the event you do not find a perm job, dont be dishearten, you can paint the "contract job" in your resume as close to your career goals as possible and be sure to highlight your achievements, dun need to remind or inform the interviewer you were previously on contract.

There's no news about extension yet but my boss has been hinting that I should leave because there's currently a headcount freeze. Even then, extension was always communicated to us at the last minute. We are indeed the dispensable second class citizens as contractors.

For my industry, it seems like 3 years and above experience is required for a perm role. I did apply regardless but no calls come in anyway.

Just curious, does revealing that I'm on a contract role to potential employers that disadvantageous?

What industry are u in? Banking?

Yes banking

Switch to a more stable career such as nursing

Your situation is almost similar to me:) but I haven get an offer yet:(
May I know your contract is for what industry and how much are u getting?