Master Non-discriminatory Job advertisement and Description: The Singapore Expert Guide
Written by: Destiny Goh
In Singapore’s rapidly evolving recruitment landscape, compliance is a strategic necessity. With the implementation of the COMPASS 2026 framework and rigorous TAFEP fair employment standards, the margin for error in job advertisements has narrowed significantly. A single non-compliant requirement can now impact your ability to secure essential Employment Passes or damage your employer brand.
We have designed this Guide to Non-Discriminatory Job Advertisements and Description to serve as your definitive compliance safeguard. This comprehensive toolkit transforms complex regulations into practical, ready-to-use templates. It features expert “Pro-HR” tips on avoiding discriminatory language, industry-specific phrasing for key sectors, and vital FAQs regarding the latest salary benchmarks. This guide will ensure legal compliance that will help streamline your hiring process, minimise rejection risks, and positioning your organisation as a fair, forward-thinking employer of choice.
Table of Contents
Sample Job Description
Job descriptions are beyond just a list of duties, skill and experience needed. As an employer, this is your first pitch to attract potential talent. This strategic document sets expectations and defines culture. It should focus on job-related requirements, avoid personal characteristics, and help assess candidates against the skills, competencies, and experience required for the role.
As your HR partners, we have crafted high-performing JD into a simple, actionable guide.
What is a Job Description?
A Job Description clearly outlines the duties, responsibilities, and specifications of a role within your organisation. Strategically, it serves as a marketing tool. It communicates your employer value proposition and explains why a candidate should choose you over your competitors.
6 Key Elements of a Strategic & Precise JD
To attract quality talent, your JD needs to be clear, compliant, and compelling. Here are 6 essentials that should be on your list:
- Standardised Job Titles: ‘Marketing Ninja’ might sound fun, but keywords like ‘Digital Marketing Manager’ is what candidates actually type into search bars. Use industry-standard titles to ensure your post isn’t buried.
- The Value ‘Hook’: Avoid just copying and pasting the ‘About Us’ section. Highlight your culture, mission, and regional footprint (if any), and explain how their roles matter to the company’s growth. You may mention ‘multilingual environments’ or ‘regional exposure’ only when it reflects the actual work. If you include any language requirement, state the clear business reason for it.
- Outcome-Based Responsibilities: Avoid merely listing daily tasks. Focus on responsibilities, expected outcomes, and performance standards. Think about what you want this individual to achieve in 6 months? Define what success looks like in this role. This attracts performance-driven candidates.
- Must-Haves vs. Good-to-Haves: Be realistic with your requirements. Overloading ‘Must-Haves’ discourages diverse talent. Clearly distinguish between essential technical skills and ‘Bonus’ traits (like multilingualism) that add value.
- Salary & Benefits (The ‘Why’): In the Singapore market, transparency builds immediate trust. Beyond the salary range, highlight ‘The Why’ such as flexible work arrangements, AWS, or specific professional development funds.
- Clear Call to Action: Tell them exactly what to do next. Send your CV to \[email\] or ‘Click Apply.’ Keep the entry barrier low for applications.
Sample Job Advertisement
Job Title
Use a clear, standardised title.
Pro Tip: Keep it standard. Avoid words like ‘Ninja’ or ‘Rockstar’ as these can sometimes imply age bias.
- Use titles like: Senior Software Engineer, Marketing Manager, HR Executive.
- Avoid: Young IT Whiz, Foreman (implies male only).
Company Overview (The Why Us: Culture and Vision)
Pro Tip: Use this as a hook to highlight your work environment. Write 2-3 sentences about your company culture, mission, market position and what makes your organisation stand out from your competitors.
You can include the following, where relevant:
- What we do + who we do it for (simple English, no fluff)
- What’s changing / what we’re trying to improve right now (a real situation)
- How the team actually works (cadence, tools, decisions, pace, stakeholders)
- What this role will own in the first 3–6 months (concrete outcome)
- One credible proof point (size, region, product, clients, systems, growth stage)
Here are some examples of company descriptions tailored to the job functions you plan on advertising:
B1. Engineers (Civil, Mechanical, Software, etc.)
Template:
“At [Company Name], we deliver [product / projects] for [client / sector], with a strong focus on quality, safety, and technical rigour. The engineering team works closely with [operations / QA / project / product] to ensure solutions are practical and compliant, not just theoretically sound. This role will contribute to [specific outcome, e.g., improving system reliability / delivering projects to schedule] within [the desired duration].”
B2. Sales Executive
Template:
“[Company Name] provides [product/service] to [client segment] across [market/region]. Our sales team operates with clear targets, structured pipeline management, and a strong emphasis on accurate expectations-setting with clients. This role will be responsible for developing new opportunities and managing accounts, with a focus on consistent follow-through and measurable results.”
B3. Business Development
Template:
“[Company Name] is expanding in [market/region] and is seeking to strengthen strategic partnerships and new revenue channels. We take a long-term approach to growth, prioritising well-qualified opportunities and sustainable client relationships. This role will support market development through outreach, stakeholder engagement, and proposal development, working closely with internal teams to ensure deliverability and alignment.”
B4. Marketing Executive
Template:
“At [Company Name], marketing supports business growth through clear positioning, disciplined execution, and consistent brand standards. The team works across [content / digital / events / campaigns] and collaborates closely with sales and internal stakeholders. This role will focus on delivering campaigns and communications that improve visibility, lead quality, and engagement across [channels/markets].”
B5. Human Resources
Template:
“People and workplace practices are a core priority at [Company Name]. Our HR function partners the business to support hiring, employee development, and clear, fair policies that enable teams to perform effectively. This role will contribute to strengthening talent processes and employee experience, while maintaining professionalism, consistency, and compliance with local guidelines.”
B6. Accountant / Finance
Template:
“[Company Name] operates with a strong emphasis on governance, accuracy, and timely reporting. The finance team supports business decision-making through disciplined controls, reliable reporting, and process improvement. This role will take ownership of [month-end / reporting / AP-AR / audit support] and support improvements to financial processes and systems where needed.”
Job Description (The What: Core Responsibilities)
Write 6–10 bullet points that describe what the person will do and own in the role. Use action verbs, name the deliverable, and include the ‘why’ (outcome). Where relevant, state who the role works with (collaborations/projects/teams) and what standards apply (quality, safety, compliance, deadlines).
Consider using this structure for each bullet:
- Action + what + for whom/with whom + to achieve [outcome] + [expected standard]
Job description bullet templates (copy and edit):
- Plan and deliver [workstream / project] from briefing to completion, ensuring [quality / safety / compliance] standards are met.
- Produce and maintain [report / dashboard / documentation] for [stakeholders] to support [decision / tracking / audit].
- Liaise with [internal teams] and [external vendors / clients] to align requirements, timelines, and deliverables.
- Monitor [KPIs / budget / pipeline / performance] and propose improvements to [reduce cost / improve speed / raise quality].
- Identify operational risks and escalate issues early, with recommended solutions and impact assessment.
- Support continuous improvement by reviewing [process], documenting SOPs, and implementing updates.
- Ensure accurate record-keeping for [contracts / invoices / job ads / approvals] in line with [company policy / regulatory guidelines].
Examples by function:
- Engineering: Develop and review [designs / code / calculations], conduct testing and troubleshooting, and support project delivery in line with [technical standards].
- Sales: Manage a portfolio of [accounts], build and maintain a qualified pipeline, and meet agreed revenue targets through structured prospecting and follow-ups.
- Business Development: Identify and qualify new opportunities in [target market/industry], manage stakeholder outreach, and develop proposals in partnership with [internal teams] to secure sustainable revenue growth.
- Marketing: Plan and execute [campaigns] across [channels], track performance, and optimise creative and messaging based on results.
- Human Resources: Coordinate end-to-end recruitment for [roles], manage stakeholder updates, and ensure job advertisements and selection processes align with fair hiring guidelines.
- Accountant / Finance: Prepare monthly closing schedules, perform reconciliations, and produce management reports with clear variance explanations.
Pro Tip: Be specific about the type of work, not the worker.
- For Construction/Logistics: Use keywords like ‘operate machinery’ or ‘manage site safety.
- For IT/Tech: Develop code using ‘Python’ or ‘maintain server infrastructure’.
Requirements (The Who: Skills, Competencies, and Experience)
- Experience: Minimum [number] years of experience in [industry/role].
- Education: Diploma/Degree in [field of study] or equivalent practical experience.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in [software/tool A], [software/tool B].
- Language Skills (If applicable): Ability to speak/read/write [language] to [specific Business Reason, e.g., communicate with regional clients who only speak this language].
- Physical Requirements (If applicable): Ability to lift [X]kg as this role involves loading cargo on a daily basis.
Pro Tip: This is where most TAFEP violations happen. Stick to MERIT.
- Age: Focus on ‘years of experience,’ not age limits.
- Language: If you need a Japanese or Mandarin speaker, you must state the reason (e.g., ‘to translate documents’ or ‘handle all communications from Japanese stakeholders’).
- Physical aspects: If the job is physically demanding (common in Logistics/Engineering), state the task (’move heavy equipment’), not the individuals’ attribute (’must be strong/male’).
Benefits & Perks
List what the candidate will potentially receive.
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- [List specific allowances: Transport, Shift, etc.]
- [Health/Dental Insurance details]
- Training and development opportunities.
- Flexible working arrangements / Hybrid work.
Pro Tip: Transparency attracts high-value talent.
- Highlight commission structures, career progression route, medical benefits, work-life balance and so on.
Application Instructions
Clear call to action.
- Interested candidates, please submit your CV highlighting relevant experience to this email/link.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Pro Tip: Ensure the application process itself is accessible. Do not ask for photographs, age, or NRIC numbers at the initial application stage unless strictly necessary for security clearance (which is rare).
Complete COMPASS 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will hiring foreign talent become more difficult in 2026?
Yes. From 2026 onwards, hiring foreign talent will become more challenging. The process has shifted from being a largely administrative submission to a stricter evaluation of workforce planning.
Employers can no longer treat an Employment Pass (EP) application as a routine paperwork exercise. Instead, they must demonstrate that the hire is strategically necessary for both the company and Singapore’s economy.
Key reasons include:
- Higher salary benchmarks
MOM has updated sector-specific salary benchmarks, raising the scoring threshold under COMPASS.
A salary that secured approval in 2025 may not earn sufficient points in 2026.
- Stricter scrutiny of job scope alignment
The role’s scope, seniority, and level of responsibility must be consistent with the proposed salary and company size.
- Closer examination of company workforce profile
Workforce composition, diversity, and local employment contributions are factored into COMPASS scoring.
- Heightened expectations for consistency and accuracy
Administrative inconsistencies—such as mismatches between ACRA business descriptions, employment contracts, and payroll records—can now directly result in rejection.
2. When will the 2026 COMPASS updates apply to new applications and renewals?
- Stage 1: Minimum salary requirements
- Stage 2: Updated COMPASS benchmarks
- The new minimum salary thresholds (e.g., $5,600 / $6,200 depending on sector), and
- The 2026 COMPASS sector benchmarks.
- From 1 January 2026: Must meet Stage 1 (minimum salary).
- From 1 July 2026: Must also meet Stage 2 (2026 COMPASS benchmarks and updated qualifications list).
3. Why would a salary approved in 2025 be rejected in 2026?
Assuming that 2025 approval conditions will automatically remain valid is a common mistake.
The 2026 COMPASS benchmarks raise salary evaluation thresholds across multiple sectors.
As a result, the same role may require a higher salary in 2026 to maintain a similar approval probability. Employers should always check eligibility using the SAT (Self-Assessment Tool) before submission.
4. What happens if a role is removed from the Shortage Occupation List (SOL)?
If a role is removed from SOL, it will no longer receive the 20-point Skills Bonus under COMPASS Criterion C5.
Approval outcomes will then depend more heavily on salary, qualifications, and workforce composition.
For example, roles such as Digital Product Manager or Cybersecurity Operations Specialist that lose SOL status may need to rely solely on salary and qualifications to reach the required 40 points.
In 2026, healthcare and green economy roles are prioritised.
If a role is not on SOL, employers should maintain stricter documentation under the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF).
5. How does the “Business Substance” requirement affect new companies?
There is no formal checklist. However, companies with unclear financial standing or limited business track record may face stricter scrutiny.
MOM may request clarification regarding the sustainability of the role and justification of the proposed salary.
6. Why is “title inflation” a rejection risk in 2026?
COMPASS evaluates job title, salary, and actual responsibilities collectively.
If a senior title is not supported by corresponding scope and salary level, the application may be viewed as inconsistent and negatively assessed.
7. How will updated qualifications be assessed?
- Group A: 20 points for all degrees
- Group B: 20 points for specified disciplines only
- Some professional certifications may be recognised as degree-equivalent (10 points)
8. How early should EP renewals be prepared in 2026?
- 6 months prior: Conduct a SAT check, as 2026 benchmarks are higher than previous years.
- 3 months prior: Submit the renewal to preserve time for appeal in case of rejection.
9. Why do inconsistencies in company information lead to rejection?
MOM cross-checks EP applications against statutory records.
Outdated ACRA descriptions or discrepancies between employment contracts and declared salaries may result in rejection.
10. What is the expected “Workforce Planning Narrative” in 2026?
- Hiring plans by role
- Local upskilling initiatives
- Knowledge transfer objectives from foreign to local staff
11. What “Fair Hiring” evidence should be maintained?
- Job advertisement records
- Interview documentation
- Hiring justifications
12 Why are overly abstract job descriptions problematic?
Vague phrases such as “assist with management” are increasingly scrutinised.
From 2026 onwards, skills-based evaluation and clear justification of why the candidate is more suitable than available local talent are expected.
13. How do sector salary benchmarks affect hiring costs?
Updated benchmarks may require higher salaries to secure the same COMPASS score as in 2025, leading to increased manpower costs in certain sectors.
14. How will Dependency Ratio Ceilings (DRC) affect 2026 hiring?
- Services sector: 35%
- Construction/Process: 83.3%
- S Pass sub-quota: Typically capped at 10% (services) or 15% (others)
15. How can companies secure the Strategic Economic Priorities bonus?
Companies recognised by EDB or ESG as contributing to Singapore’s growth may receive a 10-point bonus for all EP applications (typically valid for three years).
This does not waive minimum salary requirements.
16. Are startups advantaged under COMPASS?
- C3 (Diversity)
- C4 (Local Employment)
