Job hunting in Singapore: How to tackle the market

莱村美达

By Admin on June 5, 2012in Blog, Career, Industry Snapshots, Work in Singapore

Around 25 per cent of the population in Singapore is made up of expats and many of them come here to work. So, needless to say there is a wealth of opportunity for job seekers in most industries, from multinational corporations to start ups.

But what are the practicalities of job-hunting in Singapore? Are there any conventions you need to know, which may differ to home? Are there any restrictions affecting foreigners?

Read on for some tips to help get your search underway.

Before you leave home

Wherever you’re currently based in the world, it’s wise to put some feelers out for the Singapore job market before you set foot here.

It’ll help you scope out the job market, see which companies exist here and what any potential interest may be.

Make use of personal contacts – this is more pertinent in Singapore that many other countries; it’s a networking hotspot where ‘who you know’ really counts.

Plenty of people get jobs on referrals, from friends, family or friends of friends. No matter how tenuous the link, tap into anyone you know already in Singapore and see if they can help. Or ask if they know anyone who can.

Although it’s wise to scope the market out as early as possible, don’t be disheartened if you have no feedback. A lot of companies won’t take you seriously until you’ve landed and are a Singapore resident full-time. It’s good to make yourself known though.

When you arrive in Singapore

Now you can really start getting proactive.

Register with as many relevant recruitment agencies as possible – there’s an abundance of them here with big international firms like Michael Page and Hays. Chances are you’ll need



to have an internal interview with the agency so they can ascertain what it is you’re looking for.

Check the big job sites – JobsDB in particular is the biggest player in Singapore and has listings for every industry going. You’ll quickly see what’s about and it’ll give you a feel for the vacancies out there.

Go direct – make contact with any companies you’re interested in. Seek out people working there, whether it’s via Linkedin, Twitter or personal contacts. Message them and ask about available opportunities.

The application process

A lot of jobs in Singapore are advertised for ‘Singaporeans or PRs’ only. This means they’re only open to locals or those with Permanent Resident status so it’s not worth applying. Where this isn’t mentioned it’s safe to assume foreigners are welcome.

State your position clearly – explain that you’re an expat, newly relocated but highlight experience overseas, this is often welcomed. Make clear as well what sort of pass you’re on, whether it’ s a dependent pass, long term or short term visit pass. Potential employers will want to know this so it’s worth putting in your application.

Interviews – the process in Singapore is much like anywhere else in the world. Shortlist – interview – second interview (occasionally third)  – offer.

The offer

Unlike most other countries, salaries are offered in monthly amounts, rather than annual.  Because of tax differences it’ll be difficult to compare back to salaries in your home country but it’s safe to say the tax is favourable (see our tax section). Some companies offer salary estimates for various industries but take the information with a pinch of salt, it’s hard to know who is getting paid what unless you know what peers are earning or someone here has told you what the average is for you age/experience/relevant industry. If you get the chance ask a recruitment consultant, they’ll be able to give some steer on this.

The employment Pass

Once you’ve accepted this will be conditional, based on the successful issue of an employment pass. This can take anything from a few days to a couple of weeks to come though so you may need to sit tight for a start date.

Once it’s confirmed, you’ll need a medical exam. This includes a blood test, chest x-ray and general check up. After that you can proceed to the Ministry of Manpower to collect your EP and begin work. For more information on visas, check out our visa section.

Booming industries

If you work in R&D, digital media, advertising and creative, recruitment, publishing, engineering, banking and finance, you’ll find plenty of job adverts in Singapore. Check out our latest industry snapshots.

Restrictions on foreigners

Getting a job in Singapore as an expat is slightly more difficult than it used to be following tougher government restrictions on foreign talent recruitment. In a nutshell, quotas imposed on employers by the Ministry of Manpower mean a company will have to justify to the MOM the need to employ you over a local. But in most cases there isn’t a problem and if you have the skills and experience you’ll be highly employable regardless of your native country.

Finally, don’t expect overnight success. Job-hunting anywhere in the world is hard work and can consume your days. Expect to search for at least three months. Don’t be too choosy about what you apply for, send of for as much as possible and see what comes back.

If you’re doing everything mentioned above then it’s matter of time. Good luck!