For most, the search for work in Singapore will begin at 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. Here are some pointers to give you the edge before you arrive.
Investigate Your Job Sector in Singapore
It’ll help you to scope out the job market within the trade that you are in, to see which companies exist here and to understand the amount of opportunity and challenge that exists in this line of work in Singapore. Economic conditions may either be helping or hindering your job sector, especially in a dynamic market like Singapore.
Prepare
Make sure you have something sorted for when you land in Singapore. If you’re looking for immediate accommodation in Singapore at reduced cost, check out Agoda or Hotels Combined to get the cheapest rates going.
In Singapore it’s often who you know, not what you know which highlights the importance of networking.here and what any potential interest may be.
“It’s Not What You Know”
Make use of personal contacts – this is more pertinent in the job hunt in Singapore than 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.
Persist
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.
Now that You’ve Arrived in Singapore…
Visit our guide for job-hunters who have landed on Singapore turf, and are ready to engage with employers face-to-face and find work in Singapore. Click here.
I agree, It is better to check first the work that your going through before leaving. It is good if you already have the contract for your job.
Thanks for a great article and good advice!
I agree, it is good to have done a bit of research beforehand, but there is also a benefit to being on the ground when looking for work in Singapore. But most importantly I think is to persist, it might take a while to find the right job in Singapore, but don’t give up!
How can a foreigner search for a job in Singapore ? I would like to relocate there but it seems that its not easy to for a foreigner to find a job.
thanks for the job advice! i’ve heard that getting visas for working in singapore is getting tricky… any feedback on this?? @farazdak- haven’t had much job searching myself1
Hi Katie, Gateway has a guide on Visas here, hope this helps!
http://www.gatewaysingapore.com/2012/01/visas-immigration-for-singapore/
Hi I am pharmacy technician (holder of diploma in pharmacy) .So if it is possible to get job in such field I prefer it .otherwise teaching English,working in oil industry etc are my preference.So if possible please help me.
Hi Abiot,
Thank you for sharing. Have a look here (http://www.gatewayglobalcareers.com/) as there are regularly new opportunities posted.
Best of luck!