Singapore is recognized for its welcoming and warm climate, low costs of living, and low taxation. Singapore is also well-known as the main hub to Asia. Working as well as living in this country is something that many people dream about.
Fortunately, the job markets in this Asian city is growing steadily. More industries have popped up along with a significant increase in local-founding startups and expats. Finding employment in Singapore is very possible for the expats, but not many people know how to get started.
Here is a guide that will assist you through the eight steps to find a job in this lucrative country.
Find Out If You Are Eligible To Work In Singapore
Before you immerse yourself in a job search, it is always a good idea to ensure you are eligible to find employment in Singapore. There are a different permit types based on what qualifications you have. There is an online Self-Assessment Tool, published by the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore, known as SmArT that will gauge whether you are likely to be eligible according to Immigration Solutions.
While this assessment is able to provide you with an idea, this is not a definite guarantee that you are eligible. Certain aspects, such as permit quotas along with your background (personal) are not considered with this online assessment. It is also important to know that you are unable to apply for your work visa unless you have a job offer in place that matches up to the minimum requirements. For this reason, the application for a Singapore visa would be the last step you would need to take.
Choose An Industry That Is Thriving
While Singapore may be the host to a variety of markets, a few industries are much stronger when compared to others. In past years, Singapore was the welcoming home for the financial professionals, especially the individuals in securities and audit.
While financial job markets are still very strong, there are other industries that have risen quickly in this Southern Asian city. Employment in digital marketing, IT and the compliance specialists have risen. The demands in the industry of ecommerce and tech has also expanded with a big push when it comes to hiring UX and UI designers along with computer science, tourism, service and hospitality. Other predominant roles in this country include HR leadership and talent management.
Understanding The Common Types Of Employment Practices
Before you commit yourself to working in this country, it is advisable to review if the more common of the employment practices will match up to your personal lifestyle.
The Ministry of Manpower also offers a list of information such as salaries, contracts, skill training, hours, holidays, leaves-of-absence and more. This employment resources list can assist you in gaining an understanding of what it will be like to work in Singapore.
Use An Online Search
The best place you can find out about the open positions for employment in Singapore would have to be online. With many available web resources that can assist your search, here are a few of the main sites used for people who search for jobs in Singapore.
Search Online
One of the best places to look for open positions in Singapore is online. With a multitude of web resources available to aid in your search, the following sites are some of the biggest and most used by Singapore job searchers.
- Best Jobs involves a massive archive for job posts from a variety of industries
- Monster provides listings across all the markets in Singapore
- Jobs.com.sg utilizes one search to assist you in finding listings from multiple sites
- eFinancialCareers offers available positions in the largest market of finance in Singapore
- Job Street is a site that you are able to create your own profile as well as host your personal CV so that employers are able to find you
- Job Central offers various listings from multiple industries
Meet Up With An Employment Agency
Even though there are various online openings, there are also many benefits to work with the right recruitment agency when you search for a job in Singapore. The correct recruiter will assist you in working on your CV, interview preparations and cover letter. They will also offer you with a clear understanding when it comes to your potential employer the industry and tips about the culture and history of the company.
You should also conduct your own research when it comes to selecting an agency that matches up to your skills and industry. Here are a few well trusted and reviewed agencies around the city.
- 3C Synergy for the jobs in gas, oil and construction
- Aegis that covers jobs across all industries
- Career Hub Consultants that specialize in jobs for hospitality, science, engineering, tech, finance and more
- Spencer Stuart places the candidates in employment across all industries
Network With People
Networking is extremely important when it comes to looking for a job and is just as important when it comes to Singapore. A few of the better groups you may want to meet up with when you are offered to visit this city during a job search will include:
- Startup Grind Singapore, where you can become involved in the vibrant startup communities in this city
- The Hub that is great for articles, terrific tips and networking events
- TiE Singapore where you can meet up with aspiring mentors and entrepreneurs
- Any professional gathering and business listed on the Meetup
If you are unable to get to this city, you should still try to network. You can do this by connecting with professionals of LinkedIn, through twitter or their blogs, which can result in obtaining job leads or an introduction into the businesses in Singapore.
Applying For A Work Visa
If you are offered with job, this is a massive accomplishment but is not a guarantee of the last step when it comes to hiring processes. You still need to apply for a work visa.
Fortunately, Singapore is a city that multicultural and the home to a number of expats, and is usually welcoming to the foreigners that need a visa. To obtain these visas you will first require a job-offer and pay a fee for the registration in order to submit an application. You can also choose to apply for the visa online and it will be processed within 7 days.
Before you start the application, you need to find out about the visa type you will be eligible for. The visa types include the following:
- Employment Pass which are for professional that earn a minimum of 3300 SGD (Singapore Dollar) a month, which are usually in senior positions
- EntrePass, for the entrepreneurs interested in starting up a business in Singapore
- Personalized Employment Pass offered to the high earners that already have employment passes, but offer flexibility in regard to eligible industries and employment terms
- S Pass is the more common visa for the typical-foreign workers that are offered to the mid-tier professionals that earn a minimum of 2200 SGD every month
Getting Ready To Move
You may be thinking about how to convert your currency into Singapore Dollars. If you are planning to open your own bank account in this city or you already know someone that has an account, think about using TransferWise to convert your money from and to Singapore.
This involves a transparent fee, along with exchange rates to convert currencies. TransWise also sends and receives money through the local-bank transfers, which saves you on money and eliminates the international based transfer fees. As soon as your currency exchange and visas are in place you are ready for your move.
