Singapore is well known for its low taxation, the minimal cost of living, and warm, welcoming climate. Also known as the hub to Asia, Singapore is notoriously safe and welcoming. Living and working in the city is a dream shared by many.Luckily, the job market in the Asian city is steadily growing. More industries are popping up, and there’s a huge increase in the number of expats and locals founding startups.Before getting into an exhaustive job search, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re eligible to work in Singapore. There are different kinds of work permits based on your qualifications. The Ministry of Manpower in Singapore has published an online self-assessment tool, to gauge your likelihood of eligibility.

While the assessment can give you an idea, you shouldn’t take it as a guarantee that you’ll be eligible. Some factors, like permit quotas and your personal background, aren’t calculated with the online assessment.

Also, keep in mind you can’t apply for a work visa without a job in place and a salary offer that meets a minimum requirement. Therefore, applying for your Singapore work visa is one of the last steps you’ll take.

Update your resume and cover letters. Although cover letters are becoming more irrelevant in some markets and countries, it is still best to include a personalized cover letter for jobs in Singapore.

  • Your resume and cover letter should be one page each. Only include the most relevant and important information.
  • The cover letter is a chance for you to tell the hiring managers why you can do the job better than anyone before you get into an interview.

Be on time for your interview. Singaporean culture takes punctuality seriously. Plus, nothing says irresponsible like being late and wasting a hiring manager’s time. Double check and test the video chat link, or scope out the offices ahead of the big day if you are in town to figure out transportation and parking.

  • If interviewing online, be sure you are settled with everything ready before you are supposed to log in. This also means checking your internet connection is solid!
  • Give yourself about 15 minutes extra if you are showing up in person. Even if you have scoped out the office and the route, disruptions like traffic still can happen.
  • If something unexpected happens, and you cannot help being late, call ahead. Notifying them of any delays is considered the courteous and right thing to do.

Submit applications to a variety of jobs. Whether you target a specific company you are interested in or are just using online job boards, numbers are the key. It sometimes is just a numbers game when it comes to getting an interview.

  • Since it is hard to stand out when you are applying online, follow up the application with an email or a call. Talking to an actual person is the best way to make yourself known.
  • Try to apply to job postings via the company’s own careers/jobs page. They tend to be checked first and more often than when they are routed through job board portals.

10 Comments

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post