Things You Should Know When Looking for a Job in Singapore

It’s a no-brainer why a lot of foreign nationals try to make it in the Lion City. Singapore is one of Asia’s strongest economic hubs. Plus, Singaporean employers and the government are generally open to working with foreigners since Singapore itself is a city of varied cultures and colors.

Now that you’ve set your sight on a potential place to work in and relocate to, the next crucial step is to find out how to gain employment in this city. This is a quick guide on how to look for jobs in Singapore.

A Helpful Guide on How to Land a Job in SG

1. Check your Eligibility for Work in Singapore.

First things first, you need to know the requirements for work in Singapore before actually landing a job in this city. If you’ve never been, it’s best to get acquainted with work passes and permits. These are all basic requirements if you wish to get a job in Singapore. Other than this, once you get a job you need to apply for a work visa and your salary should meet minimum standards.

2. Learn about the most promising industries for employment.

Just like in any other places in the world, it’s important for job-seekers to have a good idea of the growing industries in the place where they plan to work. Doing so will give them a higher chance of landing a job where their skills and credentials can be maximized.

In Singapore, tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries alongside IT and computer science. This can be attributed to the fact that Singapore now has opened its doors to a lot of tourist attractions and luxurious resort hotels. Getting info on the most popular and in-demand industries in Singapore puts you one step ahead of your competition so the next thing to do is to prepare yourself for the kind of work you would like to have.

3. Go after your Dream Job.

Once you’ve had the basics covered, get on your feet and start applying for the job you want. Well, you don’t really need to go out and look too far when applying for work because everything can now be done online these days. It also helps if you have an updated profile with a recent photo posted online in professional networking sites such as LinkedIn to make it easier for employers and even headhunters to reach out to you. Either way, you can actively pursue that job you’ve been eyeing by registering your profile and sending in your resume through the company’s official website. You can also take the traditional route and look for job openings in newspapers and walk in to the employer’s recruitment office to apply for work. Of course, it wouldn’t hurt to have connections and referrals to get you in.

4. Consider the Wait.

Once you’ve handed your application to the company you wish to work for, expect a bit of a lull in the process. Normally, employers would contact you to let you know if you’ve been shortlisted for the position where an interview will be scheduled next. Take the waiting time as your chance to prepare for your interview. Be ready for any kind of setup they may give you for your interview – your employer may schedule you for an office, phone, or even a video interview. Remember that Singapore is a multicultural country and employers favour heavily on one’s work credentials so be sure to have good communication skills, excellent work attitude and a well-written resume.

5. Review your Job Offer.

Before you begin work in Singapore, you will need to have a job offer and contract to process your work permit. Employers are very familiar with this process, so just make sure that you have all the necessary paperwork on hand. Review the terms very carefully and make sure that your salary fulfils the requirement of your work permit. Should you have any questions, consider talking with your employer or a representative from your company’s HR Department regarding these matters.

6. Learn the Process for Specialized Professions.

In Singapore, there are certain fields of work that are considered as specialized professions. These jobs require you to submit various requirements to the government and follow certain policies and work regulations. Among these professions include dentistry, law, medicine, nursing, pharmaceutical work, engineering, and land surveying. Anyone who practices in any of these fields are required to file registration and follow local policies and meet specific work requirements.

7. File for a Work Visa.

Once you have reviewed your contract and accepted the offer, it’s now time to apply for a work visa. Make sure you have all the necessary documents for easier filing. You can apply for your work visa online which can usually take up to 7 business days, but if you prefer to do it manually, it can take up to 5 weeks. You will also need to pay a non-refundable fee to register and file your application. There are various types of work visa depending on the salary bracket you will fall under and your field or specialization.

  • Employment Pass – This is granted to professionals in senior or upper management positions who are earning at least SGD 3,300 per month with appropriate professional qualifications.
  • EntrePass – Foreign business professionals who wish to put up a new business in Singapore may apply for this type of work visa.
  • Personalised Employment Pass – For high-earning existing employment pass holders or foreign professionals who wish to land a job in various sectors, you can apply for this type of work visa to ensure that you won’t be tied to one specific employer.
  • S Pass – For those who earn at least SGD 2,200 and are considered as mid-level skilled workers, this is the work visa for you. To apply, you need to have all necessary requirements and pass an assessment.

There are other types of work passes for students, trainees, semi-skilled workers, domestic helpers, and artists. To learn which pass suits your qualification, you can check with Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower.

As in various parts of the world, finding a job can pose many different challenges especially for foreign nationals seeking a job in another country.  So it’s extremely important that you are prepared to meet requirements, observe policies and possess the right attitude.

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