How do you apply to jobs in Singapore?

[Sara.D]

Hi all,

I've been in Singapore for a couple of months and I am slowly losing hope of ever finding a job. Most of the job ads I find on job boards require the applicants to apply through a platform and rarely give any information on a contact person or an email address. So I fill everything out but nothing ever comes back. I really have the impression I get filtered through every single time once I click the box "not PR"

Has somebody had the same experiences? How do you apply? Somebody told me it's better to just contact the CEO of the company directly on Linkedin. I am a bit hesitant though...

[AngMoG]

Hi all,

I've been in Singapore for a couple of months and I am slowly losing hope of ever finding a job. Most of the job ads I find on job boards require the applicants to apply through a platform and rarely give any information on a contact person or an email address. So I fill everything out but nothing ever comes back. I really have the impression I get filtered through every single time once I click the box "not PR"

Has somebody had the same experiences? How do you apply? Somebody told me it's better to just contact the CEO of the company directly on Linkedin. I am a bit hesitant though...

I'd only contact the CEO if it is a small company.

The usual sites give a very low reply rate, that is true. Especially in the current climate. You can also try LinkedIn - spring for the jobseeker membership, and contact people directly that you find through group posts, contacts of contacts, etc. Also try going to offline networking meetings - there is SG Guanxi on LI, the usual chambers of commerce, and a couple more.

In short, without a visa, currently direct contact is key.

Maybe you can also let us know your industry / exp / education / job you're looking for? Just in case somebody here knows something or someone.

[PNGMK]

You need to pull the job towards you... and not push out so much.

Read offshoreoildude's post on LinkedIn for some tips.

[martincymru]

The killer question they always ask first is "how much do you want..."
It's a tough market here. Depends on your accommodation expectations which will determine minimum base salary.

Try Straits Times, Saturday edition.

Would be great if there were stats as to numbers of expats working in which field. Also what is in demand. MoM etc have masses of data, just not releasing it.

[Sara.D]

Hi all,

Thanks for your replies. I am here with my husband so I have a dependent's pass. As far as I understand the employer will "only" have to get the LOC for me and I heard it shouldn't be too complicated.

I have a Masters in English and French and 3 years of working experience in an online media company in the fields of translation, copy-editing and PR. I knew it would be tough for me to find a job here but I am really flexible as to salary, entry level or industry.

I read the post on Linkedin and signed up for a Premium Linkedin account. Will try to go to more events and look at the sources you provided. Thank you!

[Beeroclock]

I knew it would be tough for me to find a job here but I am really flexible as to salary, entry level or industry.

Definitely it's tough for trailing spouses, I've seen many give up searching after 6-12 months of rejections, and others succeed. I think the above is the key, as well as keeping a positive attitude. If you have a mentality of matching what you earned back home etc, then it will end badly. good luck!

[Elli]

Hi Sara,

The American Association of Singapore holds career workshops such as "Jump start your job search" or "Don"t send your resume" where experienced speakers talk about the application process in Singapore and give great advise on the whole job search process. You can see the different workshops here:http://www.aasingapore.com/crce-workshops/
It might be worth a try. Good luck!

[martincymru]

Hi Elli,

Not sure if good idea to show your address (or anyone else for that matter) on this forum.

"Location: 10 Claymore Hill, Singapore 229573"

Maybe Moderator will advise.

[the lynx]

Because that's the address of the American Club.

Not sure if that constitutes as advertising.

[sundaymorningstaple]

The signature was too long for form rules (a single line of text or a single hyperlink). However, I'm going to leave the rest of the post this time as the other two posts are not related. Should it become a habit though.....

moderator

NB: If the workshops were for free, it might be a different story.

[Strong Eagle]

Because that's the address of the American Club.

Not sure if that constitutes as advertising.

Which is where the American Association is housed. The AAS is a non profit organization under Singapore law, and the majority of its budget comes from sponsoring companies. Although the CRCE (the 'jobs' end of AAS) does charge for its seminars, this isn't a profit making venture, rather a way to keep the doors open to a useful service.

Note: I am a former vice president of the American Association. For all activities, we tried to reach break even, or preferably profitability in order to fund more activities, with some programs/events more successful and others less.

Edit: Elli, Allieee, and Sara.D - please do take my PM's to you under advisement.