Help and advice on moving to Singapore - how to find a job!

[Jo Reid]

Hello!
I know there are lots of threads in this but I am finding this whole process very overwhelming and thought some kind person may be able to help

Basically I am a 29 year old female from Scotland, UK, and I have been wanting to come to Singapore to work for a couple of years as I think it would be excellent experience and also broaden my expertise within marketing.

I currently work in financial services within digital marketing and have over 7 years experience within Marketing. I have been in touch with recruitment companies in Singapore and the UK but I keep getting the same response in that unless I am in Singapore most companies are reluctant to bring ex pats in. So I now feel that I may have to just relocate over and hope for the best in finding a job which I really didnt want to do as ideally I would like a job to move for. The FS company I work for unfortunately doesn't have offices in Singapore so its not an option to relocate with them.

Can anyone offer any advice on recruitment companies that specialise in ex pat recruitment?
Or any advice on if relocating and finding a job on arrival is a feasible solution?
Also a working VISA is another area of concern?

I really appreciate the help xx

[JR8]

Hi Jo, welcome to the forum.

Those other threads will help. You’ll read about the people who come here with no offer, stay in a hotel and try and do a hire-me blitz. I don’t know, it sounds pretty stressful to me.

The bottom line is you need to have skills that locals don’t. And an opportunity for those skills then has to be open. And you have to fit the overall bill.

You’re right most Cos won’t interview you from abroad, unless you’re offering serious $$$ head-hunter type level skills. They want you to come and sit down in front of them. just like everyone else.

You can’t ‘relocate over’ to job hunt. What you can do is come over as a tourist, and attend interviews.

I wouldn’t relo with no job offer, the whole affair might not come good, and it would end up being a very $$$ exercise.

re: Visa. If you get a job, the employee applies for the visa.

[bro75]

If you get a job, the employee applies for the visa.

I think you meant "employer".

[AngMoG]

JR8, sure you meant "employer applies for visa"

If you haven't heard yet, the banking sector is shrinking its back offices in Singapore, as it has become much harder for them to hire non-locals. Marketing is a pretty popular skill in SG, so I don't think it will be easy.

The best thing you can do is apply directly with banks, and keep your eyes peeled for financial sector opportunities on LinkedIn. Also approach your potential hiring managers directly on LinkedIn, to see if there's an opportunity. If your skills are in demand, they may consider hiring from abroad.

Otherwise, why not try Hong Kong as well? It is somewhat similar to Singapore, without the blatant xenophobia.