How to approach JobHunting?

[AastroGuru]

This forum has good information regarding jobs in Singapore. Thanks for such a wonderful forum.
I have 8.5 years expertise in automotive HVAC design and development. I currently work here in India for an MNC.
My fiancee is moving to Singapore soon as she is expected to get a S-Pass as Design Engineer - Structural Engineer, in one of Singapore companies.
Now I am hunting jobs in Singapore, so that we can, be together.
I am stuck up with my approach, as how to hunt for a job.

1. Singapore has wide variety of jobs, but automotive R&D or product development companies are very less in my search (Except Continental and few other small companies), Is this true, or do I have to look deeper? Any other companies (list) do you suggest?
2. I have prepared my detailed resume and applied for HVAC (mostly commercial, not automotive) job openings through JobStreet, JobsDB, Monster etc.
Almost I have applied for 60 relevant job openings (out of which 10 already rejected, remaining 50 No status). I have been doing this for a month or so. How long does usually recruiters recruiter take to close a job position? If the job ad vanishes from the job site, does that mean, the job vacancy is closed (they found a candidate)?
3. I have quoted around 4500 as expected monthly salary, currently I am drawing around 1 lakh monthly in India. (approx 2000 SGD). Is this way too high for a expected salary? Am I not getting calls because of this expected salary quote?

[nakatago]

* You have to consider if there is demand for HVAC people in the first place.
* If they didn't acknowledge your application--and most probably they won't--move on.
* If the ad disappears, move on.
* Considering you're in India, hiring you would mean they have to arrange the paperwork for you to work in Singapore. If you really read through the forums, then you know what complications that would bring up.
* Speaking of India, you'd also know what that means if you indeed read the various posts.
* They will always base their "offers" on your previous salary even if standards of living don't match.

[AastroGuru]

* You have to consider if there is demand for HVAC people in the first place.
* If they didn't acknowledge your application--and most probably they won't--move on.
* If the ad disappears, move on.
* Considering you're in India, hiring you would mean they have to arrange the paperwork for you to work in Singapore. If you really read through the forums, then you know what complications that would bring up.
* Speaking of India, you'd also know what that means if you indeed read the various posts.
* They will always base their "offers" on your previous salary even if standards of living don't match.

Thanks for the insights.
Yeah, as you said only few applications I got acknowledgement, so I will discard others and move on as you said.
After going through lot of posts in this forum, I see the underlying complexity of getting a job in Singapore and it seems next to impossible for a common man without any insider in the recruitment firm or company.
Anyway, Thanks.

[ecureilx]

]

Thanks for the insights.
Yeah, as you said only few applications I got acknowledgement, so I will discard others and move on as you said.
After going through lot of posts in this forum, I see the underlying complexity of getting a job in Singapore and it seems next to impossible for a common man without any insider in the recruitment firm or company.
Anyway, Thanks.

Insider in agency ?

That's for those who can't cut it, and that's what agencies make you believe so they can make money off you .

Actually your problem is, there is limited jobs for your trade

I don't recall any R&D for automotive HVAC

On the other hand ... industrial / building HVAC is hot...

[ecureilx]

to OP, this may give you some insight about Job Agencies

http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/viewtopic.php?t=106083

(thanks Lynx )

[AastroGuru]

to OP, this may give you some insight about Job Agencies

http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/viewtopic.php?t=106083

(thanks Lynx )

Yeah Thanks ecureilx,
I know the industrial HVAC is hot, and most of the jobs I applied are of that category.
I could not find any single automotive HVAC opening.
I am not sure, whether they would even consider me for openings, since Industrial and Automotive HVACs are totally different.
Anyways, I could not get much on the link you posted, regarding Agencies.
May be I am missing something.
Thanks again.

[Strong Eagle]

I don't think you will ever succeed in getting a job in Singapore... and I'm not trying to sound like a pessimist.

But, here are the facts.

In the commercial world, HVAC jobs are trade controlled. You start as an apprentice, become a journeyman, work your way up to master. Jobs are coveted, and relationships make all the difference. Outsiders need not apply. And even if some company decided to entertain you, MOM probably wouldn't approve.

And... if you are talking upstream... design of major HVAC projects for buildings, etc, the talent base lies elsewhere... it's like big IT infrastructure projects... you don't find many infra experts in Singapore... they are imported as the need arises... my last infra project included a solutions architect from Australia and one from the USA.

I don't see automotive development in Singapore... no manufacturing base for vehicles... you need to look towards manufacturing countries... South Korea, Japan (who won't want you anyway because of economic woes), or maybe Malaysia.

[AastroGuru]

I don't think you will ever succeed in getting a job in Singapore... and I'm not trying to sound like a pessimist.

But, here are the facts.

In the commercial world, HVAC jobs are trade controlled. You start as an apprentice, become a journeyman, work your way up to master. Jobs are coveted, and relationships make all the difference. Outsiders need not apply. And even if some company decided to entertain you, MOM probably wouldn't approve.

And... if you are talking upstream... design of major HVAC projects for buildings, etc, the talent base lies elsewhere... it's like big IT infrastructure projects... you don't find many infra experts in Singapore... they are imported as the need arises... my last infra project included a solutions architect from Australia and one from the USA.

I don't see automotive development in Singapore... no manufacturing base for vehicles... you need to look towards manufacturing countries... South Korea, Japan (who won't want you anyway because of economic woes), or maybe Malaysia.

I get your point. Even I am of the same opinion.
I could try for Europe, Australia or Japan. But the point is my wife gets a job in Singapore, so I thought I should give it a try.

Even If I could get a job for me in other countries, getting a job for her in that same country would be much more challenging than I getting a job in Singapore.
Anyways, I would try my best and I am prepared to expect failures in my attempt to do so.
I am not quitting my current job for sure, (unless I secure some other job first).
Thanks for the info Strong Eagle. Much appreciate it.

[ecureilx]

I don't see automotive development in Singapore... no manufacturing base for vehicles... you need to look towards manufacturing countries... South Korea, Japan (who won't want you anyway because of economic woes), or maybe Malaysia.

Malaysia .. Isn't Malaysia's automotive industry pretty much OEM or X or Y or Z Japanese Model ?

Back to OP, Middle East has a lot of demand for HVAC, though I am sure you wouldn't want to head in that direction since you have firmly set your sights on Singapore !!

[AastroGuru]

I don't see automotive development in Singapore... no manufacturing base for vehicles... you need to look towards manufacturing countries... South Korea, Japan (who won't want you anyway because of economic woes), or maybe Malaysia.

Malaysia .. Isn't Malaysia's automotive industry pretty much OEM or X or Y or Z Japanese Model ?

Back to OP, Middle East has a lot of demand for HVAC, though I am sure you wouldn't want to head in that direction since you have firmly set your sights on Singapore !!

I agree, Middle East has lot of HVAC openings, but mostly commercial again.
The problem I face is , unless I have some contacts who know how to approach for the junt (who has already been there successfully - related to my profile), I am going to be soiling hard with no fruit to bear.

The idea of this post, is to get suggestions, how to approach.
Is applying through jobsites, the right way to start with?
Or do I have to look for contacts in my field or allied field? (for guidance or reference/recommendation)
Or do I have to find out agencies who boast on sure job confirmation and loot lots of money from me?

The best chance among these 3, if I ought to get a job in Singapore.

[the lynx]

I don't see automotive development in Singapore... no manufacturing base for vehicles... you need to look towards manufacturing countries... South Korea, Japan (who won't want you anyway because of economic woes), or maybe Malaysia.

Malaysia .. Isn't Malaysia's automotive industry pretty much OEM or X or Y or Z Japanese Model ?

Back to OP, Middle East has a lot of demand for HVAC, though I am sure you wouldn't want to head in that direction since you have firmly set your sights on Singapore !!

I agree, Middle East has lot of HVAC openings, but mostly commercial again.
The problem I face is , unless I have some contacts who know how to approach for the junt (who has already been there successfully - related to my profile), I am going to be soiling hard with no fruit to bear.

The idea of this post, is to get suggestions, how to approach.
Is applying through jobsites, the right way to start with?
Or do I have to look for contacts in my field or allied field? (for guidance or reference/recommendation)
Or do I have to find out agencies who boast on sure job confirmation and loot lots of money from me?

The best chance among these 3, if I ought to get a job in Singapore.

OK to be honest, I'm not from HVAC field but I've always believed in the power of networking (in that case, that's option 2). I would either tap on my existing network (someone knows somebody from some good company) or use LinkedIn (there is a thread about how well it works http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/viewtopic.php?t=89985).

By doing this, you don't have to hire recruiters the traditional way because (lazy) recruiters would forage LinkedIn for easy pick for their clients. Start linking up with people from your field and hope you get a recruiter or a hiring manager.

Having said that, your success is dependent on specific location for HVAC. You might want to listen to Strong Eagle's advice on HVAC in Singapore. Don't lose heart though. Just try but be prepared for Plan B if you're disappointed with the outcome.

[AastroGuru]

OK to be honest, I'm not from HVAC field but I've always believed in the power of networking (in that case, that's option 2). I would either tap on my existing network (someone knows somebody from some good company) or use LinkedIn (there is a thread about how well it works http://forum.singaporeexpats.com/viewtopic.php?t=89985).

By doing this, you don't have to hire recruiters the traditional way because (lazy) recruiters would forage LinkedIn for easy pick for their clients. Start linking up with people from your field and hope you get a recruiter or a hiring manager.

Having said that, your success is dependent on specific location for HVAC. You might want to listen to Strong Eagle's advice on HVAC in Singapore. Don't lose heart though. Just try but be prepared for Plan B if you're disappointed with the outcome.

Thanks for key link.
I will go through that linked in post, in and out.
Yeah sure, I will have a plan Plan B, even Plan C too

[ecureilx]

I agree, Middle East has lot of HVAC openings, but mostly commercial again.
The problem I face is , unless I have some contacts who know how to approach for the junt (who has already been there successfully - related to my profile), I am going to be soiling hard with no fruit to bear.

Regarding R & D, one of my cousin was looking to continue his R & D in Fibre optics, after completing his Degree in PEC (Chandigarh)

So while he was going nowhere, I took him to meet a Technical Head of a Telco, who had a heart to heart with my cousin. And then the Technical head admitted he himself graduated with MicroElectronics, from UCLA or somewhere, and when he started looking for jobs, he wanted to continue to research

Then he had realised University and Research positions are not good for the pocket, and what you learn in the University is what somebody has discovered and invented, and some fields offer very low incentives for Research, until you hit the jackpot and find something innovatively

So his advise to my cousin was, dream of researching in Fibre Optics, but look for a job that will feed you, and use your University trained mind for application into daily life

My cousin took the advise, and joined another telco and soon became the head of CS and then when he got the chance, moved to R & D in the same Telco.

I am sure with 8 years experience, you know where your life is charted.

As SE said, HVAC, R & D is a very niche area, and I suggested Middle East because that's where I know a lot of my friends who went into HVAC (following a conversion via The City And Guilds Path- not R & D - not sure if that option still exists) ended up - Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and they are not field engineers anymore.

If you are set firmly on Singapore, as Lynx suggested, do start networking, especially in a niche industry, networking is what works !


PS, as for agencies who boast of sure placement, well, shouldn't there be an opening for them to push you in ? They of course want your money, make no mistake on that !!

[AastroGuru]

Thanks ecurelix.
@others
I just came to know, that all S Pass applications are being hold up for processing as MOM or government just hiked the price of applications from 250 to 450 SGD. Employers are protesting!
My fiancee application is also pending, it seems.

I am not sure whether this is right news or not!
Can anyone shed some light on this scenario? Or is this some meaningless gossip!

[ecureilx]

Thanks ecurelix.
@others
I just came to know, that all S Pass applications are being hold up for processing as MOM or government just hiked the price of applications from 250 to 450 SGD. Employers are protesting!
My fiancee application is also pending, it seems.

I am not sure whether this is right news or not!
Can anyone shed some light on this scenario? Or is this some meaningless gossip!

???

http://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/Pages/Pr ... listid=479

http://www.mom.gov.sg/Documents/press-r ... 213%29.pdf

And why would the change affect an employer who needs the staff ??

PS, that kind of protest, which are common elsewhere, are illegal in Singapore, FYI !