Does applying even make sense?

[wanderlust2]

Hello everyone!

I have been reading through the postings a lot, but still wanted to ask about my husband's and my specific case.

He is a Finance professional with almost 10 years of experience in Market Risk and especially Trading (Commodities, FX, Fixed Income). He has an MBA from a recognized school in the US and we are currently living in Europe. Unfortunately, his company here closed so he is now looking for a job. Since there are almost no available openings for him here, we are looking internationally. So far, the UK, Switzerland and Spain (my husband's native language is Spanish) have given good responses, a couple of headhunters are also very interested in his profile, as he has very specialized experience, including algorithmic trading. But so far, nothing really tangible has come out of this. He is looking for almost 2 months now.

Now to the point: We saw a lot of good postings in Singapore where he fits the criteria very well and he also contacted a couple of recruiters who specialize in his field, but has gotten no response. Is the market really so anti-foreigners in Singapore? Should he give up applying there altogether?

Thank you!
K

[martincymru]

Are you asking for both of you?

Explain your circumstance [ You were curiously silent on this ].

Most people on this Forum will help, but they need full particulars especially when (in 1st sentence ) you said "my husband's and my specific case..."

[wanderlust2]

We would be moving together, of course, hence I phrased it as "our" case. But I thought my husband's info is the relevant one, since he would be far more likely to get a job than I would be. I am a Psychologist, but just got my MSc last year. I have 3-4 years experience in HR (mostly Recruiting and Learning & Development, some of it in a MNC) and speak 3 languages (German, English and Spanish) but I know from what I read here that will probably not get me far. Just started a new degree in eLearning Technology this year, I hope in 1-2 years time that would get me better chances. Until then I could be a full-time student, hopefully giving me more time to find something.

In most countries we are looking at now I could find work (Switzerland a bit less likely), but since I have a job that I don't want to leave right away if I don't absolutely have to, I would prefer we go to Singapore as there my husband could get the work permit on his own account instead of through me as would be the case in all European countries, making me leave my job right away. Just in case you were wondering why we are looking at Singapore at all and not just the EU.

Do you need more information? I am a little reluctant to share too much detail here on a more or less public forum, but feel free to ask if anything is missing to estimate our situation. Thank you very much for taking the time to reply!

[ecureilx]

Do you need more information? I am a little reluctant to share too much detail here on a more or less public forum, but feel free to ask if anything is missing to estimate our situation. Thank you very much for taking the time to reply!

What's your residency status in Singapore?

[wanderlust2]

We are living in Europe, so: none. He is applying from outside, that's why I am asking here if it makes sense or if the attitude towards (even highly qualified and experienced) foreigners is such that there is no chance to get a job, even if he fits a position perfectly.

[sundaymorningstaple]

If he is currently working and/or his expertise is deemed a "niche" that the government here is looking for, then yes, they may be inclined to lean towards the approval way, but the only way to know it to apply and see. However, as has been noted already, the pathway has been strewn with boulders since 2011 and the fact that he isn't already here and working may well be enough to stifle it. Try it. They can only say yes or no. If you don't try it the answer is no.