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My murky employment situation
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My murky employment situation
Hey all,
So I've arrived not too long ago, and I would like to relocate here permanently to be with my better half ... but I can't do that as I came over without a job offer. So I'm in a bit of a pickle in regards to how to find any avenue of employment that offers a S or E Pass.
Some more background about me... I'm not from Finance or IT or Engineering, which feels like 60% of the job market these days. I have 2 Bachelor's degree (one liberal arts). I was an MRI Tech in the US for 5-6 years, did a year of admin work at a doctor's office, and some volunteer work helping an ESL class before coming here.
I've heard it's unlikely anyone would hire me for administrative/support work, as locals can (logically) do it cheaper and with less hassle. Also, my Chinese language skills are at a basic level at best.
I had hoped to somehow continue on with MRI work, as I somewhat enjoyed it and have an ok amount of experience ... I had already dialogued with the Allied Health government agency/commission, and they've given me very vague responses as to how/if my US credentials could be recognized in SG.
In short, they told me that I'd need an job offer before they could examine my credentials. I countered that it's unlikely an employer would bother to offer a job to someone with currently unrecognized credentials. They did not respond to that comment, and reiterated that I would need a job offer first.
So, I've all but conceded that my credentials are incomplete/useless, and that I would need to apply for a local program and spend money on pricey foreigner tuition... However, I just wish I had I could get a straight answer so that I knew that I could move in a new direction.
I don't have the certification/training/degrees for a full-on teacher job at a primary/secondary school. I suppose a position at a tutoring center is the best I could hope for, but would they hire a non-local for that? Do these positions get a work visa pass?
Is a counselor/adviser worth it, assuming such a person exists?
If anyone has suggestions, I would be most appreciative. Thank you
(sorry if this has been covered already in the past)
So I've arrived not too long ago, and I would like to relocate here permanently to be with my better half ... but I can't do that as I came over without a job offer. So I'm in a bit of a pickle in regards to how to find any avenue of employment that offers a S or E Pass.
Some more background about me... I'm not from Finance or IT or Engineering, which feels like 60% of the job market these days. I have 2 Bachelor's degree (one liberal arts). I was an MRI Tech in the US for 5-6 years, did a year of admin work at a doctor's office, and some volunteer work helping an ESL class before coming here.
I've heard it's unlikely anyone would hire me for administrative/support work, as locals can (logically) do it cheaper and with less hassle. Also, my Chinese language skills are at a basic level at best.
I had hoped to somehow continue on with MRI work, as I somewhat enjoyed it and have an ok amount of experience ... I had already dialogued with the Allied Health government agency/commission, and they've given me very vague responses as to how/if my US credentials could be recognized in SG.
In short, they told me that I'd need an job offer before they could examine my credentials. I countered that it's unlikely an employer would bother to offer a job to someone with currently unrecognized credentials. They did not respond to that comment, and reiterated that I would need a job offer first.
So, I've all but conceded that my credentials are incomplete/useless, and that I would need to apply for a local program and spend money on pricey foreigner tuition... However, I just wish I had I could get a straight answer so that I knew that I could move in a new direction.
I don't have the certification/training/degrees for a full-on teacher job at a primary/secondary school. I suppose a position at a tutoring center is the best I could hope for, but would they hire a non-local for that? Do these positions get a work visa pass?
Is a counselor/adviser worth it, assuming such a person exists?
If anyone has suggestions, I would be most appreciative. Thank you
(sorry if this has been covered already in the past)
Re: RE: My murky employment situation
you will hit a bigger wall trying to get in as tutor. In other words, Don't waste your time.chalkyboard wrote:
I don't have the certification/training/degrees for a full-on teacher job at a primary/secondary school. I suppose a position at a tutoring center is the best I could hope for, but would they hire a non-local for that? Do these positions get a work visa pass?
Is a counselor/adviser worth it, assuming such a person exists?
If anyone has suggestions, I would be most appreciative. Thank you
(sorry if this has been covered already in the past)
Option 1: does your OH qualify for applying a DP for you ? That helps smoothen things, sometimes.
Option 2: go after Moh holdings, they need allied health personnel, provided you can substantiate your experience.
Option 3: none that I can think of.
4. All jobs require with passes, including tutors, and you will not be taken 99% if you have nothing they seek. Certification and experiences determine pass success.
PS, don't challenge recruiters. They are right. You need a job offer before SMC or whoever approves the permit for your likes. Nobody appraises your credentials for fun. Unlike in Australia or such places.
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Re: My murky employment situation
[quote="chalkyboard"]
I don't have the certification/training/degrees for a full-on teacher job at a primary/secondary school. I suppose a position at a tutoring center is the best I could hope for, but would they hire a non-local for that? Do these positions get a work visa pass?
quote]
Tutorial centres are getting hit now, need to employ locals, even when locals aren't suitable, English tutors for example.
I don't have the certification/training/degrees for a full-on teacher job at a primary/secondary school. I suppose a position at a tutoring center is the best I could hope for, but would they hire a non-local for that? Do these positions get a work visa pass?
quote]
Tutorial centres are getting hit now, need to employ locals, even when locals aren't suitable, English tutors for example.

Re: My murky employment situation
Yep, get married. As the Immortal Beyonce so eloquently put it
"If you liked it you shoulda put a ring on it"
"If you liked it you shoulda put a ring on it"
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Re: RE: My murky employment situation
Thank you kindly for the advice! I'll check out the MOH Holdings site.ecureilx wrote:
Option 1: does your OH qualify for applying a DP for you ? That helps smoothen things, sometimes.
Option 2: go after Moh holdings, they need allied health personnel, provided you can substantiate your experience.
Option 3: none that I can think of.
4. All jobs require with passes, including tutors, and you will not be taken 99% if you have nothing they seek. Certification and experiences determine pass success.
PS, don't challenge recruiters. They are right. You need a job offer before SMC or whoever approves the permit for your likes. Nobody appraises your credentials for fun. Unlike in Australia or such places.
A recruiter didn't tell me that I needed a job offer. The Allied Health government agency told me that, which seemed like a strange position coming from a government body. That is ... Will I get an offer without an appraisal. I can't get an appraisal without an offer.

The "get married" suggestion did cross my mind as well, but that's a different bridge to cross at a different time.
- Strong Eagle
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Re: RE: My murky employment situation
Given the nature of your experience and credentials, I don't think there is another bridge in sight that crosses the river.chalkyboard wrote:The "get married" suggestion did cross my mind as well, but that's a different bridge to cross at a different time.
Re: RE: Re: RE: My murky employment situation
well, the recruiter is right.chalkyboard wrote:
Thank you kindly for the advice! I'll check out the MOH Holdings site.
A recruiter didn't tell me that I needed a job offer. The Allied Health government agency told me that, which seemed like a strange position coming from a government body. That is ... Will I get an offer without an appraisal. I can't get an appraisal without an offer..
You need a job offer before your credentials and experience and verification of same is done by the council responsible for your "trade" including clarifying any gaps in your work ..
The council's don't just do the above so somebody can validate their credential and experience. Before they can look for a job. Unlike in Australia and such places where you get relevant experience and training validated.
Secondly (as a non medical person .. ) you need to be humble with HR .. especially when you don't have recognised qualification. Eat some humble pie.

Thirdly, as mentioned in another thread by a learned member - lot of Yes boss is needed at times, to build your career path in MRI.
Of course, try the training institutions if you can go in as a trainer. That thought Just popped up...
Lastly, get married, as this is Singapore - with marriage you may find your prospects as an employee just went up ...
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