Having a hard time finding job on DP status

[bqazi001]

Hi All,

I was wondering if someone can guide me. I moved to Singapore on a DP status in Feb and started applying for jobs in March and since then have not received any single call. I reached out to some well known recruiters here and their response was that they prefer Singaporeans, PR, PEP and people who already are on EP here.
I am a CPA and I dont want a gap on my resume for the three years that I am in Singapore. Are there any particular websites I can use? I am using Jobstreet and Linkedin mostly along with indeed. Any other tips anyone can share who was in the same boat as me.
Many Thanks !!!

[sundaymorningstaple]

What gave you the idea that you could just waltz into Singapore on a DP and find a job in the first place? You should never assume, as a trailing spouse, that you would be able to find a job as well. This especially so in a small country where they take care of their own first and outsiders are hired only when it's absolutely necessary. Singapore has ample supplies of CPA's here that are local. Foreigners are hired for those positions that there aren't enough locals or locals with the specific talet/training to fill the positions. CPAs are rather easily found. Good Luck. And be prepared to be insulted by the offered salary if you do find someone willing to 'try' to hire you.

[bqazi001]

Thanks @sundaymorningstaple for your reply. The only thing I assumed was that I am a CPA with great experience in senior positions so it may not be as difficult. I did know for a fact that there are a lot of CPAs out here but again being an experienced professional makes a difference. I will continue looking hopefully something will come up.

[Strong Eagle]

Thanks @sundaymorningstaple for your reply. The only thing I assumed was that I am a CPA with great experience in senior positions so it may not be as difficult. I did know for a fact that there are a lot of CPAs out here but again being an experienced professional makes a difference. I will continue looking hopefully something will come up.

I judge it very difficult for foreigners to land a job in Singapore. You may wish to read my other posts on the subject.

viewtopic.php?f=33&t=129649&p=806401#p806401

[bqazi001]

Thank u @Strong Eagle

[martincymru]

If you have a skill that an Asian expat can do then it's tough to compete here.
A western expat also has higher expectations with regard to housing so the minimum salary circa 7k.
I am a quantity surveyor and it's tough (local salaries 4-6k).
But, I am also an experienced Contracts Mgr.; a tougher job but much less competition (ditto 7-10k).

[Wong_Jnr]

The only thing I assumed was that I am a CPA with great experience in senior positions so it may not be as difficult. I did know for a fact that there are a lot of CPAs out here but again being an experienced professional makes a difference.

Having a great CV is one thing, having the right contacts/network is a totally different ball game.
It's Asia and it's all about who you know, not what you know..... oh and your face has to fit too.

My tip to you and anyone else is build your network up and use any existing contacts you have already, Linkedin is good for this. No job is going to fall on your lap here (especially a DP) unless you really know the right people. It's getting to those right people that's the challenge and where real effort needs to be put in.

[bqazi001]

Thank you @martincymru and @ Wong_Jnr. Yes I agree competition is tough and yes networking will definitely help. I think being persistent is important too as I came across a lot of people during networking who have just given up after a few months of search.