What is the effective way to look for job in Singapore?

[etai]

I am an EP holder, writing this on behalf of my husband.
For past 2 months, he has been sending lots of resumes through JobsDB/ Jobstreet/ directly to companies' websites but have no reply at all so far.
He is a Malaysian and is branch manager with a american insurance company in KL at the moment.

Just wondering does anyone have this experience of late of not giving replies? Does anyone know of the reasons? Or could it be because it is ineffective of just sending resumes online from overseas and not physically present in Singpore. Does my husband stand a higher chance if he were to be present in Singapore to look for a job?

Thanks in advance for anyone who could help answer the questions.

[maneo]

If he is not getting any responses for interviews, it's a good chance the resume is not compelling.
The resume needs to communicate to the reader within 3-5 secs of reading that this person can accomplish something significant for the reader's company.

There are some online advice columns for how to create better resumes.
Rather than provide specific links I will only provide this challenge to your husband.
They're out there; go find them.
Show that you deserve to be hired.


P.S. Would also suggest networking.
Higher level positions are rarely (if ever) obtained by just sending a resume.
They are usually filled by someone who knows someone who knows of someone else.

[sundaymorningstaple]

In addition to Maneo's excellent reply, I might also add that sending to job boards never will elicit a response from the boards. Neither will sending to online applications to Agencies as literally 100's come in daily/weekly and this takes time to sift through. If, as maneo says, it doesn't capture attention in the first couple of seconds of scanning, it is consigned to the circular file or just left to wither and die on the vine.

The same happens in applications direct to companies. The HR departments are always notoriously understaffed due to them being a cost centre for the company. If it isn't what they are looking for at a given moment in time they are completely disregarded. Yes, it does help being here in Singapore somewhat but even so, it's not easy. Networking is best unless he is really bringing something special to the table as it were.

[skipper177]

The reality is that these recruitment/ search firms are either busy with 'orders' placed by their clients (that is, to fill up new vacancies or replacements) or finding top tier candidates and market them to companies. Therefore, if your husband's profile doesn't fit into either, he'll not get any replies. Not that they are arrogant or the candidate being inferior, but the nature of business calls for it.

My advice is that don't waste your time writing to HR dept. No offence to them but hirings today are usually done thru' line managers rather than HR in days before. Try to network or get the contact no. of line managers and liase with them directly. Good luck...

[sundaymorningstaple]

No offence to them but hirings today are usually done thru' line managers rather than HR in days before. Try to network or get the contact no. of line managers and liase with them directly. Good luck...

Not quite. Hirings are still done by HR, but usually with the input of the line manager. Most line managers do not have the authority to hire but only to recommend. Big Difference.

[Kryptos]

I must say that I am experiencing the same thing. Two months and numerous applications but not so much as a "Thanks for applying" e-mail.

Am changing my CV as I am typing this

However, with regards to the networking issue:

I live in South Africa and visted Singapore recently (that is why I know I would like to live there). However, I cannot simply get on a plane again due to time and mostly cost constraints and this was my first visit so only knew afterwards that I would like to relocate there.

So how can I get into contact with the right people at Software Development houses? I really don't mind networking and corresponding with people and waiting, but can someone please tell me how I can get into contact with the right people whilst sitting here?

I know I would love living in Singapore and I have the skills to add value so how do I get around this whole broken-telephone like recruitment system?

[hertfordshire_lad]

in fact, are there any general networking groups in Singapore? I know there are a few in London that meet up once or twice a month for drinks and general mingling.

It would be good if there were similar events here...not just for recruitment but to help expand one's circle!

[krptykcookies]

I am an EP holder, writing this on behalf of my husband.
For past 2 months, he has been sending lots of resumes through JobsDB/ Jobstreet/ directly to companies' websites but have no reply at all so far.
He is a Malaysian and is branch manager with a american insurance company in KL at the moment.

Just wondering does anyone have this experience of late of not giving replies? Does anyone know of the reasons? Or could it be because it is ineffective of just sending resumes online from overseas and not physically present in Singpore. Does my husband stand a higher chance if he were to be present in Singapore to look for a job?

Thanks in advance for anyone who could help answer the questions.

etai,

Apa khabar? Hope all's well. I am a Malaysian too living and working in Singapore.

I have to say it all depends on the jobs that he's applying for. For example when I am in SG and I apply for jobs I get calls as early (and not to mention frequently) as the next day when my CV was send out the night before. When I am in KL and I am applying for jobs in SG I normally don't get that many calls but when I do it's normally if you will be prepared to pay for your own expenses (travelling) and normally I will just reply that should the company or the client (as in the case of a headhunter) be interested to proceed further that I request for them to pay for the travelling expenses.

I went back to KL recently for a long break and got calls to attend interviews in SG. 1 company paid for my hotel expenses for the weekend for the following Monday interview whilst another paid for my flight to SG for the next day interview.

I'd say it all depends on the company (and also the industry) that your husband is applying for.