Job hunting from abroad (to the point)

[winger7]

Hi guys, I would like to get straight to the point to what the most effective method is to look for jobs outside of Singapore. I have heard it all, websites like JobsDB etc but just how effective is it? I was made to wonder after reading the other thread about employment agencies vs websites.

Let alone restrictions and how low my chances are in securing a job...I would like to know the most effective method? Thanks

[Strong Eagle]

What do you think you are looking for? What industry? What level? What specialization?

If you think you'll come in with an MSCE, a degree and two years experience, and become a systems engineer... fageddaboudit! Lots of local competition... and companies always prefer to hire through a recommendation instead of blindly.

[winger7]

Brutally honest answers are always ones that help. Well event management seems to be on the top of my list even though I wouldn't rule out other possibilities. I am humble enough to know there isn't much of a chance but yes, I will have 2 years working experience by the end of this job, a year at a hotel and a year here as a conference organizer. I speak 3 languages too in English Cantonese and Mandarin, which is something I rate highly (I hope employers do too), especially in this field. I feel well equipped but then I know things are easier said than done. Thanks.

[tigerstyle]

Hey there winger7 (or is it winger23 now?)

I cant tell you what the most effective way is ... but I can tell you what worked for me.

Plan A: Look for companies that are HQ'ed (or have a large regional office) in your home country and also have offices in Singapore. Do what it takes to get a job in one of these companies ... put in your time ... work your butt off and prove your worth ... then convince someone in senior leadership to get you a transfer.

Plan B: Network with industry professionals. Get a feel for what companies are active in your industry in Singapore and try and build a contact base. Tell them about your ambitions. Practice and refine your "pitch".

Plan C: Get certifications and/or any other educational/professional certifications you can get to enhance your candidacy in your field.

Plan D: I believe you are already doing this - apply on job sites etc.

Do these things simultaneously.

With a solid plan and a little bit of luck anything's possible.

Zhù nǐ hǎoyùn!

[winger7]

winger 25 I think you are trying to refer to...

Anyway, encouraging words there and I guess it's up to me in the end. The thing with me is that I do not feel like waiting around in HK anymore, I've been here too long so it would be great to move there soon, but I've only planned for next summer. It's still a little bit far away but one can forsee the economy improving and hopefully employment rates are as well? I could be wrong though.

Plan A and C would mean I might have to spend another 2 or 3 years in HK possibly, which I don't feel so sure about... anyway, thanks a lot for your advice

[Strong Eagle]

How much do you expect to earn?

What is your degree and from where?

[winger7]

I would be expecting to earn 3k SGD but could settle for less. I have a bachelors Geography degree, which obviously does not correlate with the work experience I have. I have taught in a kindergarten for 6 months which does not count for much, worked at a hotel at front desk for a year and will have worked a year as a project coordinator at HKU. It is a massive event the one I am working for.

With the language skills I have mentioned I do feel well equipped for a solid job, but then I am humble enough to know there are plenty of people out there.

Can anyone forsee what the employment situation will be like by next summer anyway espeically for foreigners?

[Strong Eagle]

I would be expecting to earn 3k SGD but could settle for less. I have a bachelors Geography degree, which obviously does not correlate with the work experience I have. I have taught in a kindergarten for 6 months which does not count for much, worked at a hotel at front desk for a year and will have worked a year as a project coordinator at HKU. It is a massive event the one I am working for.

With the language skills I have mentioned I do feel well equipped for a solid job, but then I am humble enough to know there are plenty of people out there.

Can anyone forsee what the employment situation will be like by next summer anyway espeically for foreigners?

So... what criteria would you suggest a company use to attempt to convince MOM to hire you as a foreigner instead of just hiring a local?

Degree? Lots of science/business graduates here.
Work? No specializations. If you were leading the event it might be different.
Languages? Same as the locals.

The event business is cut throat here, with poor pay and high turnover. Unless you were coming in as a high level event planner with some new 'thing' I don't see how you would qualify.

The other poster is correct. You need to get some more senior experience and/or work for a company with a branch here that can transfer you.

[winger7]

True that, although I won't mind looking into working in a completely new field, but then I would not have any experience. Even the hotel industry, I would not mind picking that up again but you are all right, there isn't much that seperates me with locals. I have been wanting to move there for years but through this past year I have slowly realized that it isn't realistic. Thanks a lot for the feedback guys

[Strong Eagle]

Your problem, along with about 20 million other people who want to do the same as you, is that you have no skills, education, or experience that differentiates you. Hard truth.

For example, use your project coordinator role to elevate yourself in a project manager role. I would not hire a coordinator except locally but I would consider applying for an EP for an experienced PM with the right skill sets.

[Gammaa]

winger7

The integrated resorts are opening soon and there is a global hunt for people like croupiers. Training is provided. Of course Singaporeans and PRs are given priority but not everyone wants to work in shifts.

I think the basic is about S1.8K. Plus tips may reach to your target pay. I've read it somewhere sometime ago.

Try and search through this website or google search for the other ( I think it is Marina Sands or something like that ) http://www.rwsentosa.com/en_careers.html

Perhaps you can even submit your resume. You have been in the hospitality business so this could be your starting opportunity. Think positive and show enthusiasm.

Best of luck.

[winger7]

Thanks for the advice Gamma, it did cross my mind to work there but I will have to consider that, 1.8k is very very low especially if I live in a foreign country needing to pay rent too, and with shifts. I did actually work at a front desk before and it was 1.8k pay with 6 days work with shift duties. I guess it is pros and cons....thanks a lot

[barney11]

Thanks for the advice Gamma, it did cross my mind to work there but I will have to consider that, 1.8k is very very low especially if I live in a foreign country needing to pay rent too, and with shifts. I did actually work at a front desk before and it was 1.8k pay with 6 days work with shift duties. I guess it is pros and cons....thanks a lot

Ignore the skeptics

Come here with some money and see for yourself. It is possible to find jobs.

For work permits, which are work visas given for jobs less than 1800 sgd/mth, it should be quite easy for you. But work permits holders cannot apply for PR


For S passes, which are work visas given for jobs more than 1800 sgd/mth, it will be tougher but it is still doable. I have two friends from China who are fresh degree graduates and speak halting English. Both have found jobs although it took some persistance on their parts, going for interviews and facing rejections. S pass holders can apply for PR after 6 months.

[winger7]

Thanks for the encouraging response, I do know a few people that have managed to find jobs there but then again that was a year or 2 ago when the economy wasnt as bad. I do think it helps to be a Canadian Hong Kong person, at least nationality wise I think it might help. I still have to look into different types of passes, but the point is that I will need to have recieved an offer before landing in the country, otherwise I won't have any savings left after a month.

Thanks for the advice Gamma, it did cross my mind to work there but I will have to consider that, 1.8k is very very low especially if I live in a foreign country needing to pay rent too, and with shifts. I did actually work at a front desk before and it was 1.8k pay with 6 days work with shift duties. I guess it is pros and cons....thanks a lot

Ignore the skeptics

Come here with some money and see for yourself. It is possible to find jobs.

For work permits, which are work visas given for jobs less than 1800 sgd/mth, it should be quite easy for you. But work permits holders cannot apply for PR


For S passes, which are work visas given for jobs more than 1800 sgd/mth, it will be tougher but it is still doable. I have two friends from China who are fresh degree graduates and speak halting English. Both have found jobs although it took some persistance on their parts, going for interviews and facing rejections. S pass holders can apply for PR after 6 months.

[monday]

Hi Strong eagle and others

Give your advice,
My friend did his master in Computer (Masters in Engineering Technology)
in USA had managed to get a job after almost a year once he completed his study but on this current he was laid off he wouldn’t get any job finally decided to come back to home country (India)

His work background:
3 years of experience in Report Design, Data Warehousing and Web Applications
BIRT Report Developer
Informatica / Java Developer
Junior Programmer

I asked him apply for Employment pass eligibility certificate and he got from MOM with 2 year validity by Jnue'09 but he worry to come to Singapore.

Will be good idea to come to Singapore and look for a job? How is the situation now in job market? He tried from India I don’t think he is having good response. I’m ready to support him for basic needed.