Trying my luck within a month or two

[winger7]

Hi all,

I've made a few posts here before regarding job hunting from abroad. Obviously responses from the year 2009 have been rather negative due to obvious reasons like the economy. It is 2010 right now afterall, although it is still January, the economy seems to be picking up. I did ask this question last summer to whether chances would be high in securing a job from abroad, since I've been planning on making a move come summer 2010 but it might have been a bit early to ask.

Seeing how summer is only a few months away really, how much is the situation improving, or have policies simply changed in favor of locals compared to foreign employment?

I would have 2.5 years solid working experience after my current post, currently working as a project corodinator for a large conference at Hong Kong University. I did get employed due to my international exposure and I speak fluent English, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Feedback is much appreciated

[monday]

Hi winger7

I did ask the same kind of questions under" how is IT job market in Singapore" for my friend the respond is very less, one member answered saying that better than last year. Looking forward reading more on your title

Monday

[romanopizza]

Hey,

I've been wondering the same thing and have been looking for jobs abroad since around September. I haven't heard much feedback either - I've been emailing the target companies and sometimes I'll hear a response saying they're not looking to hire right now. Mind you I'm looking for a job in advertising/brand management.

I've decided to take a leap and move there at the end of next month and I've given my notice to my current job. I think that's the only way at least for me to increase my chances of getting a job there. Do you have friends there? Anything will help - I actually only know one person from a while ago to lives there...yikes!

Keep me posted!!

[winger7]

Hey romanopizza,

What I read in this forum previously suggested that physically moving there does not increase your chances of getting employed. Just because you're there does not mean you're a citizen or any better qualified than if you weren't there. But I get your point, I would physically move there to look for a job if I could but it would not be feasible.

How much savings would you need to look for a job there? I say at least 6 months worth of money to live off unemployed and what if it doesn't work out? Head home with no money and no job? I certainly can't afford to do that, may be different with you if you are financially stable.

I actually have more closer friends in Singapore than in Hong Kong where I live now

[money]

hey winger,

i heard you use to live in toronto?...did you go to school here and then go back to your home country (i assume is hong kong) upon graduation?

i live in toronto. seems like we all have one goal which is to work in singapore.

[winger7]

Hey money,

It's great to be getting this many responses. You heard...I used to live in Toronto? From who? Well I used to live in Toronto when I was little, I was born in Hong Kong, I came back after a few years there when I was little and I lived in Beijing and Shanghai for a few years too, then went back to Canada for university, Sudbury to be exact, biggest craphole on earth.

Anyway yes I am currently in Hong Kong and would love to move there. I've always thought I'd have half a chance seeing how I speak fluent English Mandarin and Cantonese, which can all come to use in Singapore. What about yourself, are you Asian Canadian too, what makes you want to move there? I'm still feeling a bit skeptical about the job market there and how much they are willing to hire foreigners as compared to before. I know friends that were fresh grads and moved there and got a job just like that, but things have changed ever since. Would anyone know a thing or two...?

[irvine]

I guess it comes down to what can you offer to what the employers are looking for. If you're all good for them, they're willing to go the extra mile to hire and get you settled with the employment pass.

Make sure your resume is juicy.

[money]

Hey money,

It's great to be getting this many responses. You heard...I used to live in Toronto? From who? Well I used to live in Toronto when I was little, I was born in Hong Kong, I came back after a few years there when I was little and I lived in Beijing and Shanghai for a few years too, then went back to Canada for university, Sudbury to be exact, biggest craphole on earth.

Anyway yes I am currently in Hong Kong and would love to move there. I've always thought I'd have half a chance seeing how I speak fluent English Mandarin and Cantonese, which can all come to use in Singapore. What about yourself, are you Asian Canadian too, what makes you want to move there? I'm still feeling a bit skeptical about the job market there and how much they are willing to hire foreigners as compared to before. I know friends that were fresh grads and moved there and got a job just like that, but things have changed ever since. Would anyone know a thing or two...?

i read some of your previous posts saying that you use to live in toronto. i feel sorry for you if you had to live in sudbury.
i am asian canadian. i'd like to work in singapore cause basically im tired of living in toronto.
i visited singapore last year and it i thought it would be pretty cool to live their for a while. i also want to work in singapore for some personal reasons.

what industry are you in?....let me know how your application goes when you apply.

[ksl]

Winger7 I would possibly consider exhibition organizer or coordinator, the expo centre is pretty active and IMG have their office in Hong Kong for Singapore, I think you do have a chance, if you dig out the companies. Try also the ones dealing with the casino's and IR. and the government run ones that hold seminars and networking gatherings. Like enterprise one, Spring, IDA, they will know who does the coordination for their events and they need good speakers for the mixed public that attend to do intro's and coordinators.

Though i was on their website, which doesn't show much at all! Though we have cooperated with them at two events one was the Singapore marathon 50,000 turned up from many Countries for the race.

[winger7]

Wow thanks for the positive and useful replies!

Money - i am current in the Event management industry I suppose but I work at an institution. Yes I would like to live there for personal reasons too and I'm pretty bored and tired of living in HK, there really is nothing to do here. A lot of people say there is less to do in Singapore but at least it will be something new.

KSL - Thanks for your useful suggestions, I will certainly try to dig these companies out. I am actually not all that fimiliar with such companies, or any companies in any particular industry for that matter.

I am not entirely fimiliar with the government seminars you have mentioned, are these seminars in Singapore only, if you don't mind elaborating? Anyway I may PM you soon for details, thank you!

[Strong Eagle]

Have your tried MOM's EP eligibility test yet on their website? Don't mean to piss in your Wheaties but all the planning and interviewing in the world won't mean anything if you can't get a work permit.

[winger7]

Thanks for the tip SE, I do remember trying it a year ago and I did say I'd qualify, I just tried it again and it said no different.

[winger7]

Sorry guys, just thought of another question, I'm really looking for at least $2500 in pay. I did hear of companies offering $2000 for foreigners and telling them it's sufficient to live off. I know it would be sufficient to live off but you would have to be the stingiest person on earth. $2500 would be quite a basic life too if you include rent and such.

Anyone know how many years' experience you would need to get that sort of a pay? thanks

[Strong Eagle]

Winger7, event management is one of the poorest paid, highest turnover, 'professional' jobs in Singapore.

I have hired event management companies. My so called 'event managers' couldn't manage a trip on the MRT, never mind a complex event.

There are too many companies, chasing limited business. Pay will be terrible, and there may be difficulty in getting MOM approval to get one of these jobs.

<Edited>

I'm not saying that you would not be in demand if you actually know how to plan logistics and manage an event... I bet companies would like to have you... just that MOM might not see you as a job skill that can't already be found in Singapore.

[wcs]

Typically $2500 is the pay given to a local fresh graduate from a local or good foreign university.

It can vary between industry, but that is a useful guideline.