job hunting question... confused

[leonar3d]

Hi there,

I've been studying in Singapore since 2 years and finished my degree now. I've been applying for jobs all over the place and I also got a good amount of interest. Usually they ask if I have an employment pass or if I'm a permanent resident. Once the fact emerges that I'm still on a student pass/social visit pass the companies loose interest...

So my question is: how am I supposed to get a job if they require PR or EP, if I can get PR or EP only if I already have a job?!?

Is there anything I missed?

Some good advice would be welcomed!

Regards Leonard

[xtasy010]

Did you receive a letter from ICA inviting you to apply for PR? If you did then you should show that to the employer. Its almost equivalent to having a PR. Once you have an offer letter you can apply for PR and the ICA will stamp a temp EP on your passport and you can start work immediately.

[carteki]

Have you read the local news lately? About the govt tightening up on workers passes and S passes? That is probably why there is so little interest in hiring a foreigner who has very little experience (unless you're qualified for an EP)

[leonar3d]

Thanks for the replies.


Yeh, I just got rejected by another company due to missing PR status...

No I didn't get an invitation letter, from what I know only students from one of the main universities like NTU NUS can possible get one. But I will ask my school if they have any leverage on that matter (which I don't believe).

I heard indeed rumors that even if you get a company to hire you the government often retain from giving out work permits. Anyways tomorrow I have another interview, wish me luck for that!

Regards Leonard

[sundaymorningstaple]

T
I heard indeed rumors that even if you get a company to hire you the government often retain from giving out work permits.

That is not a rumour. That has ALWAYS been the way. Just because a company wants to hire you, the MOM doesn't always agree. Therefore it's ultimately up to them whether you get the final approval (e.g., employment pass). Since Sept they have tightened up the criteria even more though.

sms

[ceej1979]

The company that hired me, happened to mention their amazement at the number of S passes that are currently being rejected at the minute.

The HR guy I speak with was telling me that he sent 5 off on one day, and all 5 were rejected within 2 hours! He was quite shocked.

From what he told me, if you have 3-5 years experience in an industry, and a decent degree, then you'll have a moderate to good chance of getting an EP at the minute.

He was saying that lack of skills (degree) and experience (foreign grads) applicants are really being cracked down on at the minute.

You have to see their point. It's not as if there aren't 150 Singaporeans who graduated in your class this year, with the same degree.

Hard to justify a visa

[ceej1979]

Hi there,

I've been studying in Singapore since 2 years and finished my degree now. I've been applying for jobs all over the place and I also got a good amount of interest. Usually they ask if I have an employment pass or if I'm a permanent resident. Once the fact emerges that I'm still on a student pass/social visit pass the companies loose interest...

So my question is: how am I supposed to get a job if they require PR or EP, if I can get PR or EP only if I already have a job?!?

Is there anything I missed?

Some good advice would be welcomed!

Regards Leonard

As a foreigner, you have three choices:

1: Try and get PR
2: Try and get a job offer
3: Go home

The system is quite simple. You need to secure a job. As in apply, interview, and get an offer.

The MOM will then decide if you meet the criteria to work in Singapore at the minute.

Based on:

1: The type of degree you have
2: The type of job you have been offered
3: Whether hiring you for the role will benefit the company any more than just hiring one of the 30 Singaporean applicants that also apply.

The users are right. The MOM offers you the job in truth. Not a company. All the company do is make a commitment to hire you, if you can get a visa.

So, you just need to apply for jobs, and try and get an offer. Then try and get a visa

[sundaymorningstaple]

You learn good!

[ceej1979]

You learn good!

I'm thinking of majoring in "how to get a job in Singapore, when you're not really that good". I'm inspiration to everyone!

[singindo]

thanks ceejl1979, your answer is clear...

[sundaymorningstaple]

You learn good!

I'm thinking of majoring in "how to get a job in Singapore, when you're not really that good". I'm inspiration to everyone!

I like the idjit who responded you this post of yours. He thinks he understands what you said, but read his other post. He's actually a lost ball in high weeds. Thankfully they've tightened up criteria!

[leonar3d]

thanks people,

I guess I need an airline ticket than

Anyway lets see how this plays out!

[leonar3d]

Ok, I got a new question:

I found a company that wants to apply for EP for me (They will apply today). However my social visit pass is running out this week so probably I wont get any result if I got accepted or rejected in time.

What options do I have?
Just go to Malaysia and come back to Singapore?

Thanks for any help.

Regards Leonard

[sundaymorningstaple]

Go to immigration and ask for an extension. Failing that, if you've already done that, go on holiday for 4 or 5 days to Malaysia.

[banker]

Hi Leonard,

Your CV is very impressive.

In the recent years Singapore is actively promoting interactive media and design industries. As you have an impressive profile, you may find a suitable job opportunity. Your school can help you to link you up with potential employers.

Please talk to your lectures or respective career counselors to the right leads. Once if you have an employment offer, generally your employer will take care of the work visa.

But visit Ministry of Manpower (MOM) & Immigration and Checkpoint Authority (ICA) websites to understand the different types of Visas (PEP, PR, P, Q, S-Pass and Work permits). So that you can make an informed decision.

You may wish to visit design Singapore, IDA and MICA websites to learn about your industry players (they will be your potential target).

Please also understand the current market condition which makes it difficult to find a job or getting a successful employment visa.

Wish you all the best.