chicken and egg

[andyfff]

Hello from Shanghai,

I am what I guess would be considered a "mid-career" person, currently I am the Learning and Development manager for a very large American software company. I have been in Shanghai for five years and am ready to move on, Singapore is where I would like to go next.

I have found many, many jobs online that I am qualified for. But after three months of applying, the response I have received has been almost zero. I have managed to get a few HR Managers on the phone, and the response is usually something like "It's difficult for us to consider you if you are in another country, but call us when you get here and if we have anything available we will get you in for an interview."

Moving to Singapore before I get a job is kind of scary and I would rather not do that. But if I am being rejected out of hand for jobs I am qualified for, just because I am not already located in Singapore, that makes things difficult. I don't want to move there without a job, but HR managers are saying I should move there then find a job.

Any advice from y'all would be appreciated! Does anybody have any suggestions about how to break this logjam?

Xie xie from China.

[BillyB]

It's a bit of a two edged sword. Unless you are senior level and working in a specialised position, it's unlikely firms will entertain you if you live outside of Singapore. There are obviously exceptions to this rule but as a rule of thumb it's usually the case.

I guess you need to see things from the employers perspective - an abundance of locally based candidates, no need to apply for employment passes, easy to sit down and interview face to face, less costs involved in the hiring process.

If you can take the option of coming to SG to find something and you are prepared to commit financially to that, you should get some more traction in your success. However, bear in mind that employers may look at your lack of experience in SE Asia as yet another factor to not take your application further.

I think the fact that you sound proactive by getting in touch with HR, shows that you have the drive to get yourself in front of people and hopefully that should prove beneficial if you do come to SG i.e not just firing applications off in the hope that one sticks - making it happen yourself.

Good luck

[andyfff]

Thanks man. I do have 12 years of training/management experience, nine of those in Japan and China, so I don't think that is the issue. And coming to SG without a job is an option, but if I go more than 1-2 months with nothing I will be in trouble.

Anyway, I will keep up the search...

[nicole.du]

Thanks man. I do have 12 years of training/management experience, nine of those in Japan and China, so I don't think that is the issue. And coming to SG without a job is an option, but if I go more than 1-2 months with nothing I will be in trouble.

Anyway, I will keep up the search...

Hey, surprised to see someone in same situation as me. I am in Shanghai too, and considering getting a job in Singapore.

Yes, the problem you mentioned is what we all will encounter, but for your reference, I have made up my mind to go Singapore first, cause I really don't think it would be easy to get a job offshore. All I can lose in this option is some money, won't be much. Several thousands SGD would be enough to support 2-4 months' living in Singapore.

Currently, I am waiting for my EPEC been approved, once ok, I will quit job, book ticket, get packed and move on.

Maybe we can be in touch to share more info. Will pm you my msn.

[ksl]

Take a holiday!

You know the chicken and egg scenario is quite simple to figure out, think about it, what comes first Chicken or the egg?

The answer is you get screwed Simply a holiday is best.

[beppi]

If I really want an interview at a company overseas, I schedule a trip there first and then send an application mentioning "I happen to be in your city on DATE, couldn't we discuss this in person then?"
Sending an application without that (I usually suggest a phone interview, to show I don't want to generate the expense of a trip) has a much lower success rate.