Singapore Expats

Hello, friends
Please recommend the effective and herewith realizable way of jobseeking in industrial sector Chemistry/Biochemistry/Medical Devices/Pharmaceuticals in the function of Researcher/R&D Scientist/Chemist/Production/QC. At the moment i try to send my CV via websites such as jobstreet, jobsdb, as well as via divisions Careers in company webpages. But for the time being there weren't any positive results, so in connection with it firther questions are raising:

1. If in the requirements to the candidacy mentioned equcation level BS/MS, then would it be an advantage to specify PhD? I have a doubts about it cuz probably overqualified-applicants ain't being considered by HR as well as underqualified. Is it true or not?
2. Are the companies interested to hire foreigners via, so-called "cold" application? Without personal connections and aloud name. Maybe, this is the knocking to the locked door?
3. Is there any particularity of CV, when it doens't match one, the CV goes directly to the bin even if the seeker is appropriate in fact? I worked out on my CV not month, even probably not year, though. Work experience is reflected rather precise. By the way, about the experience: Research Assistant (biochemistry) in russian Research-Scientific Lab, then Senior Product Manager (hematology) in russian R&D company, Postdoc (biology) in malaysian university. Overall track record is no less than 8 years.

I will be grateful if somebody can share his own experience how succeeded to find the job in industry

ps. pardon cuz of language, it ain't native

mitchel wrote:1. If in the requirements to the candidacy mentioned equcation level BS/MS, then would it be an advantage to specify PhD? I have a doubts about it cuz probably overqualified-applicants ain't being considered by HR as well as underqualified. Is it true or not?

In many cases "B.Sc. required, M.Sc. is an additional benefit" (or similar) means they want somebody with a M.Sc. but only pay B.Sc. salary. If you are o.k. with that, go ahead and apply!
A Ph.D. has no value in most professions in Singapore, outside of university research or teaching.

mitchel wrote:2. Are the companies interested to hire foreigners via, so-called "cold" application? Without personal connections and aloud name. Maybe, this is the knocking to the locked door?

In many (if not most) companies, HR people are rather clueless and won't know what to do with an application not immediately attributable to a job opening. Thus such applications are often discarded. It is better to apply for advertised positions only!
However, if the ad says "only citizens/PR need apply" (as most ads do), you are wasting your time, unless you are able to apply for a PEP (over S$8000/month current salary required).
Also, as has been written many times before on this forum, being physically present in Singapore greatly increases your chance for an interview (or any reply, for that matter). Most applications without local address and (more importantly) phone number go right into the waste bin.
If you cannot relocate here for the job search (3 months is allowed on SVP), at least arrange a private trip to Singapore and mention in your applications "I will be in Singapore from XXX to YYY and that would be a good chance for a personal discussion."
Otherwise, mention "Due to the geographical distance, I suggest an initial phone conversation with the hiring manager", but keep in kind that your chances are virtually Zero then (unless you fit the job exceptionally well and no local applicant comes close).

mitchel wrote:3. Is there any particularity of CV, when it doens't match one, the CV goes directly to the bin even if the seeker is appropriate in fact?

The format of a CV is rather flexible here.
But "Russia" might raise some eyebrows. Don't expect to be offered the same salary as a similarly qualified European or Northern American.

Good luck!

PhD is important if you apply for a research position. Any that may require PhD. Not just in the uni. This typically includes all the industrial and applied sciences institutes as well as commercial R&Ds units.
PhD is less or unimportant if you apply for a position in an SME (unless it is a research SME). They can not afford R&D unit anyway.
Of course if you apply for a lab supervisor position flashing your PhD is probably not a good idea. This is all rather common sense I would say.
IMO you should not apply at all for the positions where you would be clearly overqualified.

The cold calling may work if you target your potential direct boss, otherwise don't have too much hope.