Job prospects in SG?

[gailwynand]

I'm considering relocation to SG to join my fiancé who recently took an expat position there. After a couple of extended visits by me we have decided it would make for a good home base for the next few years.

If I do move I really want to land on my feet and find a good position quickly. We'd get married shortly after the move so getting a DP would be no issue, but I'd rather just get my own EP if possible.

I am already in a good job at the moment in the US, and while I think it's a good time for a change I am naturally a bit concerned about my prospects for finding a new position in Singapore. I've started building a network and the people I've talked to so far have been encouraging, but further reassurance is always helpful.

Here are my particulars:

- US citizen/resident, under 30 years old
- MA from elite-level US university (not Harvard/Yale/Princeton but the next step below. I am told it's a well regarded school in SG.)
- about to finish MBA at same university
- 5 years project management/business development experience - mainly related to East and South Asia (I head to China and India a few times a year)
- current salary 5500 SGD/month, soon to go up to 6000+

Is this a profile that is appealing to recruiters in SG or would I have serious problems finding something? Am I right in thinking that getting an EP should be no issue if needed?

Not too concerned about salary at the moment since the fiancée has a full expat package including housing allowance.

[nakatago]

Your profile doesn't stand out from the leagues of qualified locals/candidates from nearby countries. Not to mention, they'll command a lower salary. You can try but tread carefully.

[Cath C]

In my experience, it seems easier to look for work once you're here and can go to interiews and meet with recruiters in person.

Would it be an option to move to SG with your current organisation? This would be easier if you can do it.

With your qulifications and likely potential salary, getting an EP shouldn't be a problem, but you need to find the job first. This will be the challenge for you.

Good luck!

[gailwynand]

In my experience, it seems easier to look for work once you're here and can go to interiews and meet with recruiters in person.

Would it be an option to move to SG with your current organisation? This would be easier if you can do it.

With your qulifications and likely potential salary, getting an EP shouldn't be a problem, but you need to find the job first. This will be the challenge for you.

Good luck!

Thanks. Yes, I plan to do what I can from a distance but certainly being on the ground will be best.

My current organization unfortunately doesn't have a presence in ASEAN but I can probably consult for them from SG. That will at least keep some money rolling in until a full-time job comes along.

[Sergei82]

...easier to look for work once you're here and can go to interiews and meet with recruiters in person.

1st - maybe (even though nobody cancelled Skype yet),
2nd - how is that??? He's not applying to a model agency, no need to see anybody in person.

Anyway, hiring season will start only early next year. How can you talk about any prospects at the moment? Our folk haven't finalized next year's budget yet - still arguing who to lay off...

[mapleleaf]

Hi Sergei, I am new around here. By early did you mean Jan or would it a couple of months later?

[v4jr4]

...easier to look for work once you're here and can go to interiews and meet with recruiters in person.

1st - maybe (even though nobody cancelled Skype yet),
2nd - how is that??? He's not applying to a model agency, no need to see anybody in person.

Anyway, hiring season will start only early next year. How can you talk about any prospects at the moment? Our folk haven't finalized next year's budget yet - still arguing who to lay off...

After Chinese New Year, or perhaps, after the 13th month salary.
Brace yourself. Prepare the CV.

[offshoreoildude]

OP - search for my post on linkedin. I've been here for a long time and I've basically come to realize that linkedin is the only way to find decent work here as an expat.

[gailwynand]

OP - search for my post on linkedin. I've been here for a long time and I've basically come to realize that linkedin is the only way to find decent work here as an expat.

I'm with you on linkedin, have already had some good contacts through there. Just got to keep pushing.

[Cath C]

...easier to look for work once you're here and can go to interiews and meet with recruiters in person.

1st - maybe (even though nobody cancelled Skype yet),
2nd - how is that??? He's not applying to a model agency, no need to see anybody in person.

I think your comments are really logical and that you shouldn't need to be here to find work. However, when you're looking for work, you're somewhat at the mercy of your potential employers' preferences and most haven't yet accepted skype interviews. THey prefer to stick with what they know. There isn't necessarily a logical reason for it, it just "the way we've always done things" which can be difficult to overcome.

[the lynx]

I can only agree one thing though, all SMEs definitely want to see you before they hire you. It is just how things run. So if you want to embark on your career here with SMEs, yes, coming over here will be justified.

Most MNCs are OK with Skype options, being multi-national and all. And they tend to go with recruiters, so when you actually have to fly in, it is almost always after you're hired and you need to be there for your final MOM procedures.

[nakatago]

...easier to look for work once you're here and can go to interiews and meet with recruiters in person.

1st - maybe (even though nobody cancelled Skype yet),
2nd - how is that??? He's not applying to a model agency, no need to see anybody in person.

I think your comments are really logical

"Well, there's your problem!"

[sundaymorningstaple]

I can only agree one thing though, all SMEs definitely want to see you before they hire you. It is just how things run. So if you want to embark on your career here with SMEs, yes, coming over here will be justified.

Most MNCs are OK with Skype options, being multi-national and all. And they tend to go with recruiters, so when you actually have to fly in, it is almost always after you're hired and you need to be there for your final MOM procedures.

True.