For me my background is that I don't have tertiary qualifications. Started uni - didn't finish, I spent the last nearly 10 years working in Broadcasting as an IT Engineer straight out of school - so essentially I didn't have special skills that someone else in IT couldn't do.
Firstly, before I left Australia I decided throw money at global qualifications that might give me an edge so I spent 3 months completing these before arriving. (Apple, Red Hat & Avid)
Once in Singapore, for about 8 weeks I did try to send CVs on job street & utilised LinkedIn with no luck. It was clear on paper that I didn't really anything more to offer than a local would.
Undeterred, I joined Singapore social communities (these are mainly on Facebook) from this found out how to get involved in expat groups. I printed some name cards & started to go to local expat events to network - ANSA for me was also really helpful.
Through one one social event, I happened to meet an HR Rep for a large IT company in Singapore at a ladies lunch. It was a great opportunity to meet face to face and gave me an opportunity to "sell" myself.
Within a few days they called me for an official interview and at the end of the process finally offered me a position pending employment pass. Yesterday it was approved & the employment pass took 2.5 weeks for approval.
So that was my experience so far in SG. I found getting out to events & networking here within the expat communities so invaluable rather than just submitting CVs on LinkedIn and jobstreet etc... Crossing my fingers in the hope that someone might call one day.
