So life is not a bowl of cherries, but you suddenly find yourself in the pits, because your life has turned out to be somewhat like the Beatles song,”it’s been a Hard Day’s night, I have been working like a dog…” That is the reason why many people are looking for new career options, when they do not have to work such long stifling monotonous hours at thankless and low paying jobs.
Now, if you happen to be one of them and are looking for important information about things to know if you want to work in Singapore, read on!
Be prepared to work … a lot!
A large number of people coming to Singapore to work are there because their parent company decided to change its base of operation to relocate in Singapore. There is one thing that you have, to look at, when looking for work in Singapore. A laissez-faire attitude is definitely not going to work here. The employees required by Singaporean companies are extremely hard-working, willing to go that extra mile, dedicated and focused on bettering their business status and social position. Clock watchers are definitely not encouraged, so if you imagine that you can get away with a casual profession of attitude here, you are sadly mistaken!
The Formalities – get an Employment Pass first
You as a foreign professional would need an employment pass. Your employer is going to apply for the employment pass on your behalf. After that, you will have to undergo a self-assessment test, online to show if you are qualified for that particular job. You might also want to visit Singapore on a short-term basis, to look for employment chances and opportunities available with companies there, fitting your specific job requirements and professional qualifications. If you are a recent graduate or a student, you would want to explore the option of a Work Holiday Program. It means that you can live here and work here for a limit of 6 months.
- Information:
- • All Information about the Employment Pass Here (click)
Tax Haven, really? Yes!
Here is some good news those plutocrats, (are there any left in this day of recession?) who are looking for a tax haven. Singapore is one of the world’s last remaining bastions of low tax. So, a large amount of your pay check is going to end up in your wallet, instead of swelling the financial coffers of the government. This is the reason why a large number of expats/foreign nationals have decided to relocate to Singapore and make it their base of operations permanently.
Foreign Talents desperately needed
One of the most sensible ways of making sure that you get a good job in Singapore is to go there on a posting from your company. It means that you do not have to go through the long arduous activity of sending your CVs to every single company out there, hoping against hope that you are going to be selected. If you already have experience in the finance and banking field, there is better chance of you being selected for a job in these sectors. Apart from that, shipping and telecommunication, as well as the IT sector is in dire need of experienced professionals who can contribute to Singapore’s burgeoning economy.
- Information:
- • Read my story: How a Soccer game changed the way I see Singaporeans
Don’t be over-optimistic
If you want to work in Singapore, there is one point, which you need to look out for. Do not be extra optimistic and come over to Singapore, thinking that you are going to get a job tomorrow. It is much more sensible to have a job in hand, with your employer, sending you your employment papers, before you up sticks and shift with bags and accompanying noisy baggage to Singapore. And by the way, if you are used to Fosters and Budweiser, at the end of a day, be prepared to shell out 15 Singaporean dollars for a pint.
Be Flexible like a Yoga Master
You need to be flexible about your salary expectations. You are also going to be working in a different work environment and culture. You are going to start your day’s work at about 10 o’clock and work up to 7 in the evening. You might also want not to make any resting and relaxing plans for Saturday, because a large number of companies want you at your desk on Saturday. However, the six-day week is slowly changing into a five-day week, because of the large number of expats working here in Singapore.
CV, Cover Letter – Get it right from the Beginning
The CV is called a resume here. Make sure that your resume is tailor-made to meet the specifications of the employer. You would also have to give a couple of references. Make sure that they are business references, who can vouch for your workaholic tendencies. Also, remember to blow your own trumpet, when talking about your co-curricular activities after the day’s work is done. The covering letter should be formal , and not more than one page long. Send a copy of your passport, along with previous testimonials with your application form.
Best of luck on your job hunt in Singapore!
by an Asia experienced 26 year young expat living and surviving in Singapore since years!
Discovering new interesting and strange things everyday, he provides guides, news and tips for how to survive Singapore and how to best prepare for it.
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2 Comments for this post
Jun 28, 2010 at 4:33 pm
thanks alot for the info….
Feb 26, 2011 at 4:37 pm
hallo ihave old passport from grenada now this passport not valid to go any country iam lookingfor new passport to fly to singapor can you helb me iam wait your order thanks
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