Jobs in Singapore
Singapore has a reputation for being resilient in the face of economic hard times. In more recent years, economic ups and downs and a succession of mini recessions brought on by competition from emerging economies such as India and China has had a negative effect on Singapore's job market. However, the government has long term vision and is taking steps to diversify.
There are at least 500,000 foreigners working in Singapore. However, you should be realistic about your chances of employment if you have little or no experience in your because even though things have been looking good, graduates are still likely to find it hard with competition from local graduates.
The big expat employers in Singapore are Banking and finance (Hong Kong is Singapore's main rival in this field and both are leading Asian financial hubs), Shipping (not only is Singapore a major shipping economy, the country relies heavily on imports), and the IT sector (Singapore is fast becoming a telecommunications hub for Asia and is a major investor in new technologies. Singapore universities cannot fill all of the vacancies created).
By far, the biggest employer in Singapore is the electronics industry and is a field they are likely to continue pushing forward and excelling in. The overall trend at the time of writing (May 2006) seems to be an upward one.
Seeking employment in a foreign land is more than just sending off a CV and hoping for the best. You'll need to do some serious homework to be prepared for issues you may not have even crossed your mind. Different workplace cultures and ethics, different application procedures, salary expectations... the list is endless. The fact that you're reading this means you probably have the right approach. The main thing is that you have an open mind and are willing to bend a little. Some of the advice on this website applies to any job in any country but are often emphasised in Singapore.
The word 'resume' is usually used instead of 'CV' in Singapore. Don't be afraid to adjust your resume to look better for the local market. Singapore employers are often very interested to hear about your hobbies and activities away from work. An accompanying letter should be no more than a page long, concise formal and relevant. It is quite common in Asia to be questioned on the employ and education of your parents. A photograph and a copy of your passport should be sent with your application along with the usual certificates and testimonials from previous employers. Important considerations in an interview here are...
- Do not criticise your previous employers (unless carefully worded and constructive).
- Do maintain a calm and collected image. Concentrate only on the pertinent information.
- Mention only those who can verify your skills, not direct friends or family members.
- Do find out as much about your employer as possible before the interview, including the currency you will be paid in.
Workplace culture in Singapore - Dress code is invariably conservative. Time is money, although locals are not big fans of tight deadlines. That said, you will be expected to keep appointments. The expatriate presence is noticeable in multinationals.
Need advice? Got a question? Go to our Singapore Forum