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Job Hunting in Singapore

We frequently see people on our forum who need advice about looking for work in Singapore. Andiamo, one of our forum members, has very kindly put together the following article, which details some important points to remember...

Obviously the best way to find employment in Singapore is to be sent here by a large company on a Western salary and with a big expense package. However if we are already in Singapore, the situation is very different. Westerners are often regarded by local employers as:


  1. Difficult to manage, as they are typically not as subservient as the locals
  2. Expensive as they are used to lavish lifestyles and aren't eligible for government funded housing
  3. Difficult to quantify as they haven't been though the whole Singapore education system
  4. Problematic to recruit, as it may involve applying for employment passes

So with all the negatives above, one needs a strategy:

My experience was that applying for jobs with local companies or government organizations was a waste of time. I only got responses from MNCs and thankfully there are many of them here including Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Cisco, Dell and of course many of the major banks and financial institutions.

Coming to Singapore? Take a look at our hotel rates: Singapore Hotels

The positives (and the things that one must stress both in applications and interviews) are many. My list would include:

  1. Decision making and managerial skills: The Singapore education system does not encourage individual thinking and in the work place locals are often waiting for their boss to make a decision
  2. Language skills: The local brand of English does not always sound good on international conference calls. Being a native English speaker, and perhaps having other languages, can be a big advantage
  3. International Experience: While SG is very cosmopolitan, it is also an island and suffers from island mentality. Not that many locals have lived and worked abroad. Having international experience can be a big plus
  4. Communication skills: As mentioned, the education system here focuses on absorbing facts rather than communicating. Again Westerners often have the edge when it come to making presentations, explaining complex issues, putting forward their analysis, etc

There may be many other skills that are in demand but in short supply here. Finding that out requires some research and, of course, is key to getting a job.

The other point to make is that having a status in Singapore, that doesn't necessitate the company applying for a work permit, can be a big advantage. This includes Permanent Residence status or a Personal Employment Pass.

See also: Advice for Jobhunters in Singapore on the forum.

Need advice? Got a question? Go to our Singapore Forum