Despite its small size, Singapore is among the most prosperous countries globally. Its position as the largest port in Southeast Asia makes Singapore a financial hub in many ways. With the low cost of living, minimal taxes, and pleasant climate, Singapore is safe and welcoming. The job market in this Asian country has grown in recent years and is one of the most competitive places to find work. If you desire to work in Singapore as an expat, follow this guide.
1. Check Your Eligibility
Like any other country, you should check your eligibility to work in Singapore. Foreigners should have different work permits to work legally in the country. For instance, with the hotel and casino industry booming, you should have RSA and RSG certifications from recognized institutions, such as Galaxy Training Australia RSA.
The relevant ministry has an online self-assessment tool, which helps interested persons evaluate their eligibility for work. You can use this assessment tool to understand the eligibility criteria. However, you can’t be guaranteed eligibility, as the tool doesn’t take into account other crucial determining factors, such as personal background and permit quotas.
2. Pick a Thriving Industry
Singapore has long been very welcoming to finance professionals, especially audit and securities experts, because of the increasing number of offshore accounts in the country. However, it has opened up to many other sectors. Apart from banking and finance experts, the demand for the following professionals has been on the rise recently:
- AI specialists
- Digital marketers
- Machine learning engineers
- Full stack engineers and backend developers
- Robotics engineer
- Software engineers
- Data scientists
- Cyber security specialists
Mental health care practitioners and experts in tourism and hospitality are also in demand. Evidently, you should have a strong technological background or specialized skills to find a job opportunity in the country. Besides identifying thriving industries, you should also find out the average salaries for these positions.
3. Know the Requirements for Working in Singapore
Even if you are eligible, you should satisfy several requirements to work in Singapore. For starters, you should have a valid work visa. However, to get visa approval, foreigners should have an employer willing to sponsor the visa. Visas available for foreigners include:
- Employment pass – All foreigners, especially managers, and executives, looking for work in Singapore should have an employment pass. To qualify for EP, you should be eligible for a work visa and earn more than SDG 3,600 monthly. The Employment Pass is valid for two years for first-time applicants and three years for renewals.
- EntrePass – You should apply for EntrePass if you want to start a business and live in Singapore. Unlike Employment Pass, this requirement doesn’t have minimum salary requirements and is valid for one year for first-timers and two years for renewals.
- S Pass – Unlike Employment Pass and EntrePass, which are specifically for professionals, the S Pass is a requirement for skilled and semi-skilled persons. To be eligible for this as a foreigner, you should earn a minimum of SDG 2,400 and meet the basic assessment criteria. This pass is valid for two years, and your employer or agent should apply for you. You’ll also need a new pass if you switch jobs.
4. How to Find a Job in Singapore
You can use different options to apply for a job in Singapore. You can find a good job through:
Through Your Network or Referral
Most people use this approach to secure employment in Singapore because of minimal visa requirements. Spending some time and interacting with different people can ease your job search. Ideally, you can visit the country for a short stay, attend events, or connect with managers and executives on LinkedIn and other social platforms. This is a successful tactic for those who don’t have technical backgrounds or are experienced in fields with high demand.
Finding Jobs Through Job Boards
Using job boards to find work is becoming popular. It is a perfect option for those who are already employed, don’t need employment urgently, or don’t want to travel to Singapore urgently. However, this process is slower and not efficient unless you are very specialized and experienced in a specific field.
Finding Jobs Using In-House Recruiters
You can also find employment by pitching directly to in-house recruiters of the companies you want to work for. You can execute this strategy perfectly on LinkedIn. You can also connect with hiring managers directly.
Using Recruitment Agencies
Another perfect option for securing employment in Singapore is through recruitment agencies. These agencies have established rapport with businesses, companies, and other potential employers in Singapore. Your recruitment agency can help you draft your cover letter, CV, and interview preparations. They also educate you on various employment practices and work cultures. You should research extensively to find an agency that best fits your skills and industry.
Endnote
Singapore is a very competitive country because of its transparent and efficient businesses, low crime rates, favourable climate, and multicultural society. If you are looking for greener pastures or career advancement, this guide can help you secure employment in Singapore.
