Finding a job in Singapore can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With some preparation and persistence, you can land a great job in this thriving city-state. Singapore has a diverse, robust economy with opportunities in many sectors. Understanding the job market, leveraging resources, and putting your best foot forward during the search process are key to finding employment with ease.
What is the current job market like in Singapore?
The job market in Singapore is quite strong overall. As a major global business and financial hub, Singapore offers varied roles across many industries. Some top sectors currently hiring include:
– Finance and insurance
– Information and communications
– Professional services
– Manufacturing
– Healthcare
– Technology
Unemployment rates have risen slightly due to COVID-19, but remain low at around 3%. Some heavily impacted sectors like tourism and aviation have more job losses. However, the economy is rebounding well. There are still ample openings in growth areas like e-commerce, biomedical sciences, and infocomm technology.
The country continues to attract foreign investment and skilled expat workers too. So competition can be stiff for some in-demand jobs. Applicants with in-shortage skills like cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development may find it easier landing roles.
Overall, Singapore provides a fertile ground for job seekers – if you have the right expertise and persistence.
What are the steps to find and get a job in Singapore?
Here are top tips for finding and securing work in Singapore:
1. Identify Your Target Industry and Roles
First, decide which sector and job titles to focus on in your search. Research thriving industries in Singapore and available openings in your field. Tailor your search to roles that align with your skills, education, experience and interests.
You can explore job listings on major recruitment sites like:
– JobsCentral
– JobStreet
– LinkedIn Jobs
– Monster.com
– Glassdoor
Read job descriptions closely to understand employer needs and match your background accordingly.
2. Prepare Your Resume and Interview Skills
Update your resume to showcase your qualifications for targeted roles. Align it to Singaporean resume standards – concise and focused on technical expertise.
Also brush up on interview skills and prepare stories that highlight your achievements. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the employer specifically.
Practice explaining career gaps, weaknesses or any tricky interview questions. Prepare smart questions to ask the interviewer too.
3. Build Your Professional Network
Tap into your contacts who work in your target field or location. Let them know you are looking and ask for introductions or advice.
Join industry associations and attend career fairs, seminars, networking events in Singapore. Build connections and gain insider tips.
Develop your online professional brand too – update your LinkedIn profile and engage through content and groups.
4. Work With Recruitment Firms
Enlist recruiters focused on your target sector. They can advocate for you with their client employers. Provide them with your updated resume and engage frequently.
Large global firms like Kelly Services, Hudson, Randstad, and more operate in Singapore. There are also specialists in industries like finance, engineering, tech and healthcare.
5. Apply and Follow Up
Submit applications regularly to openings that fit your goals. Tailor your cover letter and mention why you are an excellent fit.
Follow up diligently with each application. Contact the recruiter or hiring manager to check status. Politely reiterate your interest and qualifications.
Apply directly through company sites or use aggregators like:
– LinkedIn Jobs
– JobsCentral
– JobStreet
– Monster.com
6. Consider Temporary or Contract Roles
Taking short-term contracts or temp work can help you get a foot in the door and gain local experience. Roles may convert to permanent positions later.
Top temp agencies in Singapore include Kelly Services, Adecco, Randstad, Michael Page, Hudson and more.
Job portals also post many temporary and freelance opportunities across sectors.
7. Explore Company Career Pages
Look for openings on the career sites of your target companies. Tailor your application to reflect knowledge of each firm’s goals and needs.
You can find listings for major corporations like:
– DBS
– OCBC
– UOB
– Singtel
– Singapore Airlines
– Lazada
– Grab
– Shopee
– ST Engineering
– SP Group
Having an internal referral can boost chances too.
8. Consider Government/Civil Service Jobs
Government and civil service jobs offer good prospects in Singapore. They recruit candidates across many roles – administrators, customs officers, corporate executives and more.
Top agencies that handle public sector recruitment include:
– Public Service Commission (psc.gov.sg)
– Civil Service College (cscollege.gov.sg)
You can find openings on their sites. Singaporean citizenship is required for most civil service roles.
9. Harness Online Job Portals and Platforms
Leverage major Singapore job sites and aggregators:
– JobsCentral
– Jobstreet
– STJobs
– eFinancialCareers
– Monster.com
– LinkedIn Jobs
Set up alerts and saved searches to be notified of new openings.
Also use professional platforms like LinkedIn to connect with recruiters, apply, and find insider contacts at target companies.
10. Consider Relocating for Work Opportunities
If you are struggling to find openings locally, consider expanding your search to regional or global roles. Multinational companies based in Singapore often hire abroad.
After gaining international experience, you can then transition back more easily with a strong resume.
What are the average salary ranges in Singapore by industry?
Salaries vary across sectors in Singapore based on role seniority and skillset demand. Here are typical average monthly salaries for some major industries:
| Industry | Average Monthly Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Tech and IT | S$4,000 – S$9,000 |
| Banking and Finance | S$3,500 – S$8,000 |
| Healthcare | S$3,500 – S$7,000 |
| Sales and Marketing | S$2,500 – S$6,000 |
| Engineering | S$3,500 – S$7,000 |
| Logistics and Supply Chain | S$2,500 – S$5,500 |
| Media and Communications | S$2,500 – S$6,000 |
| Teaching and Education | S$3,000 – S$5,500 |
| Civil Service | S$2,000 – S$6,000 |
| Accounting and Audit | S$3,000 – S$5,000 |
Salaries rise significantly for senior roles like department heads, directors and country managers. Specific expertise like cybersecurity, data science and technical engineering skills are also in high demand – earning premium pay.
Beyond major industries, niche sectors like maritime, aviation, e-commerce and green energy also provide solid opportunities in Singapore’s diverse economy.
What documents are required to apply for jobs in Singapore?
To apply for jobs, you will need to prepare certain documents. Key ones include:
Resume
A resume summarizing your career history, skills, accomplishments and education is essential. Follow local conventions – make it 1-2 pages, focused on technical abilities.
Cover Letter
You should also attach a cover letter for most applications. Address it to the hiring manager. Highlight your suitability for the specific role and company.
Portfolio
For creative fields like design and writing, include a portfolio website or work samples.
Transcripts and Certificates
Have scanned or photocopied versions of your academic certificates and mark transcripts ready.
NRIC/FIN Number
Locals should include their NRIC number. Expats and foreigners should provide FIN number.
References
Prepare a list of professional references with their contact information. Reach out to them in advance.
Employment Pass / Work Visa
If already working in Singapore, include a copy of your employment pass or work visa.
Getting this documentation ready in advance will help you submit complete, professional job applications and land interviews sooner.
What are some useful resources for finding jobs in Singapore?
Take advantage of these helpful resources in your Singapore job search:
Government Sites
The Singapore government provides excellent job search resources through sites like:
– mycareersfuture.sg – Database of jobs, career coaching, labor insights
– workfare.gov.sg – Skills upgrading, employer engagement
– mom.gov.sg – Manpower research and statistics
Recruitment Firms
Specialized recruitment agencies can match you to great openings locally. Top options include:
– Kelly Services
– Adecco
– Hudson
– Randstad
– Robert Half
Professional Associations
Join industry groups for networking, job boards, career guidance:
– Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)
– Singapore Computer Society (SCS)
– Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES)
– Singapore FinTech Association
– Singapore Institute of Architects
University Career Centers
School alumni networks and career centers provide networking events, job listings, and mentoring.
Top options are:
– NUS Career+
– NTU Career and Attachment Office
– SMU Career Connect
– SIT Career Services
Social Media Networks
Build connections and find openings through major platforms:
– LinkedIn Jobs
– Facebook Groups
– Telegram Channels
Leveraging these resources can expand your job search reach significantly.
What tips can help in succeeding at job interviews in Singapore?
Preparing well and presenting professionally will help you ace interviews:
Research the Company
Study their website, press releases, Glassdoor. Know their mission, values, goals, challenges.
Review Common Questions
Practice answering likely questions around your experience, skills, career goals. Prepare stories and examples that align with the company’s needs.
Highlight Fit
Explain clearly why you are the best candidate for this specific role and firm. Tailor responses to the job.
Watch Your Body Language
Convey confidence through good eye contact, firm handshake and posture. Avoid fidgeting.
Listen Closely
Let the interviewer finish questions fully before answering. Ask for clarification if needed.
Show Enthusiasm
Express interest and excitement for the potential opportunity. But stay professional.
Ask Good Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready that show your understanding of the business objectives.
Follow Up Promptly
Send a thank you email to reiterate your interest and recap your qualifications.
Preparing thoroughly and presenting your best self can help you make the shortlist and land that offer!
What are some common job scams to watch out for in Singapore?
Job scams are unfortunately common in Singapore. Here are red flags to watch for:
Upfront Payment Requests
Avoid roles that require payment for training, certificates or materials before starting work. This is illegal.
Vague Job Descriptions
Be wary of ads lacking details on duties, requirements, company info. They may be fishing for personal information.
Guaranteed High Salaries
Extremely high salaries relative to work promised may be bait for a scam. Confirm compensation averages.
Requests for Personal Information
Never provide NRIC, bank account details, etc unless hired officially. Scammers may misuse them.
Pressure Tactics
Don’t fall for high-pressure tactics demanding immediate payment or commitment.
No Company Website
Research the company online. Lack of website could signal a fake employer.
Unprofessional Emails
Be wary of poor grammar, spelling errors and requests to continue communication off professional platforms.
Sketchy Interviews
Real interviews will be detailed, addressing your background and ability to do the job.
Trust your instincts. Report scams to Ministry of Manpower and police. Research companies thoroughly before sharing personal information during your job search.
Conclusion
The Singapore job market offers dynamic opportunities if you have the right skills and preparation. Define your target industry and role. Strengthen your resume, network and interview abilities. Use all resources available through government agencies, recruiters, professional associations and online platforms. Present yourself professionally and pursue leads diligently. With some focus and effort, you can secure a great new job and advance your career in Singapore.