Setting up a brand new life in one of South-East Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities begins with your career.
As longtime residents of the ‘lil red dot, the Honeycombers team has waxed lyrical about the perks of being an expat, the pros and cons of living in Singapore (Yes: kopi; Nope: the haze) and the nuances of Singlish. If you’re planning for a long-term move here, taking the first step usually involves the big C. Yes, we are talking about — you guessed it — your career. Checking out the job scene in Singapore for the very first time? Here’s a couple of tips to get you started.
Finding a job
Job hunting in Singapore but don’t know where to start? Here’s a great way to kick off your search: this self-assessment tool by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) helps you (and your employer) suss out your eligibility based on your qualifications. The MOM website is also a great resource of information – for starters, you can read up on the local employment practices before deciding if a move here is what you really want.
So you’ve done your research, updated your resume and are all set to make a great impression. Well done! It’s time to hit the job portals and LinkedIn is, of course, a top choice for most employers here. You can also check out other popular job portals such as Monster Singapore and JobStreet, or sign up with a recruitment agency in Singapore to increase your chances of scoring that first interview.
Getting the paperwork sorted
Like it or not, you (or your employer) will have to deal with the red tape before making the move here. Professionals working in managerial, executive or specialised positions will need the Employment Pass (EP) which has to be applied by your employer or agent, and those looking to start their own business or invest in startups here will require the Entrepass. For the full details on employment passes and visas in Singapore, hit up the MOM or Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority websites.
Being part of a community (and network)
Once you’re all settled in your brand new career, here’s the fun part: moving to Singapore! Like every newbie, you’ll want to seek out networking opportunities here. Why not start by setting up your home in a vibrant expat ‘hood? From the heritage precinct of Joo Chiat to the bustling downtown CBD, we’ve got the guide to Singapore’s best and alternative neighbourhoods. If you’re all about business, try hitting up networking groups in Singapore. Psst… you really shouldn’t miss the next Honeycombers Like a Boss event, which was a huge hit with our readers!
Before you forget…
All ready to hop on that fast track to success? Don’t forget to get your essentials sorted out. You’ll want to sign up with a reliable local bank such as DBS, one of Singapore’s leading banking institutions with the widest network of ATMs and branches. To make managing your finances easier wherever you are, check out the DBS Expat Programme, which offers nifty features such as the DBS Multiplier Account, a multi-currency account that lets you save and make transactions in SGD and up to 12 different foreign currencies – earning interest at up to 3.5% p.a. You can also tap on other perks like DBS PayLah!, an instant mobile funds transfer service, health services, rental privileges and a super convenient remittance service for overseas funds transfers.
Your brand new Singapore adventure begins once you’ve ticked all of these boxes!
This article is sponsored by DBS Bank.