If you’re ready to become an ex-pat, then one of the best choices you can make for yourself is to look for work in Singapore. Singapore has the highest-ranked economic freedom score in the entire Asia-Pacific region, ousting major international players like Australia and Japan.
Working overseas in Singapore isn’t as easy as filling out a job application, though. Read on to learn the steps you need to take to get work in Singapore.
Determine Whether Working in Singapore Is Right for You
The first thing you need to do before starting your search is to determine whether working in Singapore is actually a good fit for your personal working style.
Singapore has its own set of things like public holidays and laws relating to work and working conditions. Most workers are expected to spend between 44 and 48 hours per work at work, but hours are capped at 88 hours over a two-week period. Overtime is paid out at 1.5 times your hourly rate.
Scroll through the Singapore Ministry of Manpower’s guide to employment practices to get a holistic view of what working in Singapore looks like.
What’s In Demand?
The key to finding a job in any foreign country is to bring skills that are in demand. There are a number of industries in Singapore that are actively recruiting workers from the US and abroad. The two biggest and fastest areas of growth in the country include IT and tourism.
If your skills aren’t in demand, you might have a harder time finding a job and obtaining a visa. If you’re dead-set on moving to Singapore, then you might spend some time accruing more marketable skills to make the process a little easier.
Consider Working with a Recruiting Agency
Navigating the job listings is a lot of work, especially if you already have a busy working life. That doesn’t mean that you have to throw your dreams of working in Singapore away, though.
Working with a recruitment agency helps relieve some of the stress of finding a new job abroad. They know what’s in demand and what companies are looking for, making the process a lot less stressful.
Get a Work Visa
Your final step toward a blissful career in Singapore is getting a work visa. There are several different routes to take depending on the type of worker you are: skilled professional, skilled and semi-skilled, and trainees and students.
High-level workers who earn at least $4,500 a month and have the right skills should utilize the Employment Pass process. If you’re mid-level, however, you should apply for the S Pass or a work permit for foreign workers.
Are You Looking for Work in Singapore?
Finding work in Singapore might feel like an overwhelming prospect, especially if you’ve never considered working outside of the country in the past. Take your time to do your research about promising leads and recruiting firms, and you’ll be well on your way to a happy career in Singapore!
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