French looking for advise

[sky6]

Hi,

I'm currently planning to come to Singapore to do a pre-prospection and check if it's possible for me to settle for me and my family (wife and 3 babies).

Basically, I've been working as a software engineer for more than 9 years, and I'm currently project manager within Nestlé, where I gained particular experience in leading and working with cross-cultural teams.

Can anyone help me finding information about head hunters / potential companies, and any other information about family relocation (best location, maid employment, etc ...).

I will be in Singapore first one week from the 31st of October to the 4th of November 2005, and I would be very happy to meet other people who experienced already expatriation.

Best Regards,
Stéphane.

[The BfG]

Not too sure what a pre-prospection is but I can offer some advice

First, this message board contains a list of the head hunters and job ***.  Have you looked at that ?  You should also search the archive where you will find that it is the least successful way to find a job in Singapore.  Search the archive as well for those that have requested similar information and advice as you have and see the responses.

The IT industry is fairly flat.  There is an abundance of people with your skills available locally and from within ASEAN and India.  Local universities are very good in supplying quality IT candidates with relevant degrees and professional certifications.

It is unlikely you would get an expat package.  More and more people are employed on local terms and conditions.

On the assumption you have a degree from a recognised university and relevant professional certifications then you would be looking at salary of around $3 - 5K.

You will need to determine what skills you have that are not available in the local market within the industry that you wish to work and try and sell that to a prospective employer.

It's not impossible to get an IT job here but there is a big queue of local people who want an IT job as well who will understand the culture and speak the languages.

[This message has been edited by The BfG (edited 23-10-2005).]

[HOLIDAY !!]

The week you have picked to come to Singapore has two public holidays in it.

Not a good idea as most of the places will be closed down.

You need to do some research as coming that week will be a complete waste of your time

[sky6]

Thank you for your answers, greatly appreciated.
Unfortunately, we don't have that much liberty for the times we can come, because of work and familly constraints (we needed to find somebody to take care of the three babies while we were away).
We'll try anyway to change the dates.

Any idea if people do take holidays to avoid having to come at work the 31st of october and the 2nd and 4th of november ?

[HOLIDAY !!]

Suggest you look up what holidays they are and judge for yourself.

[Fish at home]

I would recommend you approach international companies, especially ones with head quarters in your own country, who may have substantial IT operations either in Singapore or in neighbouring countries, to see if they have any opportunities over here. In the first instance try contacting them at home, since that will help overcome some of the local resistance to bringing in expats, which the local HR organisation may have.

In particular try your current employer. Also try major organisations like French or other European oil companies, banks, insurance, telecoms etc.

Since you are coming here anyway, I also suggest you contact organisations like the French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore to see if they have any suggestions, before you arrive.