Is it better to be in Singapore when looking for work?

[jalanperak]

My husband and I are keen to move to Singapore. We currently live in Germany.

We have quite a lot of holidays coming up and so staying in Singapore is not an issue (apart from the expense of staying in a hotel). Would it be easier to find work if we are staying in Singapore or is it just a question of posting the CV online and waiting for responses - in which case we may as well just stay here.

A couple of thoughts.

High level jobs are usually found via networking. I don't know of any MD/GM/VP/Director type jobs that are filled just by posting a CV to a company's website. Even most management and senior technical staff positions are filled via either search firms or networking. If you have the connections to get a job like this here, it doesn't matter where you are.

For lower level positions, being present for interview opportunities is helpful. Unfortunately, these are likely to be S Pass, Q1 EP, or possibly P2 EP type positions.

An exception to this might be teachers. When someone like SAS has to hire 15~20 teachers for a new school year, they might do video interviews as a way of narrowing down the field. Even then, if  you're here it would send a better message that you're serious about coming to Singapore to work.

What did you do? assuming you were not transferred out there by your company...........

We are also not sure if it is worth applying for a PEP before job hunting.

You cannot directly apply for a PEP (well, you can, but you won't get it). You need to have an EP before you can get a PEP.

Or just applying for jobs in the hope that the employer will sponsor..

Your employer must apply for the EP on your behalf. You can't get one on your own.

[germans are jerks]

Hi I am married to a German and although he is jerk from time to time, I find the Germans to be jerks most of the time.  I know this because the staff at my children's school are mean everytime i ask a question.   The non German staff are patient and kind even if your question could be deemed innane.  The Germans are this way in their country and they are this way here.  I don't think they are nice at all unless they are friends of yours.

[yes..but]

Hi I am married to a German and although he is jerk from time to time, I find the Germans to be jerks most of the time.  I know this because the staff at my children's school are mean everytime i ask a question.   The non German staff are patient and kind even if your question could be deemed innane.  The Germans are this way in their country and they are this way here.  I don't think they are nice at all unless they are friends of yours.

Have you came across Brit customer disservice before? I was once told that I wont be served to buy my bus ticket in England because she thought I was being rude. Oh yea, thats just one of MANY poor customer services I had. Thanks UK..NOT!

[Kkaa]

Hi

I am a hotel management graduate and have a 3 years work experieance as a customer service executive i am willing to work in singapore so what are my chances of getting a spass or a work permit

[jalanperak]

Hi

I am a hotel management graduate and have a 3 years work experieance as a customer service executive i am willing to work in singapore so what are my chances of getting a spass or a work permit

About the same as getting hired by a hotel here.

[well done]

Hi I am married to a German and although he is jerk from time to time, I find the Germans to be jerks most of the time.  I know this because the staff at my children's school are mean everytime i ask a question.   The non German staff are patient and kind even if your question could be deemed innane.  The Germans are this way in their country and they are this way here.  I don't think they are nice at all unless they are friends of yours.

Have you came across Brit customer disservice before? I was once told that I wont be served to buy my bus ticket in England because she thought I was being rude. Oh yea, thats just one of MANY poor customer services I had. Thanks UK..NOT!

to the ticket clerk.  rude people like you should learn some manners!

[sunday brunch lover]

Yes, it is better to be in Singapore to look for work, especially if you have vacation left. Also, this gives you a great opportunity to look around different areas, go to networking events and get a general feeling whether you actually like the place (I love Sg but found the heat hard to cope with at first).

I would also highly recommend to do a lot of research (ie what kind of jobs are out there, what kind of labour laws exist in SG as well...) - the government website is extremly helpful as well (you just google MOM singapore) - I do not want to be negative but in a highly competitive market like SG everyone who is prepared and who also knows the value they can add to Singapore will be more successful than those expecting things to be like at home (and yes, I had to learn this myself a few years back as well).

And, as funny it may sound, check out some german eateries here (ie Paulanerbrauhaus) and just chat with people there what their experiences are...and last but not least  ignore those
who post insulting comments on on your nationality,country etc -  they are very sad people.

All the Best & Good luck