Tips To Secure a Job with Ease as a Foreigner in Singapore
Landing your dream job in Singapore can be difficult as a foreigner. However, if you understand the employment requirements and do sufficient research on the job markets and common employment platforms used, you can increase your chances of landing the job you want.
Are you trying to relocate to Singapore through employment? In this guide, we will cover what you need to know about working in Singapore and offer you tips on how you can increase your chances of landing a job you want.
Employment Requirements for Foreigners in Singapore
Before you start looking for a job, it is vital that you understand the employment requirements for foreigners in Singapore to make sure that you are eligible to work in the country. You can start by conducting your own research on Singapore’s visa types and requirements.
The S Pass is the common work visa program for expats relocating to Singapore. The program is designed for mid-level skilled foreign workers to work in Singapore. To be eligible for the S Pass, you will need to earn at least SGD $3,150 (approximately USD $2,346) a month.
If you are working in a high paying role or industry, Singapore’s elite work visa, known as the ONE Pass, is also worth considering.
Knowing the Job Market
Once you have confirmed that you are indeed eligible to work in the country, it is recommended that you look into Singapore’s job market. Look at existing recruitment posts for your industry and role to get a rough idea on what you can expect when job hunting.
For expats who are more flexible in terms of which industry they work in, high demand sectors such as the financial sector, healthcare sector, and the information and technology sector are popular expat jobs in Singapore.
Using the Right Platforms
By using the right platforms such as LinkedIn, Jobscentral, Indeed, and Jobstreet, finding a job in Singapore doesn’t always require you to be physically present in the country. By leveraging the right platforms, you can boost your chances of landing a job.
Alternatively, you can also employ the help of recruitment agencies to help you find suitable jobs for someone of your skills and experience.
Working in Singapore as an Expat
Before you work in Singapore as an expat, there are a few things you need to understand and prepare for. Depending on where you’re used to working in, the work etiquettes, benefits, and public holidays can be very different in Singapore.
Work Etiquette and Culture in Singapore
Singapore’s work culture and etiquette can vary depending on whether you work in a small local firm or a large international organization. It is important to understand that the cultural norms may be very different from what you are used to, this can include things such as dress codes.
Before you start your new role in Singapore, it is crucial that you confirm the proper working attire expected from your employer to avoid any awkward first days.
Employee Benefits and Public Holidays in Singapore
Locals in Singapore can benefit from government programs such as MediSave which foreigners do not have access to, as such, the government requires all employers to provide healthcare to Work Permit and S pass holder employees.
In Singapore, everyone is entitled to 11 public holidays and a minimum of seven days of annual leave after the probation period for full time employees per calendar year.
Employers in Singapore are also required to set up a submission process for their employees to request for flexible work arrangements and four-day work weeks. More unique benefits such as compassionate and marriage leaves are not compulsory, however, the Singapore government also mandates that employers provide 16 weeks of maternity leave.
Conclusion
Singapore has a thriving economy and a strong financial sector which attracts multinational corporations to set up offices in. This creates ample opportunities for expats to work in the country. The political stability, overall public safety, and multicultural environment makes it great for expats.
Whilst it is not mandatory for expats to secure their own health insurance plans, it is highly recommended as expats can not benefit from government subsidy programs such as MediSave. Private healthcare costs can quickly add up to a significant amount, making health insurance a must have for expats.
For expats who want to fully benefit from Singapore’s geological location and travel across Southeast Asia, an international health insurance plan is definitely worth considering as it provides comprehensive health coverage across borders, keeping you insured wherever your adventure takes you.
If you are looking to insure your stay in Singapore, Pacific Prime can help you. With over two decades of experience in the industry, we can help you find the perfect insurance plan from our extensive list of partner insurers for you based on your unique needs and requirements.
Contact us today for a free plan comparison and an obligation-free quote!
Content Creator at Pacific Prime
Vista is a content creator at Pacific Prime. With over 8 years of writing experience for online platforms on various topics such as luxury lifestyle and digital entertainment. He enjoys diving into complex and otherwise confusing topics, and creating easy-to-understand content for the readers to help them navigate through the topic – something that’s perfectly aligned with Pacific Prime’s motto of ‘simplifying insurance’.
Born and raised in the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong, and having studied at an international school, Vista has developed a multicultural perspective that he uses in his writing and strives to connect to people of different backgrounds.
In his free time, Vista enjoys immersing himself in different worlds, from video games to light novels and movies. His hobbies help him expand his writing style by putting himself in the point-of-view of different people and characters.
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