banany

All,

I am currently seeking opportunities in Singapore to continue my career in IT (Specifically Business/Demand/Systems Analysis).

I am 25, with a total of 4 years' experience working in various industries - FMCG, Enterprise Services, Pharmaceuticals, Public Sector/Government. Upon graduating in 2012, I undertook a 2 year Graduate Scheme where I rotated around various IT roles.

I have read through many threads on this forum and understand that it is very competitive in Singapore. I am visiting Singapore at the beginning of June and hope to visit some Recruitment Offices.

I would like to know if anyone can shed some light on how I can begin my job search? I have a few questions:

1. Am I more likely to get noticed if I visit recruitment offices in Singapore rather than applying on-line/emails?
   
2. Does anyone have any contacts in Singapore who may be able to offer some advice? or recommend some good agencies? So far, I have Michael Page, Reed and Ranstad listed.
   
3. What is the average salary for someone in my position? Research tells me circa 50-60k SGD per annum.

My main focus is understanding the market out there. Things like accommodation/living I already have a general idea of.

Welcome any advice!

Thanks.

ex reg

Hate to disappoint but if you have read some threads here then how come you aren't aware that S$50k to S$60k pa will be hardly enough to live on.
Unless somehow you get accommodation thrown in for free.

banany

Hi Ex Reg,

Yes I may have accommodation sorted already over there. Which is why my focus is getting to know the market and experience of expats out there.

50-60K SGD is purely indicative. Some places are under 50k and some over 60k but mainly within those figures - also I guess it really depends on experience. That said, I haven't really had any one2one chats with any agents out there yet. I've started the emails and waiting for responses now.

Regards

johnarsu

Did you have any luck with this, I'm planning to move in 2016 also in IT so was looking for a few pointers, websites etc,

banany

Hi johnarsu,

I went over in May to meet with some Recruiters and have exchanged emails with a number of people working in HR. The consensus is that it can be difficult to land interviews or have companies express an interest if you are applying from the UK. I guess it is totally understandable as it questions One's commitment and they don't want to be time-wasted.

So it's really if your current employer in the UK cannot find an opportunity over there for you, it may be a better option to take the leap and spend some time over there to apply for some positions.

End of year / Q4 is a better time to apply as I've been informed by a number of people. I'm due to have a conversation with my employer soon to discuss opportunities but I am still planning to make the move in Setpember this year.

What do you specialise in if you don't mind me asking? And have you initiated discussions wth agencies yet?

johnarsu

Hi Banany
My current employer does not operate in Singapore at present, so I will need to try and find something there myself.
I have worked in the Middle East for over 2 years so I do have overseas exposure which will hopefully help with getting interview. Hopefully this will prove my comitment.
I specialise in Service Delivery/ Team Lead for Helpdesk and Desktop/Application support teams, with Project Management thrown in also.
I have not initiated any discussions yet as looking to finish the year here in Qatar.
Do you have any contacts at any of the agencies?

Mlee888

It's much easier for firms to employ those that are already here in SG. With the market so competitive out here now, many companies are beginning to base their decisions on who to hire relating to costs of transferring ones plus family to here such as Flights accommodation, expenses etc.

I am not saying this is the correct way to go but I have heard many moving here first on social visa pass as UK citizens get 3 months stay and then trying to apply for jobs. Although this is what I have heard, I'm sure many of these use SG as a base to travel around Asia at the same time too.

ex reg

This I would not advise.

Singapore is very very expensive and you could waste a lot of dosh doing this.

Use the internet to research and get a good idea of your chances first, but even then without an offer it's a mighty gamble.

Mlee888

Of course! That's why I said what I said. It's not the right way to go but people are known to do it.

Getting a job from UK is the right way to do this when a job transfer is not involved. However it does mean you should be prepared for calls to be taken from 2-3am in the morning UK time when recruiters start work.

I myself had interviews in the early hours of the morning via telephone. It was definitely worth it in the end and took maybe 3-4 months before I got any success.

johnarsu

What agencies did you use?

Mlee888

I didn't rely on agencies alone. Saw adverts online and mostly were applying direct to companies.

johnarsu

I'm still looking for Singapore IT jobs in Service Delivery. Does any one have any tips or contact details of recruiters they could pass on please.