Tips from the experts on how to market yourself and enter the workforce - Lion style!
Why Singapore? Many people choose to work in Singapore because of the regional job opportunities, tax incentives and ease of travel. Jacqueline Keddie of Law Alliance (www.law-alliance.com) - a recruitment company specifically for the legal industry - confirms, "The living environment is good and the tax rate attractive. Living in Asia also provides a wonderful opportunity to travel around the region."
Is there part-time work? If you've arrived in Singapore with children and require flexibility, or are considering testing the water by returning to your professional career part-time, don't set your hopes on finding work on a part-time basis. Although some opportunities in selected industries do exist, flexi-hours and part-time roles are not the norm. As Jacqueline advises, "Occasionally we see part-time roles for lawyers - especially if they're non-fee earning roles, such as Knowledge Managers or Professional Support Lawyers. Very rarely do we see a role with a multinational where they'll consider someone working on a part-time basis."
Finding employment Ash Raivadera, Managing Director, ATR Associates (www.atr-associates.com) suggests the best way to find employment is to find and establish a relationship with a good recruiter. "Depending on your skills and industry experience, a decent consultant should be able to tell you about suitable opportunities and give you an objective market overview, the likely obstacles and chances of success." Your recruitment consultant should also be able to tell you which websites, trade press and other resources would be useful to your particular industry. A good place to start is The Straits Times. The recruit section in Saturday's paper will show what's available and who's hiring. But many positions - particularly regional roles - are filled before they hit the press. And this is where a good recruitment consultant and network is invaluable.
Building a network Whether you're new to Singapore or have lived here for some time, building a network through industry and personal connections is key to finding and securing future employment. Ash Raivadera recommends joining a sports club or professional organisation, such as a Chamber of Commerce. Do not be scared to use your network - it is a perfectly acceptable practice in Singapore as you'll often find out about job openings through friends or contacts. Just make sure you print plenty of business cards!
Consider all options Ash Raivadera says, "Many newbies take the opportunity to change careers and try something different. Have the confidence in your abilities and give yourself credit for the skills and experience you've gained from previous roles. "When searching for roles, consider whether your skills are transferable to another profession. Continue searching in your existing industry, but don't rule out new and different career opportunities. You may need to take a pay cut, but given the great tax rates and new experiences on offer you mightn't miss your old salary!
Curriculum Vitae Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) should highlight not only what you've done but also the "extra" skills you've gained from previous roles - those not usually described in your position description. Your CV is very important as it's the document which gets you an interview. Ash Raivadera says, "Make sure your CV is different, well set out and not too long. Three to four pages is ideal. And make sure it contains enough information for a prospective employer." CVs are a small window into your personality and professionalism, so make sure yours look smart and creates the right impression. Avoid over-enthusiastic expressions, wacky statements and profound quotes.
Many people send a CV via email these days, which is acceptable, but Ash Raivadera suggests, "To set you apart from the others - snail-mail can be better. If you do decide to send a hard copy, print it on high quality paper and don't forget to include your contact details."
Follow up Don't be scared of picking up the telephone and talking to hiring managers. You should certainly follow up any applications you've made. And there's no harm in trying to speak to the hiring guy before sending any paperwork - it may help them remember you when your CV arrives.
Retrenchment Being retrenched is never enjoyable and is prevalent at the moment. Despite this, Ash Raivadera says, "Don't let it damage your self-confidence. Even in this market, very good people are being let go and future employers will understand your circumstances. Remember, always be honest with future employers - especially if you're asked about your employment status. Singapore is a small place and everyone is connected in some way!"
Recruitment consultants
EXECUTIVE/TOP-LEVEL
Egon Zehnder International www.egonzehnder.com; Heidrick & Struggles www.heidrick.com; Korn Ferry www.kornferry.com
INDUSTRY
Engineering, Banking, Finance & IT Kelly Services www.kellyservices.com.sg; Robert Walters www.robertwalters.com.sg
Call Centres & Hospitality Kelly Services www.kellyservices.com.sg; Drake www.drakejobs.com.sg
General Management, Sales & Marketing Robert Walters www.robertwalters.com.sg
HR, Secretarial & Support Robert Walters www.robertwalters.com.sg
Legal ATR Associates www.atr-associates.com; Law Alliance www.law-alliance.com
Retail Drake www.drakejobs.com.sg
Scientific Kelly Services www.kellyservices.com.sg
Other contacts
Career Resources Center for Expatriates (CRCE) www.aasingapore.org/crce
Jobs DB www.jobsdb.com.sg
Jobstreet http://sg.jobstreet.com
Chambers of Commerce
American Chamber of Commerce www.amcham.org.sg
Australian Chamber of Commerce www.austcham.org.sg
Belgian & Luxembourg Business Group of Singapore www.blbg.org.sg
British Chamber of Commerce www.britcham.org.sg
French Chamber of Commerce www.fccsingapore.com
Irish Business Association www.irishbusinessassociation.com
New Zealand Chamber of Commerce www.nzchamber.org.sg
Singaporean-German Chamber Industry and Commerce www.sgc.org.sg
Posted on May09
