Finding a Job in Singapore as a Foreigner in 2025: Challenges and Strategies
It's perceived that finding a job in Singapore as a foreigner in 2025 is more difficult due to the government's tightening policies on hiring foreigners. Many experienced professionals and PR holders are facing challenges with their job applications. Despite an unstable environment with tech companies cutting costs, it's still possible to land your ideal job with the right approach. This article shares experiences, strategies, and challenges encountered during a recent job search in Singapore.
Singapore's Foreign Workforce Landscape
According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) data from June 2024, Singapore's foreign workforce stands at 1.54 million. This is higher than pre-COVID levels of 1.4 million and significantly above the 1.2 million during the pandemic. Post-COVID, many individuals are seeking opportunities in Singapore, increasing competition in the job market.
While it might seem easier for Malaysian Chinese to find work in Singapore, that is not always the case. Many individuals struggle to find employment and ultimately choose to work in Malaysia, or they take a long time to secure a position in Singapore.
Challenges Faced by Foreign Job Seekers
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Work Permit Constraints: A significant obstacle is securing a work permit. Even if a company is interested in hiring a foreigner, it may lack the necessary quota or be unwilling to invest the time and resources required for permit applications.
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Stricter Application Processes: The application process and requirements for work permits are more complex compared to a few years ago.
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Industry Specifics: Opportunities vary based on the industry. Sectors like finance, technology, and healthcare, which consistently face talent shortages, offer more opportunities. Marketing roles, on the other hand, are highly competitive, especially among locals.
Many job descriptions now explicitly state a preference for locals or PR holders. Some applications include questions about visa sponsorship, indicating the company's potential difficulty in obtaining work permits.
Strategies for Success: Resume, Portfolio, and Timing
To overcome these challenges and land a job offer within a month, focus on three key areas: Resume, Portfolio, and Timing.
Resume Optimization
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Job Platforms: Utilize JobStreet and LinkedIn for job searching.
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LinkedIn Profile: Optimize your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo, detailed work experience, and relevant skills. Include the profile link in your resume.
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Resume Template: Use a clear and concise resume template, focusing on experience and achievements rather than elaborate designs.
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Tailoring: Analyze job postings to identify relevant soft skills, technical skills, keywords, and desired outcomes. Incorporate these into your resume.
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Quantifiable Results: Highlight accomplishments with quantifiable results. For example, "Implemented strategy A with the product and sales departments, resulting in a 30% increase in sales within three months."
Building a Compelling Portfolio
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Canva Portfolio: Create a visually appealing Canva portfolio showcasing key experiences and accomplishments.
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Content: Include writing samples and social media management case studies, emphasizing skills, tools used, project outcomes, and the ability to independently manage accounts and create content.
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Presentation: Use the portfolio during interviews to visually demonstrate past experiences and achievements, leaving a lasting impression.
Strategic Timing
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Avoid Peak Periods: Starting the job search in mid-December helped avoid the surge of job seekers after the New Year and bonus payouts (February to April).
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Early Applications: Apply for jobs as soon as they are posted to ensure your resume is seen early by HR. Focus on jobs posted within the last week, as older postings may already have candidates in the interview process.
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Targeted Applications: Only apply for positions and companies that genuinely interest you.
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Company Research: Research companies on Glassdoor, paying attention to recent negative reviews and overall ratings to avoid wasting time on unsuitable employers.
By applying these strategies, one can significantly increase their chances of securing a job in Singapore as a foreigner, even in a competitive market.
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