• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Go to Expat Living Hong Kong
GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Expat Living Singapore HomepageExpat Living Singapore

Moving to Singapore and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Singapore.

Menu
  • Living in Singapore
      • Living here
      • Neighbourhood Guides
      • Schools
      • Property
      • Work And Business
      • Finance
      • For Guys
      • Environment
        • V dayValentine’s Day gifts & date ideas
        • 28 HK drinkNew bars and nightspots to try!
        • La Panache bone inlay consoleGorgeous home décor gift shopping online
        • SentosaA guide to living on Sentosa
      • View all
    Close
  • Things To Do
      • Things to do
      • EL Events
      • Calendar
      • Competitions
      • Noticeboard
        • V dayValentine’s Day gifts & date ideas
        • Father and child bike and scooter where to go scooting in SingaporeWhere to go scooting in Singapore
        • feautureStreet Art in Singapore – spot the difference!
        • Divaagar, Render Tender Singapore Art Museum Singapore Art WeekDivaagar, Render Tender Singapore Art Museum Singapore Art WeekWhat’s on this week and beyond
      • View all
    Close
  • Kids
      • Enrichment
      • Kids Things To Do
      • Mums & Babies
      • Schools
      • Tots & Toddlers
      • Tweens & Teens
        • brain mappingThe benefits of brain mapping for your child
        • frequent urge to pee overactive bladderHow to treat that frequent urge to pee
        • kidsHelping our children deal with stress
        • Mark WenzelMeet the new Superintendent!
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Home Decor
      • Readers’ Homes
      • Furniture
        • La Panache bone inlay consoleGorgeous home décor gift shopping online
        • singapore interior designersNeed a bit of help with your home décor?
        • how to do a home makeover tips6 small changes for a big home makeover
        • Bungalow 55Having a party of eight?
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Asia
      • Australia & New Zealand
      • Rest Of World
      • News
      • Travel Offers
        • Glamping Time + Time NsoloGlamping: The best kind of camping!
        • The Fullerton Hotel kids room tent4 fun family staycays – with deals!
        • Merdeka - Where to stay in ThailandWhere to stay in Thailand, reviews & more
        • Covid-19 travel woman mask airportCOVID-19 travel: What to expect
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Asian Cuisine
      • Western Cuisine
      • Bars & Clubs
      • Groceries & Speciality Services
      • Recipes & Classes
        • Oh my goodnessHow to eat clean in Singapore
        • 28 HK drinkNew bars and nightspots to try!
        • Afterglow by Anglow vegan30+ fantastic vegetarian and vegan restaurants
        • LyresDry January: Alcohol-free drinks to try!
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
      • Beauty Offers
        • Work wear singaporeWhat to wear to the office in 2021
        • jewelleryJewellery gift ideas for all budgets
        • PabloBlau_6AUG2020-02a5 facials for the new year!
        • mens shirts singapore10 of the best places to buy men’s shirts
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Dental
      • Fitness
      • Medical
      • Wellness
        • Oh my goodnessHow to eat clean in Singapore
        • nutritionist in singaporeRoot cause medicine
        • frequent urge to pee overactive bladderHow to treat that frequent urge to pee
        • kidsHelping our children deal with stress
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
    • PRINT MAGAZINE
    • DIGITAL MAGAZINE
    • BOOKS
    • Close
Home » Living in Singapore » Work And Business » 5-Step Action Plan for Finding a Job

5-Step Action Plan for Finding a Job

24th July 2020 by Expat Living 5 Min Read

https://expatliving.sg/finding-a-job-in-singapore-5-step-action-plan/

If you’ve found yourself out of work or worried about job security or employment options, you might want some tips on how to find a job. What will help you access the key people as well as highlight your strengths? Whatever your starting point, here’s a five-step strategy to supercharge your job search and leapfrog the competition in finding a job in Singapore – straight from the playbook of former headhunter DEE KHANDUJA ALLAN. Alternatively, if you want to try something new and start a business, then this article has all the contacts you need.

STEP 1: Research for your job search

Put on your detective hat, you’re going on a research mission! All good job searches start with a solid research phase. The following approach will give you clarity on possible career paths and companies you haven’t heard about. You can then create a “target” list. The idea is to try and network to find non-advertised jobs. This method is an old-hat headhunter staple!

Be proactive on LinkedIn

Often our skills can be transferred to another industry we may not have considered, so use LinkedIn to create a target list of companies and industries. You can use the search and the filter functions to go through all available industries from A-Z.

I recommend targeting two industries to begin with. Next, look at companies within them that excite you. Place the leads into Excel so you can keep track of who you are approaching. You should end up with a list of companies you may never have heard of.

I Spy

Another great research trick is to search for contacts at a particular company who are positioned at a more senior level than your target job. Then, go through that person’s employment history to see where they worked before, and what career path they took. You’ll end up with powerful market intel. And your creative juices may start flowing when you see possible career paths and companies you hadn’t considered before.

STEP 2: LinkedIn profile and CV fixes that will help with finding a job

LinkedIn

Of course, your LinkedIn profile is a key tool during your job search. But did you know it could be more important than your actual resume?

Did you also know that your LinkedIn profile is really a marketing advertisement for you? And marketing ads need to ooze appeal. So, upload that professional image and don’t forget to use the banner space to upload an image or quote that adds to your personal branding. Spend some time working on your profile description, loading it with keywords (so your profile can get past those pesky algorithm bots). You can show your sparkly personality in your profile description too. Don’t be shy, be memorable!

Fill in your work history and skills. No skipping this, please! A complete profile is best – if you leave out information, your profile will easily be missed by recruiters or hiring managers screening you.

The big tip is to carefully consider the keywords that HR or recruiters may use when searching for candidates in your space. Use these keywords within your text, so the search algorithms capture your profile within their search results.

CV crafting

Your CV is a marketing document, and a marketing document has to spotlight your best features. So, remember to keep your CV simple, without fancy typography – ideally two to three pages, with short paragraphs and succinct bullet points.

Again, scatter keywords in the text particularly at the top near the beginning of your resume, to make it algorithm-friendly. The bots love keywords, so feed it to them to increase your chances of being shortlisted.

STEP 3: Finding job opportunities

This headhunter tip has you doing regular job-sweeps across job boards, company websites and LinkedIn. Set up job alerts so you don’t miss fresh opportunities when they’re uploaded.

Did you know many headhunters and employment agencies access jobs that are never advertised? Their trick is to network their way into a company to pick up leads. Scary? Possibly, but this is the key game-changing tactic that recruiters use every single day. If you can’t beat them, join them.

Different types of job searches

Broadly speaking, you can use the reactive job-search method, the proactive job-search method or a hybrid of both. Each has its own pros and cons. However, a proactive method is more likely to land you a role that is aligned to what you want, while a hybrid method may jump you a few rungs above the shortlist.

The reactive method tends to be crowded with job seekers.

Reactive job searching

Reactive job searching is the most common way that job seekers go about searching for a job. You search for online or print adverts, and then email your CV across. Then you wait till you get a response. Then you rinse, repeat, and rinse, repeat until you hopefully land a job. If you want to lose the competition (or leapfrog them), supercharge your reactive job search efforts with a proactive push.

Proactive job searching

A proactive job search involves you directly targeting key decision-makers and hiring managers on LinkedIn or email. This is called the networking approach. If it works for headhunters, it will work for you.

A networking approach is the best way to become “acquainted” with someone. Start by using your personal and online network, to get an introduction into your target company/contact.

Make LinkedIn and Excel (to track your leads and conversations) your new BFFs. Find companies you want to work with, locate the key decision-makers at those companies, and start to connect and engage them into a conversation.

finding a job in singapore

STEP 4: Making contact

The key here is to make connections with the right people, ideally with decision-makers. A word of caution: you shouldn’t message a stranger asking them for a job outright. That’s a no-no.

Start by introducing yourself and cite a shared interest, skill, shared group, PR, or other genuine reason for reaching out to them.

Once they’ve replied and the conversation is warmish, you can ask them for help in directing your enquiry or CV to the right person. Voilà! – you’ve now used the networking approach to be able to name drop when you reach out to the right contact.

Headhunter tip

Headhunters often use LinkedIn to get the name of a contact, and then proceed to make a phone call to that person; or they will send a warm-up message on LinkedIn, and then quickly follow it up with a phone call. It’s worth following this approach if you want to grow your network and access jobs faster.

Tip: Don’t be shy about phoning a decision maker or hiring manager. Have your reason for calling and your CV in front of you. Speak with confidence and state that you’re interested in exploring openings at their company. Then ask for advice on how to progress your application.

STEP 5: Organising yourself

If the above steps are done correctly and you are constantly networking online and offline, you should find your diary filling up with scheduled phone calls, coffee meetings, interviews, Zoom chats and follow-ups.

Stay organised, and follow up your actions with a phone call, thank-you email, or physical card depending on how much time a contact has given you.

This conveyor belt of repetitive actions involving research, mapping contacts, networking, sending messages and following up will result in leads, contacts and job opportunities.

Good luck with your job search!

Read on for more stories on finding the right computer for you, and more on employment and business in Singapore. 

Categories: Living in Singapore Work And Business Tags: finding a job Job Search

Expat Living

Expat Living has everything to help you make the most of living in Singapore! We've got information on neighbourhoods, things to do and see, dining, entertainment, schools, travel, fashion, furniture, finance, health and beauty. And more!

You May Also Like

La Panache bone inlay console

Gorgeous home décor gift shopping online

Woman using phone mobile banking bank for expats

Which bank should I choose in Singapore?

New Year’s Tech Resolutions

Primary Sidebar

Editor's Picks

where to buy furniture in singapore

Where to buy furniture in Singapore – online too!

royal albatross yacht singapore romantic dinner

39 Cool & Fun Things To Do In Singapore

kate marsden facial review iyac med spa aesthetic clinic

Best facials in Singapore: Our reviews!

brunch st regis singapore

Best Brunch Places in Singapore: Champagne Sunday Brunches

hair salon in Singapore before and after

Best Hair Salon In Singapore – Our Favourites

What's On

Singapore International Photography Festival exhibition

Singapore International Photography Festival 2020

Stone Stacks Stefanie Hauger solo exhibition Miaja Art Collections

Stone Stacks

ThisConnect - Threading Worlds

ThisConnect – Threading Worlds

#DrivingTomorrow pop-up exhibition by Porsche Singapore

#DrivingTomorrow pop-up exhibition by Porsche Singapore

Battle between Rama and Ravana Faith Beauty Love Hope Our Stories, Your ACM Asian Civilisations Museum

Faith Beauty Love Hope – Our Stories, Your ACM

Perfect Stranger by Dawn Ng asian civilisations museum exhibition

Perfect Stranger

Expat Living Singapore 🇸🇬

expatlivingsg

Open
If the men in your life don’t like shopping around too much you can save your sanity by sending them the link to our article on the 10 best places to buy shirts 👔 

The link is on our stories
Open
Don’t we all love a home makeover! 

If you are looking for some easy, low-commitment ways to spruce up your home for the new year we have six tips on how to do a home makeover from Caroline Chin Geyler (link on our stories) she’s the founder and principal stylist of award-winning interior styling firm Arete Culture. 

The company is a four-time Gold Winner in our Expat Living Readers’ Choice Awards (2017-2020) in the interior design and home styling category so they certainly know their stuff. 

As well as some fab tips she’s offering a special Chinese New Year makeover offer, too. At last our homes can look as stunning as these do @areteculture
Open
Guys: did you know that your skin is structurally different from that of ladies? For most men, androgen (testosterone) stimulation results in skin that’s thicker and tougher than women’s skin. This also means you might need something more than just your wife’s, mum’s or sister’s moisturiser or face wash! 

Lumin was founded on this concept; this California-based online store offers simple yet effective skincare for men, tailored to different skin types and concerns. So, whether you’re looking for a good face cleanser or a moisturiser for men, this is one brand to check out.

To differentiate Lumin from other men’s skincare brands, founders Richard Hong and Darwish Gani flew to South Korea to work on formulas that benefit the thicker and more stubborn skin constructs of men. Most of the ingredients used are powerful plant-based extracts like ginger root, rosemary, coffee and shea butter. The paraben-free and cruelty-free brand also makes a point of avoiding unnecessary nasties commonly associated with popular off-the-shelf products.

If it’s your first time shopping for men’s skincare, you’ll be glad to know that the Lumin experience is simple and fuss-free. Just fill out a brief questionnaire and you’ll get a personalised skincare regime that’s suited to your skin type and lifestyle. You can choose to go with a one-time purchase or have your products delivered on a subscription basis. Alternatively, shop from the curated range of skincare sets catered to different budgets and preferences.

Read about our readers review on our stories
Open
We are completely in love with the new Bvlgari Parfum Allegra that lets you customise your own scent...how cool is that! 
 
Step 1 - select your base fragrance 
Step 2 - personalise your fragrance with a magnifying essence 

The bottles are so pretty we want them all 💕 
 
The Allegra collection is available online at bulgari.com/en-sg and in-store at the Takashimaya Department Store from 19th January and if you can’t wait they also have a pop up only for today at ION SKY
Open
Say hello to our latest Kids' Guide! Want a free copy delivered to you? Visit 👉 expatliving.sg/KG and place your order before 30 January.
 
🧸 The guide has everything from finding an obstetrician and caring for your newborn, to fun activities and choosing the right schools for your child. There’s also lots of useful advice from other mums and dads.
Open
We love finding cool places to check out at weekends.

The Whiskey Library at the chic Vagabond Club Hotel is a must for Whiskey lovers. 

Be entertained by bespoke adventures such as specially curated (sung and told) Jazz stories, intimate theatre sessions, book readings, artist evenings, musical showcases, and even independent film premieres whilst enjoying delightful small bites. 

With a choice of over 1,000 rare and unique whiskeys you can even book a cool Staycation so you don’t have to travel home! @thevagabondclub
Open
So if you are still managing to cling onto dry January or still pondering whether to do dry February (like some of us here at EL), then you must check out our round up (link on stories) of alcohol free drinks to stock up on...we also spotted some pretty cool cocktail recipes on the links to help you out🍸🍹
Open
We are on the lookout for cute baby pics for our next issue. Have you or a friend just had a baby? Send over a baby pic with the date of birth and parents names to editorial@expatliving.sg and we'll feature them in our next issue (swipe to see an example of our baby noticeboard). Tag some friends in this post to share their news with us. 

All babies will receive a free personalised print from the gorgeous @hellosammyeve worth $150 (see 3rd pic). 

We just can’t wait to see the pics of those cute bubbas👶
Open
We are craving those pineapple tarts from @littlehouseofdreams packaged in a pretty eco-friendly canister with an engraved bamboo lid.

Check out their pretty gifts, hampers and roasts to help you usher in the year of the 🐂 

15% off regular items and 10% off gift sets until 31st Jan
Open
Hunting for new foodie places is a tough job but someone has to do it! 

Check out our stories link for a few new hot spots to try. There are more listed in our January print issue and others springing up next month!

Tag your favourite hot spots in our comments, we are always on the lookout 👀 🍽🍷🍻🍹
Open
We had some wonderful  celebrations today for our amazing Editor in Chief Rebecca. Happy Birthday and lots of love from all of the EL team ❤️ x
Open
We love cocktails in a can, what an easy start to kick off your weekend. Available in Espresso Martini, Margarita, Pineapple Daiquiri & Negroni - yum!  Order @curatif
Open
Time to get moving!

Our fitness experts share top tips helping to stick to those New Years resolutions 🏋️ 🧘‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️ 

Link in our stories
Open
The rain and cold winds getting you down? A warm beverage and maybe a good book to snuggle up to might just chase the blues away!

If hot chocolate is too mainstream for you, could we offer up this red velvet alternative? @littlefarms have a wide selection of oat milks, almond milks and soy milk options. 

Since it's #Veganuary, we recommend using dairy free milks to recreate this recipe....

2 cups non-dairy milk of choice
4 medjool dates (pitted)
1 tablespoon cacao powder
1/2 teaspoon beet powder

Add the milk and dates into a saucepan.
Heat, over medium, until it reaches a simmer. Add the warm milk with the dates and the remaining ingredients into a high speed blender.
Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Serve and enjoy! 

Image and recipe courtesy of @darngoodveggies
Open
Read our January issue on any device for free! To get started, visit 👉 expatliving.sg/digital/IG
In this issue, step inside a heritage shophouse, find out where our readers buy their carpets and dining tables, discover amazing glamping locations, plus find out how you can win a glamorous home decor prize worth over $7K!
Open
🎉 We're so pleased to announce the winners of our Readers' Choice Awards! Congrats to all the companies who were voted among the best in Singapore, and to the voters who won the amazing prizes. See the full results online now at 👉 expatliving.sg/readerschoice

.
#expatlivingsg #sgbusinesses #singaporebusiness #elsgreaderschoice
Open
What better way to choose movers than to get the inside scoop from happy customers themselves.

We hear from some individuals and families about their successful moves. 

Whether you’re relocating across the globe or just moving to the condo next door, you’re probably going to need some professional and reliable help to pack and transport for you so check out some recommendations in our stories
Open
Now, to start the new year off with a bang, @areteculture is excited to give one lucky winner a home décor essentials package to refresh their space!  Read more about this amazing giveaway here 👉🏻 www.expatliving.sg/comp-arete  #expatliving #singaporelife #areteculture #giveaway #expatsingaporelife #beinittowinit #homedecor #goodluck.
Open
Recently engaged? Check out our recent story on how to find a fabulous elegant dress plus wedding tips and details of some upcoming wedding trunk shows.

Congratulations from the EL team 💍🥂🍾
Open
Whilst we are all keen to stay in bed on this drab morning, it’s giving us time to work on our New Year Resolutions for a healthier 2021. 

Take a look on our stories for some fab suggestions to start the New Year.
  • Competitions
  • Noticeboard
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy

© 2021 Expat Living Singapore, All Rights Reserved.