7 things to consider when applying for a job
- Does the job have high demand and future growth?
- What does the company’s digital footprint look like?
- What is the reputation of the company’s senior management?
- How does the job’s salary range compare to market standards?
- Does it have work-life benefits?
- Does the company focus on training?
- Is there travel involved?
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According to the World Bank, Singapore enjoys a solid reputation as the easiest place to conduct business in the world.
This makes the island state a top destination for professionals wanting to jumpstart their career in Singapore.
However, before you start applying for Singaporean jobs, it’s important to research all facets of the job – after all, you don’t want to end up in a dead-end job in a dying industry, with little hope for advancement.
To make the most out of your job search, here are seven questions that you can ask yourself before applying to that job vacancy in Singapore.
1. Does the job have high demand and future growth?
When a job vacancy in Singapore catches your eye, the first think you’ll need to assess is the job’s growth potential – both currently and in the future.
To do so, look at career opportunities in key growth industries.
According the Singapore Business Review, some of these industries include information technology and financial technology (fintech).
Beyond looking at industries, consider job vacancies that will allow you to develop your strength in the future for strategic, in-demand skills such as business analytics and cyber-security.
Related: 6 tips for a mid-life career switch in Singapore
2. What does the company’s digital footprint look like?
A company’s digital footprint lets you know their industry reputation and what a career with them would look like.
With research by digital agency We Are Social highlighting an 82% (and growing) digital penetration rate, information about Singaporean firms is easily available online – making it easy for you to research the company that’s offering a job vacancy in Singapore.
Look for online content produced by and about the company, as well as social media mentions from their clients and customers through Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Twitter and even Facebook.
Remember though to exercise caution when reviewing online reputations – sometimes they aren’t often the most truthful in a public domain.
3. What is the reputation of the company’s senior management?
Managers with good leadership skills will not only help you grow your career by leaps and bounds, but will also raise the profile of the company.
So before applying for that job, research some newspaper articles, online blogs or LinkedIn profiles of your potential future bosses.
Taking the time to find out about their experience, leadership styles and industry credibility is important before making any career moves towards certain companies.
Related: Career planning in Singapore
4. How does the job’s salary range compare to Singapore market standards?
According to AsiaOne Business, salaries in Singapore have been known to be competitive, especially in the Asia Pacific region.
When evaluating a job vacancy in Singapore, do your homework on what professionals are being offered in the market for your position.
If you’re in the accounting, banking, finance or IT industry, Robert Half’s Salary Guide provides comprehensive information on salaries in Singapore.
5. Does it have work-life benefits?
Professionals in Singapore often cite long working hours as an issue – but the tide is slowly changing. Work-life balance is now highly encouraged by the government, and firms are offering more flexibility to its professionals.
Having said that, before you apply for a job vacancy in Singapore, read the job description carefully to find out if the company offers work-life benefits such as flexible hours, telecommuting options, and family-friendly policies.
6. Does the company focus on training?
As a professional in Singapore, investing in skills training helps you in your career development and also helps you stand out in Singapore’s competitive job market.
So when applying for a job in Singapore, find out if the company allocates both time and budget to train their staff well.
Ideally, your training should be both formal (courses and workshops) as well as informal (mentoring, career development plans).
Related: How to advance your career in Singapore
7. Is there travel involved?
Commuters in Singapore enjoy a fast, well-connected public transport system that allows them to travel within the country with much ease.
However, as a number of jobs in Singapore are regionally demanding, work travel can go beyond the country’s borders.*
If you’re applying for a job vacancy in Singapore that involves regional travel, find out how often you’re expected to be on the road, as well as what kind of travel expenses are covered - so that expectations are clear before you consider applying for the job.
Take the time evaluate a job vacancy in Singapore
Sometimes, a little patience can go a long way.
Taking the time to identify and evaluate the right job opportunity in Singapore will help build the right foundations for your career growth.
While there are many other factors that contribute to you successfully integrating into a new role, considering these seven aspects will help discover what career path is best for you.
Related: How to work with recruiters (to land your dream job)
