Singapore Expats

My wife is well qualified and has experience working in the banking industry but these days it is virtually impossible to find a job in the sector.
Hence considering finding any part-time work to stay occupied. I was just wondering what realistic options does a DP holder have when it comes to finding part-time work. Most of the opening I have seen require at least a PR.

She needs to be aware of and to also make the potential employer aware of the ability of the Dependent Pass holder to be able to work without any other pass or the employer having to pay any levies. DP holders only need the prospective employer to request a "letter of consent" from MOM. This is almost a given and only takes a couple of days. The only problem with the Letter of Consent is that it is tied to your EP. So the LoC expires when your EP expires. As long as it's renewed so is her LoC as well.

Most employers AND their HR departments don't have a clue about LoC's so you spouse needs to educate them. Possibly using the introductory letter as a opening when submitting her CV. That way, possibly, they may actually look at the CV instead of just seeing a face and a foreigner and tossing it in the circular file or Recycle Bin depending on whether it's a hard copy or soft copy.

SMS

Hi SMS,

I hear what you are saying.

I was aware of the LOC but the main challenge is to educate the employer. Your suggestion to use the introductory letter is useful, we'll give it a try.

Just one more question, is there any other channel for finding a job other than applying through papers and online job sites, like directly talking to recruitment companies? Do you know of any that would entertain a DP holder?

Thanks!

You haven't indicated where you are coming from but depending on where you are from you can try things like ANZA, The American Club, The British Club, etc., etc., as they usually have bulletin boards and often have positions available job boards for trailing spouses. The American Association has a job board but I think you have to be a member to access it. So if your country of origin has a social presence here like the above this would be a good place to start.

xtasy010 wrote:Hi SMS,

I hear what you are saying.

I was aware of the LOC but the main challenge is to educate the employer. Your suggestion to use the introductory letter is useful, we'll give it a try.

Just one more question, is there any other channel for finding a job other than applying through papers and online job sites, like directly talking to recruitment companies? Do you know of any that would entertain a DP holder?

Thanks!

Narrow your field and target the employer you want, send them your CV and a clear understanding of the LOC....even offer to work free for a week, to secure a position and prove your ethical behaviour and, personality motivation goes a long way, to swing a position in the right direction, bring value to the company, rather than a headache. Jobs are not easy to get, but if you are bringing the right kind of charisma and motivation, it's a big plus in the work place.

All it takes is the confidence to do it, some may think it is loosing face, others will see it as a real attempt to prove yourself, as a team player with the initiative they have been looking for in their employees. Good Luck

One other thing is, to think of the job and not the money, if it's a job you want to do. I have done it myself, so i do know what i am talking about, some times it pays, to gain valuable experience in a position, that you would not normally get a chance to do.

I offered myself free for months, to understand how a computer components company operates, the value i gained, in experience of working every department and building the company into a 30 man business, was absolutely rewarding enough.

I stayed on as a consultant in the end for a couple of years, picking the brains of everyone in every position and travelling extensively on purchasing trips, I was always involved in the process and growth of the business and my time sacrificed was an education in itself.

Survival out there is what matters and the motivation to learn, if it's money, i was looking for, i would be washing up in the hawker centre if need be.

I know it's one end of the stick to the other, but it really is determination to get what you want and not to put financial value in the way, if finance is not really needed.

Think that many start up companies, could never even afford to think of employing someone with your skills, yet you may contribute a great deal of value, it makes getting a job easier and the goodwill involved goes a very long way, in friendships.

try to volunteer your service with your local hospital, library or community centre then after a month or so, you can approach the person in charge to see if there is any part time work available.

thats what i did when i was in singapore.

good luck!!

Hi,

Just read the entire thread but am still a bit confused.

In our case, my wife holds a P1 pass while I have a Dependant's Pass.

I simply want to freelance as a writer for advertising agencies and film production houses.

My queries:

1. Can I freelance without an Employment Pass?
2. If no, will a LoC from the MOM sufffice?

I am afraid that there might be some sort of gender bias with a man getting a LoC on the basis of his wife's EP. I am saying so because I found out that while a woman is allowed to apply for a PR on the basis of her husband's PR status, it's not allowed if the roles are reversed.

Please help.

Cheers!

That was really helpful. Thanks a ton!