What is a coworking space?

A coworking space is a shared workspace where individuals from different organizations and professions work together in a communal setting. Coworking spaces are designed to provide a collaborative and flexible work environment that allows people to work independently or as part of a community.

Hot-desking is a workspace arrangement in which workstations are occupied on an as-need basis by various people at various times. Usually, the goal is to reduce redundant office space in order to maximise space efficiency and lower real estate costs. Hot desks can be used in both coworking areas and private offices. Hot-desking is frequently associated with an increase in employee productivity and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

How to land a job in Singapore as an expat: A step-by-step guide

Post on March 7, 2025

Thinking about launching your career in Singapore? With its booming economy, global business hub status, and vibrant expat community, Singapore is a top destination for professionals looking to take the next step in their careers. But as an expat, breaking into the job market requires more than just a great resume – you’ll need to navigate work visas, understand hiring practices, and tap into the right networks.

Whether you’re relocating for the first time or already in Singapore searching for your next opportunity, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to land a job and start your expat journey in Singapore.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to making a smooth career transition in Singapore.

1. Understand Singapore’s work visa rules

If you’re already working in Singapore and changing jobs, your new employer will need to apply for a new work pass on your behalf. You cannot transfer your existing work visa; each job change requires a fresh work pass application under the new employer.

For first-time job seekers or expats moving to Singapore, here are the main work passes issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM):

Employment Pass (EP): For professionals, managers, and executives earning at least S$5,000 per month (or S$5,500 per month for finance roles) with passes expiring within the year. Starting 1 January 2025 onwards, the minimum qualifying salary for new EP applicants will increase to S$5,600 per month for all sectors and S$6,200 per month for the financial services sector. These salary thresholds will continue to rise progressively with age, with higher requirements for more senior candidates.
S Pass: For mid-skilled workers earning at least S$3,000 per month, assessed on education, skills, and job type.
Work Permit: For semi-skilled workers in industries like construction, manufacturing, and services.

If you’re already on an EP or S Pass, it’s worth checking your pass validity and renewal eligibility before making a switch. Employers usually handle the visa application, but it’s good to stay informed about requirements on the Ministry of Manpower website.

2. Research the job market, or your next career move

If you’re looking for a fresh start, researching the Singapore job market and in-demand skills is key to making a strategic career move. The city-state has several high-growth sectors, bolstered by substantial government investments, offering promising opportunities for professionals seeking new directions.

Some of the fastest-growing sectors include: technology (AI, cybersecurity, fintech, data analytics), finance and banking (wealth management, compliance, risk analysis), healthcare and biotech (pharmaceuticals, medical tech, nursing, research) and sustainability and the green economy (renewable energy, ESG consulting, urban planning).

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Singapore’s AI market is on a robust growth trajectory, with projections indicating it will reach approximately US$4 billion by 2030. Notably, companies like OpenAI are establishing regional hubs in Singapore, further enhancing the country’s AI ecosystem.
Fintech: The fintech sector in Singapore continues to thrive, with investments reaching US$1.3 billion in 2024. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has been instrumental in fostering this environment, launching initiatives to support fintech startups.
Sustainability and the green economy: Singapore is positioning itself as a central hub for the carbon credit market, despite global challenges in the sector. Investments, such as the S$643 million green loan secured by Singtel for developing a new data centre, highlight its dedication to sustainable infrastructure.

For career changers, consider transferrable skills that can help you break into a new industry. If you're coming from engineering or project management, the sustainability sector offers growing roles in green infrastructure, ESG consulting, and renewable energy projects. If you’re in finance, pivoting into fintech, compliance, or blockchain technology may open new doors.

Also read: A practical 10-step guide to starting a business in Singapore

3. Tap into your local network (it’s your biggest advantage!

For expats already in Singapore, your biggest advantage is your existing network. Many jobs aren’t advertised publicly, so tapping into local connections can open doors faster.

Reach out to former colleagues and mentors – they might know of internal opportunities or can introduce you to hiring managers.
Attend industry meetups, workshops, and career fairs to expand your professional circle. Government institutions like the Workforce Singapore (WSG) and Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) regularly host career fairs, networking sessions and seminars to connect job seekers with potential employers. While these career fairs are primarily designed to support citizens and permanent residents, this focus doesn’t necessarily exclude expats or foreigners from attending. Meetup groups like Meetup.com also host various professional networking groups in Singapore, such as the Singapore Business Network and Singapore Business Startups.
Leverage professional associations like the Singapore FinTech Association, Singapore Computer Society, or AmCham Singapore for networking events.
Stay active on LinkedIn—comment on industry trends, share insights, and connect with recruiters in your target field.

If you’re moving into a new industry, networking is even more crucial. Seek out professionals already in your desired field, ask for advice, and find ways to position your experience to match industry needs.

4. Use the right job portals (and work with recruiters)

When job hunting, make sure you’re using the right platforms. Some of the most effective job portals in Singapore include:

JobStreet Singapore & JobsDB – Great for mid-to-senior roles.
Indeed Singapore – Aggregates job listings from multiple sources.
LinkedIn Jobs – Ideal for networking, discovering unlisted opportunities, and connecting with recruiters.

Recruitment agencies can also streamline your job search. If you’re pivoting industries, these agencies can help position your experience effectively. Some top firms include Robert Walters, Michael Page and Hays Singapore.

5. Tailor your resume for Singapore’s job market

Employers in Singapore value efficiency and clear communication, so your resume should be concise, achievement-driven, and aligned with local hiring expectations.

Focus on measurable impact – highlight key projects, revenue growth, or efficiency improvements.
Use relevant industry keywords to pass ATS (Applicant Tracking System) filters.
Keep it clear and structured – Singapore recruiters prefer resumes that are two pages max.

If you’re making a career change, emphasise transferrable skills and adaptability in your cover letter and resume. Keeping your LinkedIn information aligned with your latest CV details is also key.

6. Upskill to make yourself more competitive

If you’re shifting industries or looking to stay ahead in your field, upskilling is key to standing out in Singapore’s job market. While many government-subsidised training programs are exclusive to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, expats and work pass holders still have plenty of options to upgrade their skills.

Many employers offer sponsored training programs, so it’s worth checking if your company supports professional development. Additionally, private institutions in Singapore provide specialised courses in data analytics, AI, digital marketing, leadership, and FinTech – all key areas in high demand.

Private institutions like General Assembly offer bootcamps in coding, UX design, and digital marketing, while NUS School of Computing’s Emeritus Online Courses provide executive programs in data analytics and AI. For those looking to sharpen their business and tech expertise, SMU Academy offers professional courses in areas such as artificial intelligence in marketing and digital transformation.
Flexible, self-paced curriculum: If you prefer a flexible, self-paced approach, platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer internationally recognised certifications that can boost your resume.
Industry-specific certifications, such as those from Google, AWS, and CFA Institute, can also enhance your expertise and credibility.

Even without government subsidies, continuous learning keeps you competitive and opens doors to new career opportunities, whether you’re looking to switch industries or advance within your current field.

7. Find a productive space and routine for your job search

Job hunting can feel like a full-time job in itself, and staying consistent is key. Setting a daily routine – whether it’s dedicating mornings to applications and afternoons to networking – can keep you on track and prevent burnout. Having a structured environment also makes a big difference. Instead of working from your couch (or endlessly hopping between cafés), find a space where you can stay focused, prep for interviews, and work through your job search without distractions.

If you’re looking for a professional setting, coworking spaces can be a great option. With workbuddy, you can access over 50 coworking spaces across Singapore, giving you the flexibility to work from inspiring, well-equipped locations, whether you need a quiet spot for virtual interviews or a creative hub to plan your next move. Having a dedicated workspace can help you stay motivated and make your job search feel more structured and productive.

Also read: Choosing the right coworking space in Singapore

8. Stay persistent and keep an open mind

Changing jobs or industries as an expat can take time, but with the right approach, you’ll find the right fit. Keep refining your applications, stay active in your industry, and make the most of networking opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a fresh challenge or switching fields entirely, the right strategy and persistence will get you where you want to be.

Supercharge your job search with workbuddy

Looking for the perfect space to job hunt, take interviews, or connect with other professionals? workbuddy gives you the flexibility to work from over 50 coworking spaces across Singapore, so you can stay productive while landing your next big opportunity.

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All information in this article is accurate as of 4 March 2025. Employment regulations, work pass requirements, and industry trends may change over time. For the latest updates on work visas, salary requirements, and other employment policies, please refer to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website.