how to get a job in Singapore?

How to get a job in Singapore?

Want to get a job in Singapore as a fresh graduate? I did it—with no prior work experience—and in this blog, I’ll share exactly how. As an NTU Singapore alumna, I studied and worked there for almost three years. I’ll walk you through my profile, the job-hunting process in Singapore, key application channels, my preparation strategy, and the companies that offered me a job. Let’s dive in!

 

My Qualifications When Applying for Jobs in Singapore

To be honest, my undergraduate profile wasn’t extraordinary. I graduated from R.V. College of Engineering (RVCE), which, while well-known in India, is not widely recognized in Singapore. Employers there are more familiar with IITs, NITs, and sometimes BITS Pilani.

RV College of Engineering

However, I had a strong CGPA of 9.76/10 and was the gold medalist in my batch, which helped my resume stand out. In Singapore, as in India, academic performance holds significant value.

If you would like to know, how I got a gold medal in engineering, check out the video below:

I had no formal work experience but had completed two research internships—one at IIT Kharagpur and another at ICT Mumbai—which were instrumental in securing my admission to NTU.

ICT Mumbai - Admission, Cutoff, Fees & Placements 2025 | College Pravesh
ICT Mumbai

I also had two conference presentations showcasing my research and had held a few leadership positions in college societies.

After joining NTU Singapore for my Master’s in Engineering, my profile improved significantly.

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore | World University Rankings | THE
NTU Singapore

I had a perfect CGPA of 5/5, conducted research under an NTU professor, and gained unique experiences, such as working as a Communication Coach for NTU students and serving as the Secretary of the Graduate Student Club.

Neha Agrawal on LinkedIn: Singapore has been a game-changer for my career. When I left for… | 52 comments
Neha Agrawal at NTU Singapore

One important tip: When applying for jobs in a foreign country, having work experience in that country can be a game-changer. Internships are a great way to build that experience and increase your chances of securing a full-time job.

 

The Job Hunting Process in Singapore

Unlike India, where campus placements bring companies directly to students, Singapore follows an open job market system. Universities help students by organizing career fairs, but students must actively network and apply on their own.

At NTU, we had two career fairs, where companies set up booths with representatives from HR, technical teams, and sometimes alumni. Students would visit these booths, submit resumes, and discuss job opportunities. Some companies scheduled interviews on the spot, while others directed candidates to apply through their company portals.

However, career fairs alone weren’t enough. Since I was graduating in December, most companies had already recruited in June-July, making it even more challenging.

So, I took a multi-channel approach:

Company Portals: Researched and applied to relevant companies one by one.

NTU’s Internal Job Portal: Checked regularly for full-time and internship openings.

Job Platforms: Applied through LinkedIn, JobStreet, Randstad, JobCentral, and Glassdoor.

Networking: Connected with friends and alumni to get insights into hiring trends and company preferences.

Being flexible about job roles and industries also made a difference. As a fresh graduate, I was open to learning from any opportunity, which helped me stay persistent.

To know from me directly, check out my video:

 

The Reality Check: How Tough Is It to Get a Job in Singapore?

Securing a job in any foreign country is challenging, and it’s even harder as a fresh graduate with no prior work experience.

In 3-4 months, I applied to over 200 positions and got only 4 interview calls. The first two months were filled with rejections, and I started to doubt if I’d ever get an interview.

However, I converted my top two interviews into job offers and declined the remaining two. My offers were from:

1. Micron Technology – a leading semiconductor company in Singapore.

2. ExxonMobil – one of the world’s largest energy companies (which I ultimately joined, as the role aligned better with my degree).

Work Culture in Singapore & Journey to ExxonMobil! Ft. Neha Agrawal
Neha Agrawal at Exxon Mobil, Singapore

 

How I Prepared for My Job Interviews

1. Resume Optimization:

I attended NTU career workshops on resume building, followed their guidelines, and got my resume reviewed by experts. This helped me highlight my skills effectively and stand out despite being a fresh graduate.

If you need help with this, check out my video below:

2. Interview Preparation:

Once I got interview calls, I joined sessions on interview techniques, learned about commonly asked questions, and practiced structuring my answers.

  • I researched each company’s work culture and projects.
  • I practiced concise, well-structured answers.
  • I attended a mock interview with NTU’s career office to gain confidence and receive feedback.
  • These steps made a huge difference. I cleared all rounds and felt genuinely confident after each interview.

 

Key Takeaways for Fresh Graduates Looking for Jobs in Singapore

  • Strong academics can help—especially in Asian countries like Singapore.
  • Internships in Singapore boost your chances—try to gain local experience before applying for full-time roles.
  • Career fairs help, but don’t rely solely on them. Explore job portals and company websites.
  • Networking is crucial. Stay connected with alumni and professionals.
  • Resume & interview preparation matter. Small steps like resume reviews and mock interviews can be game-changers.

 

From my experience as a Communication Coach, I now conduct workshops on resume building, GDs, and interview preparation. If you want a head start in your career preparation, you can check out the details here: Resume Buiding Course and Accomplish Effective Communication

If you need consulation about jobs or career in Singapore, you can connect with me directly by enrolling for our: Singapore Consultation

Wishing you all the best for your job search in Singapore! 🚀

 

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