Government Jobs in Singapore: How to Find and Apply

Are you looking for a government job in Singapore? Here we’ll combine the best resources in one place to make it easy for you. We’ll list the different government agencies that hire foreigners, as well as some tips on how to find and apply for these jobs.

In the last 5 years or so, Singapore has been ramping up its efforts to bring in the best talent, in the public and private sector. Don’t let it’s size fool you, there is some serious momentum with this advancing country and the abundance of government jobs in Singapore are where you can really make a difference. Check out our overview of the various government agencies that hire foreigners, some hints on interviewing well, Government schemes to get fast tracked and the best places to explore a wide range of opportunities within the public sector, from frontline services to policy work.

Before You Begin

Before we race ahead and start applying for everything in sight, it’s ssential to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements. Firstly, you must possess a valid work visa. Singapore has strict regulations concerning employment, and it is crucial to adhere to them. You can find more info below about ways to fast track this, and you’ll find government jobs in Singapore which can support you in landing the permit.

Once you know that, fluency in English is a prerequisite for government jobs, as it is the primary language of communication and one of the four official languages in Singapore (English, Mandarin, Tamil and Malay). This is a huge factor in how Singapore is connecting so well with the rest of the world and fast becoming know in the private sector for it’s innovation in tech and finance.

Finally, in many cases you will need to undergo a thorough background check as part of the application process. You’ll get more info on this as you progress through the stages, however bear in mind you’ll need to meet these requirements, for government jobs in Singapore. They want the best and they certainly make it worth your while.

Where do I start?

When it comes to finding government jobs in Singapore, there are several avenues to explore. The two best options are: To find websites of individual government agencies with dedicated job portals or to utilise job search engines such as Workclass, which consolidate job listings from various sources, making it easier for you to find relevant government job openings. We suggest you utilise both.

Here are some valuable resources dedicated to government jobs in Singapore:

• MyCareersFuture (MCF): This government-run website serves as a comprehensive job portal for individuals seeking government positions in Singapore. It lists a multitude of job openings and provides relevant information to aid your application process.
• Workclass: One stop shop, job search engine that aggregates job listings from different sources, including government agencies. It provides an efficient platform to search for government jobs in Singapore and offers additional features to enhance your job-seeking experience.
• Careers@Gov: Another government-run website and an excellent resource for exploring government jobs in Singapore. It offers a user-friendly interface and features a wide range of vacancies across various government agencies.

Sometimes it can get daunting with so many acronyms, especially when there are over 100,000 government positions in Singapore, you’ll have even more opportunities in the government. As a bit of a cheat sheet, in general the positions will mostly be available in these organisations:

• MCI: Ministry of Communication and Information
• MCCY: Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth
• MINDEF: Ministry of Defence
• MOF: Ministry of Finance
• MOM: Ministry of Manpower
• MTI: Ministry of Trade and Industry

How do I get the job?

Our #1 Tip: It may sound simple but crafting an impressive resume and cover letter tailored to the specific position you are applying for is crucial when seeking government jobs. Showcase the most relevant experience that aligns with the job requirements. You can then adapt cover letters specifically, pulling key phrases from the job description and building them into your cover letter, to help you stand out. Customising your application shows attention to detail, a key skill highly regarded for government jobs within Singapore and this will significantly increase chances of securing an interview.

How about the interview?

• Always favour honesty. Avoid exaggerations or overselling your abilities especially with government jobs with Singapore, as they are known to value honesty and appreciate candidates who accurately represent their capabilities.
• Familiarise yourself with the role. Although you might be firing off many job applications, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the role you are interviewing for and the department it falls under. This will help you to provide concise and well-informed answers during the interview, if you can show you already have a basic idea of the department you’re under and how you fit in.
• Think on your feet. While we always advise to prepare for common interview questions [link], it is equally important to remain adaptable and capable of delivering impromptu responses. Interviewers value spontaneous answers that demonstrate your ability to think under pressure and react appropriately. Memorised responses may come across as robotic, while improvised answers (even if they’re a little less polished) showcase your thinking under pressure.
• Show humility and politeness. Maintaining a humble and polite demeanour is essential throughout the entire interview process. Remember to treat everyone you encounter with respect, from the receptionist to the interviewer. Any negative behaviour or rudeness towards staff members, at any level, can be relayed to the interviewer, which could come back to bite.

Are there shortcuts?

There are a couple of fast track schemes to landing a government job in Singapore, you should delve deeper into them and see if they are right for you. Here are some shortcuts to consider:

• Tech.Pass: This is a government-sponsored program that allows tech entrepreneurs and experts from around the world to come to Singapore to work on innovative projects. If you're interested in working in the tech sector, this is a great way to get your foot in the door.
• The Green Plan 2030: This is a national sustainability initiative that is creating new jobs in the green economy. If you're passionate about sustainability, this initiative offers an excellent chance to contribute positively while securing a rewarding career.

I’m ready!

You have the necessary knowledge, you know where to find government jobs in Singapore on Workclass and other resources. You know how to interview well. Remember to tailor your application materials, we have more info on building your CV and cover letter {link} here, so you can get noticed right away.