Hi quick question as I need your input.
Is the business culture in Singapore "North American" or is it "different"?
I am having some interviews set up by a Recruiter with a large (very large) company. The executive position is in Singapore and the HR people who are initiating the first round are in the Singapore office. If I get past them, the CEO will be scheduled for the next phone interview, then a quick face to face over there.
Are there any pitfalls or other cultural differences I should be aware of.
I truly appreciate any input you can give me. I have benefited over the years from this forum and the podcast. I hope that I will be able to contribute in a meaningful way in the near future.
Sincerely,
Christopher
They aren't different. You are.
Hi Christopher!
Here is my belated input. If you've already had the interview please post back and let us know how it went.
I don't know anything about the culture in Singapore. However I'm pretty confident that they don't consider themselves "different." They consider you "different."
You are not the first North American they have interviewed. Read up on Singapore to reduce your ignorance and then be very kind and respectful and you will be fine.
George
everyone is different
Christopher,
you may have already breezed through the HR interview but I hope this still helps for your interview with the CEO.
Singapore was a British colony for quite some time and it has an influence in the manner of communication.The office culture itself is more Asian than British or North American though. People are generally more deferential to the boss, put in long hours and encourage loyalty to the organization.
It may be good to read up on the company and have a sense of the nationality of the CEO. At least 1/4 of the population of Singapore are foreigners so I would not be surprised if the CEO is of European maybe even North American descent.
Although cliche, just be yourself. Being respectful, open-minded and clearly articulating how you can help the company is a universally accepted way of succeeding in interviews.
JP
I was there a while ago
It has been a while, but when I was in Singapore, I was impressed by the infrastructure, the organization, the cleanliness and the safety.
Of course, at this time, it was illegal to sell gum and spitting in the street or jaywalking were fined.
There is a series of books called "Culture Shock " which may cover Singapore and is useful for understanding local customs.
Best of luck.
Mike