SINGAPORE: A Fresh Graduate's Experience

A recent university graduate has taken to social media, sharing his shocking experience with a recruiter who deemed his salary expectations to be excessively high. The fresh grad, who posted on the r/askSingapore forum, recounted how he was asked about his expected salary during a recruitment call for a potential job. His mention of a salary expectation of S$3,000 or more was met with surprise, as the recruiter responded that it was “a bit steep” for someone new to the job market.

Curious about the company's offer, the fresh graduate learned that the recruiter was only willing to propose a salary range of S$2,300 to S$2,400. The young professional expressed his disbelief, stating that this figure was more appropriate for diploma holders, to which the recruiter insisted that due to his lack of relevant experience, he would need to start at a lower pay scale to build his skills.

This encounter sparked a wave of frustration and confusion for the fresh grad, prompting him to ask the community, “Is the job market this bad that recruiters are telling fresh university grads to accept a low S$2K job? I’m just baffled by this encounter.”

Community Reactions

In response, many Singaporean Reddit users were equally taken aback by the recruiter's offer. Discussions revealed speculations that the recruiter might have been manipulating the situation, taking advantage of the graduate’s inexperience to secure a lower salary for the company.

Several commenters highlighted that a salary of S$3,000 is typically considered standard for entry-level positions, especially in fields that require a degree, with some even advocating that fresh graduates should stand their ground and not settle for lowball offers.

Insight from HR Professionals

An insider from the HR sector shared a perspective on the recruiter’s motives, stating, “This recruiter is likely only focused on his commission or performance metrics and has no regard for your career growth. It’s crucial to recognize that this job might not be worth the low pay. Don’t fall for such tactics!”

The concern over accepting lower salaries resonated with other users as well, who provided insight into the long-term ramifications of starting at such a low pay scale. One user noted, “This isn’t just about being picky; think about your financial future. If you start below what your peers earn, you may find it difficult to catch up as they advance in their careers.”

Personal Experiences

Additionally, a different perspective was shared by a recent engineering graduate who warned against undervaluing oneself, reminiscing about his own experience where he initially accepted a salary of S$3,000 but knew he could have negotiated for more.

Shifting Salary Expectations in the Job Market

In related news, ongoing discussions surrounding salary expectations have emerged, with an HR professional recently expressing her astonishment on the NUSWhispers Facebook page at the increasingly high salary demands from fresh graduates and those with limited experience, who are now seeking offers between S$4,800 and S$5,500.

The job market in Singapore seems to be undergoing a noteworthy shift, raising essential questions about the expectations of new graduates and the potential implications for their career trajectories. As salaries and expectations evolve, it may be crucial for fresh graduates to advocate for their worth and seek salaries reflective of their qualifications and the current market rate.