SINGAPORE: A new graduate took to Reddit for some wisdom and good advice, asking others, “How important is your starting salary in Singapore?”
In a post on r/askSingapore earlier this week, u/markerb0y wrote that they had received a job offer, which is surely welcome for any fresh graduate. However, the salary that the firm offered isn’t as high as the post author had expected.
While they intend to take the job due to the other non-monetary factors in the role, they wrote that they have concerns about the future growth of their salary.
“Is it common for employers to ask for previous salary and give an increment based on that? Am afraid of the start low and take longer to climb scenario. Would appreciate advice from you guys on this situation,” the post author wrote.
Many local Reddit users obliged them with an answer, however, the issue is not as cut and dried as one would think.
For example, the top comment was one that began with “yes and no.”
“Yes, that on many occasions, HR’s main role is to acquire the best possible labour or the most suitable candidate at the lowest possible compensation package according to the requirements; in such instances, they will peg it to your last drawn. However, if they are good and understand how valuable you are, they will strongly advocate for you and give you a generous pay increase to lure you over.
No, in the sense that salary is a negotiation process. This is where you need to self-advocate, know your worth, and say the right things. There are multiple online tools, such as Glassdoor, McKinsey, and forums, to get a sense of your salary range based on your role, industry, and years of experience, so you can avoid being low-balled,” they wrote.
Importantly, the commenter added that for a fresh graduate, getting one’s foot in the door is the most important first step, and for those who are entering a highly competitive industry, there is no point in worrying about a starting salary.
“Use the knowledge and skillsets you gain in your first or first few jobs to then level up your salary in your next career progression,” they added.
Others wrote that a starting salary is quite important, but added that due to fresh graduates’ low place on the totem pole, they don’t have a lot of bargaining power yet.
“A lot of people are struggling to find jobs. Fresh grads and people with experience. So beggars shouldn’t be choosers. If you have a couple of offers, then yes, choose the best, but your first job is where you should prove yourself before justifying a higher pay,” commented one.
“I’ve seen people who started drawing $6k as a fresh grad, eight years later, barely hitting $10k. Likewise, people who start at $4k but hit $10k within five years. Yes, it matters at the beginning, but the future is all based on skill and luck,” advised another. /TISG