yk2366 wrote:I just got a job offer as an research analyst, and it's a local package at an American Multi-national real estate firm.
It's the career I'm very interested in so I will surely accept, but the salary is a much lower than the salary I received back in the US. I realize it's a different country and a whole different ballgame (and I interviewed here along with other locals), so with that in mind:
-is it normal to negotiate a entry-level (or with two years experience) job?
-Or should I just accept? does that make me seem more "easy to get"?
-is it normal to have to respond back within 24 hours? (I don't think I need more time, but just wanted to research on the current "going"rate of the position in Singapore.
-I will delete this info soon, but it's a real estate analyst position and I've been offered $3200 for first 6 months of probation and $3800 thereafter. is this normal for my level? I received around $4500/per month USD back at home, which would be around $5000 SGD here right?
Thank you!
yk2366, this sounds a bit fishy to me, I would proceed with caution. If you can, negotiate, but at an entry-level position, your bargaining power is very low.
$3200 is not much, and what is more, at that level and for entry level position, your chances of getting the S-/E-Pass approved are also not very high - seeing as this is a position that probably a Singaporean would be able to do. $3800 for an entry-level / very-early-career position may be more ok, though it is definitely not great for a qualified candidate. Take note though, that in Singapore, income taxes are very low compared to the US, though those savings are eaten up by the unbelievably high rent here.
There are two things here that tick me off:
1) The "respond within 24 hours" part. No employer I have ever corresponded with has had that requirement. That probably means they want you to act without thinking.
2) The lower salary during probation period. Not only is that a bit strange, it is also counter-productive for visa matters - a $3800 starting salary would increase your chances significantly. My last employer had "special" provisions during probation period - very short notice period on their end, but not on mine - and that did not work out so well.
The other thing is that you need to get the contract, not just an "offer". There are basically no employee rights here, so mostly whatever is in the contract is valid, with some exceptions.