{"id":13097,"date":"2025-03-09T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-08T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dollarsandsense.sg\/business\/?p=13097"},"modified":"2025-03-08T12:38:49","modified_gmt":"2025-03-08T04:38:49","slug":"lower-employment-rate-for-fresh-graduates-a-bad-economy-or-a-personal-choice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dollarsandsense.sg\/business\/lower-employment-rate-for-fresh-graduates-a-bad-economy-or-a-personal-choice\/","title":{"rendered":"Lower Employment Rate For Fresh Graduates. A Bad Economy Or A Personal Choice?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Last week, we wrote about how higher salary expectations among fresh graduates<\/a> could be a potential cause for the increasingly high unemployment rate that has also been observed among fresh graduates in Singapore. This could explain why, as the median salary for fresh graduates increases, the unemployment rate among graduates also increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Higher starting salaries for fresh graduates are generally a positive development. However, a potential concern arises when an increase in wages is accompanied by a rising unemployment rate. This suggests that higher salary expectations could contribute to lower employment opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earlier this week, Minister of State for Manpower Gan Siow Huang shared in Parliament that about half of the unemployed respondents in a university graduate employment survey had received job offers within six months of graduation. Additionally, two-thirds were set to start work “in due course,” while the remaining one-third had rejected job offers for various reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This information indicates that there are still sufficient job opportunities for fresh graduates in the economy. Many currently unemployed may have received offers but declined them, possibly due to salary expectations or a preference for work flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Choice To Be Unemployed?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When job hunting, fresh graduates should understand their market value. No one should accept a lowball offer if they have better opportunities. However, problems arise when fresh graduates price themselves out of the job market by setting unrealistic salary expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expecting the median salary simply because it represents the middle point of the earnings spectrum is flawed reasoning. By definition, half of the workforce earns below the median while the other half earns above it. If every graduate earning below the median insists they deserve at least that amount, it becomes difficult for them to secure employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building a career is similar to getting fit\u2014you need to start from where you are and gradually build your strength and endurance. Comparing yourself to peers who may already be ahead can be motivating, but setting unrealistic expectations can prevent you from even taking the first step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reality is that fresh graduates today have job opportunities. The bigger issue is whether these available jobs align with their aspirations and preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The irony is that finding a job is often easier when you already have one. An entry-level job for a fresh graduate isn\u2019t just about earning a paycheck\u2014it\u2019s a valuable opportunity to gain new skills, build a professional network, and accumulate real-world experience. Instead of holding out for the perfect role, consider it a stepping stone toward better opportunities. The knowledge you gain early on can position you for future success, making you a more attractive candidate for your next role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, the best way to land your dream job is by starting with one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read Also: <\/em><\/strong>How Valuable Can It Be For Your Career To Connect To The Right Headhunters?<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A choice to be unemployed?\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":13098,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[364],"tags":[474,2181,2182,2185,1068],"yoast_head":"\nLower Employment Rate For Fresh Graduates. 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