Compare civil service salary

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Bluntly speaking, you don't join the public sector for bonuses. You join for the stability. Given appropriate qualifications and good performance, you can expect a stable rise in salary, alongside benefits, alongside a bonus which also slowly increases over time. If you want a sudden influx due to high bonuses, then remain in the private sector as that's the place to be if you're a young, hungry, Type A sort of person.



I never understood why its called "discrimination". It's not - it's literally numbers and data. Objectively speaking, those from the top universities will perform better.

if you have relevant work experience but you graduated recently the increment can be substantial. It depends on the position at work, years worked, and performance at work. For example, Person A worked as an Admin Assistant for 2 years while completing a Bachelor of Commerce. This lets me know they can multitask. If I call the reference and it's a good recommendation, then I know they are a good worker as well. In this situation, I'm justified raising the salary by 500 to 600 a month.

The Honours system does matter, but mostly for the public sector. The private sector don't care that much I've found. For local universities, however, even top honours would only allow me to warrant maybe a 200-300 increase in monthly salary. This is due to the relative reputation of the university combined with the "idea" of how easy it is to get the honours from that university.

However, summa cum laude-type honours (ie. very limited places per cohort) are always looked upon very favourably regardless of university. If you are from a local university like SIM, the only way you stand on the same level as say, an NUS graduate with 2nd uppers, is with something like valedictorian qualifications. Or, way more work experience.

What are the chances of calling the reference then? Especially so if it's fresh grad with few months of work experience post graduation plus internships only. Would recommendations letter(or lack of) during internships and work affect the decision of the HR department to increase the pay? Sometimes it's the payscale at the level which justifies it.

Yes that is understandable regarding the honours system. Well even in one particular accounting firm, one can get extra salary each month based on the class of honours. However that is only for the first year, and from the 2nd year everyone is on the same salary unless one perform better. I believe the public service doesn't follow the same structure? I.e: the increase in salary is applicable throughout the candidate stay in the ministry/stat board?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

What are the chances of calling the reference then? Especially so if it's fresh grad with few months of work experience post graduation plus internships only. Would recommendations letter(or lack of) during internships and work affect the decision of the HR department to increase the pay? Sometimes it's the payscale at the level which justifies it.

Yes that is understandable regarding the honours system. Well even in one particular accounting firm, one can get extra salary each month based on the class of honours. However that is only for the first year, and from the 2nd year everyone is on the same salary unless one perform better. I believe the public service doesn't follow the same structure? I.e: the increase in salary is applicable throughout the candidate stay in the ministry/stat board?

First you have to pass the basic screen. First, we look at your form particulars. If that's OK, we look at the cover letter. Then, we may or may not look at the CV; 50/50, depends on that particular HR. After that, we'll call you to clarify any additional details.

Then usually we interview you.

Either before or during the interview we will 100% try to call at least one reference. I cannot stress how important it is that the reference knows who the hell you are. Literally 70% of the time I get references going "... Who?" This seems like a basic concept but come on, guys.

References do, in fact, make or break our decision sometimes. If you were stupid enough to put a reference who doesn't know you for instance, that's an instant no from me. If your academic qualifications were so-so, but you worked during your studies, and your reference praised your performance, then it's a big bonus and I'll look the other way with regards to academics.

In Public Service your increments will be near-constant in Ministries. In SBs, it can stall if the SB in question doesn't perform well. The rate of increment depends on your performance at work. However, there is a "glass ceiling" that you will hit, based off the following:

1. Diploma only, no degree.
2. Pass degree only, no honours.
3. Honours only, no (relevant) Masters.

The ceiling doesn't matter if you are a Masters/PhD holder in relevant field. But prior to that, you can and will be stalled.

HOWEVER, case 3 is rare, because we only take Masters into account if you're supposed to be considered for a Directorial-level position or something similar.

Thank you for pointing it out. I too do not understand why people call it discrimination only when it comes to government hiring. It is not; any organisation either public or private will want the best candidates for their job openings, the different starting pay simply reflect the candidate's qualifications and performance during interview. Equal hiring opportunities refers to not shortlisting candidates based on sex/age/race/appearance etc and does not include educational qualifications. Simply because not all degrees are equal.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

First you have to pass the basic screen. First, we look at your form particulars. If that's OK, we look at the cover letter. Then, we may or may not look at the CV; 50/50, depends on that particular HR. After that, we'll call you to clarify any additional details.

Then usually we interview you.

Either before or during the interview we will 100% try to call at least one reference. I cannot stress how important it is that the reference knows who the hell you are. Literally 70% of the time I get references going "... Who?" This seems like a basic concept but come on, guys.

References do, in fact, make or break our decision sometimes. If you were stupid enough to put a reference who doesn't know you for instance, that's an instant no from me. If your academic qualifications were so-so, but you worked during your studies, and your reference praised your performance, then it's a big bonus and I'll look the other way with regards to academics.

In Public Service your increments will be near-constant in Ministries. In SBs, it can stall if the SB in question doesn't perform well. The rate of increment depends on your performance at work. However, there is a "glass ceiling" that you will hit, based off the following:

1. Diploma only, no degree.
2. Pass degree only, no honours.
3. Honours only, no (relevant) Masters.

The ceiling doesn't matter if you are a Masters/PhD holder in relevant field. But prior to that, you can and will be stalled.

HOWEVER, case 3 is rare, because we only take Masters into account if you're supposed to be considered for a Directorial-level position or something similar.

Thank you for pointing that out. Really appreciate the fact that you took the time to write such information that helps to enlighten the job seekers. Basically understanding that the hiring structure/decision making process is quite different from other industries.

How would you then recommend a local uni pass degree only candidate who managed to get a job offer (albeit 1 year contract) as a relatively fresh grad? Since there will be a 'glass ceiling' which is lower compared to case 3. The job scope is interesting, but in order to really progress, would it be better to seek for better pastures outside after a few years in civil service or go for masters for eg.?

Generally, do departments of ministries eg DOS customs follow remuneration packages as ministries?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Thank you for pointing that out. Really appreciate the fact that you took the time to write such information that helps to enlighten the job seekers. Basically understanding that the hiring structure/decision making process is quite different from other industries.

How would you then recommend a local uni pass degree only candidate who managed to get a job offer (albeit 1 year contract) as a relatively fresh grad? Since there will be a 'glass ceiling' which is lower compared to case 3. The job scope is interesting, but in order to really progress, would it be better to seek for better pastures outside after a few years in civil service or go for masters for eg.?

Recommend, as in, recommend your next course of action?

Accept your job offer, work your ass off during your 1-year contract, and win the respect of your supervisor and your colleagues. With any luck, you'll win a permanent position or at least a contract extension for a few years. If you have any problems, go to your HR in charge and talk it over with them. Never go into work thinking "Ah, I'm just here for one year."

Public Service jobs are characterised by near-constant increments. If you manage to stay on a few years, you'll find your paygrade drastically increased. Reward your increase in pay with loyalty and greater effort in the workplace. Too many people come in immediately thinking about "greener pastures" and "transferring to the private sector once I've had enough experience". Make an effort to be recognised, and speak to your HR in charge about any concerns you may have.

Keep in mind only certain fields in the Public Service are transferable/in demand. For instance, Ministry of Finance economists. Someone like a customs officer for example has a very narrow skillset.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Recommend, as in, recommend your next course of action?

Accept your job offer, work your ass off during your 1-year contract, and win the respect of your supervisor and your colleagues. With any luck, you'll win a permanent position or at least a contract extension for a few years. If you have any problems, go to your HR in charge and talk it over with them. Never go into work thinking "Ah, I'm just here for one year."

Public Service jobs are characterised by near-constant increments. If you manage to stay on a few years, you'll find your paygrade drastically increased. Reward your increase in pay with loyalty and greater effort in the workplace. Too many people come in immediately thinking about "greener pastures" and "transferring to the private sector once I've had enough experience". Make an effort to be recognised, and speak to your HR in charge about any concerns you may have.

Keep in mind only certain fields in the Public Service are transferable/in demand. For instance, Ministry of Finance economists. Someone like a customs officer for example has a very narrow skillset.

Oh and adding on to that answer, a pass degree holder has nowhere near the level of restriction or "glass ceiling" barrier that a diploma-only holder has. Work hard, show your stock, and you might even be able to get a paid scholarship to your Masters.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Oh and adding on to that answer, a pass degree holder has nowhere near the level of restriction or "glass ceiling" barrier that a diploma-only holder has. Work hard, show your stock, and you might even be able to get a paid scholarship to your Masters.

Once again, a big THANK YOU for your responses.

Realistically speaking, a pass degree is even difficult to get into certain Masters program, not to say get a scholarship. Well the crux of the matter right now is to excel in the prospective job.

Yeah, the transferable skills are a concern actually (when private practices are interviewing), but guess just have to constantly upgrade oneself regardless

Any salary revision this year?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

thanks for the detailed responses, the discrimination is really real in this case. I believe the figures you quote is for no prior experience, how about for relevant work experience but grad recently, would the increment be in terms of few hundred dollars above the quoted figures as indicated?

when talking about honours system in local uni, does having a higher honours place one in another band altogether or just increment from base pay (say for MX13 its 3000 base pay for local uni), but for second lower, second upper, first it will be $100, $200, $300 extra/on top for example?

Don't believe everything you read here. Clearly, the figures shown were plucked from the skies. Ministry don't openly share these salary information, and certainly not by breaking down by "classes" of university. These "classes" are not real.

Civil Service jobs have job grades and the salary HR can offer a candidate is within a salary range. This range is determined on the job grade (relative worth of that job). Where they will offer you within that range is based on your personal merits i.e. education, job experience and all else you can offer while performing that job.

All other versions you've read, i would highlight that you scrutinise the validity before you believe and share what you've read.