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Hi,

I was offered a job in the PMO and have some questions.

1) I was offered a slight increment (MX 11, mid 6k) over my current pay and was told that there is a hard limit on the possible pay increase. Is this true?

2) From a brief look through this thread, it seems that the increment posters enjoyed is higher than what is typical in the PMO (I asked when they made the offer). Less increment in the PMO?

3) Can I only expect a token increment in the first year?

4) Assuming above average performance, how long to the first promotion?

5) It's obvious that scholars will do better. Anyone with stories of high-flying farmers?

thanks, MidCareer

Hi,

I was offered a job in the PMO and have some questions.

1) I was offered a slight increment (MX 11, mid 6k) over my current pay and was told that there is a hard limit on the possible pay increase. Is this true?

Every HR will try to negotiate to give as little as possible.

2) From a brief look through this thread, it seems that the increment posters enjoyed is higher than what is typical in the PMO (I asked when they made the offer). Less increment in the PMO?

3) Can I only expect a token increment in the first year?

Yes, less than $200

4) Assuming above average performance, how long to the first promotion?

3-5 years to MX10.

5) It's obvious that scholars will do better. Anyone with stories of high-flying farmers?

Yes, it is possible to become MX9 by the age of 40 for high flying non-scholars.

thanks, MidCareer[/QUOTE]

Originally Posted by MidCareer

Hi,

I was offered a job in the PMO and have some questions.

1) I was offered a slight increment (MX 11, mid 6k) over my current pay and was told that there is a hard limit on the possible pay increase. Is this true?

2) From a brief look through this thread, it seems that the increment posters enjoyed is higher than what is typical in the PMO (I asked when they made the offer). Less increment in the PMO?

3) Can I only expect a token increment in the first year?

4) Assuming above average performance, how long to the first promotion?

5) It's obvious that scholars will do better. Anyone with stories of high-flying farmers?

thanks, MidCareer

How old are you Midcareer? How many years of working experience? To give some context, am 31 this year,MX11 ($6.1k), male, Singaporean, non-scholar.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

How old are you Midcareer? How many years of working experience? To give some context, am 31 this year,MX11 ($6.1k), male, Singaporean, non-scholar.

33 this year, male. Made some sub-optimal (money-wise) career decisions. Am lucky the civil service offered higher pay despite not so relevant experience.

How do you rate your progression in the civil service?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

>> How much can I ask for?
Assuming what your work experience is 100% relevant, expect similar *annualized* pay package. Otherwise, expect some cut.

>> My progression will be hindered by my degree?
Degree only determines your starting pay. You'll be assessed based on potential and performance after you've joined.

>> Does taking Masters studies help?

Only if it's relevant and useful to the positions that you've applied for. MBA is no count.[/QUOTE]

Thanks. But I have been hearing people saying that the career progression is determined by your degree. Someone above just posted getting $4,050 offer with just 4 months of working experience due to his good degree.

I believe it is tough for people without honors or 3rd class.

[cslee]

Originally Posted by Midcareer

33 this year, male. Made some sub-optimal (money-wise) career decisions. Am lucky the civil service offered higher pay despite not so relevant experience.

How do you rate your progression in the civil service?

CS offered higher pay becos your last drawn was below market rate. Otherwise, the norm is mostly cut, esp for those coming from foreign banks.

[cslee]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Only if it's relevant and useful to the positions that you've applied for. MBA is no count.

Thanks. But I have been hearing people saying that the career progression is determined by your degree. Someone above just posted getting $4,050 offer with just 4 months of working experience due to his good degree.

I believe it is tough for people without honors or 3rd class.[/QUOTE]

For those without good honors: All is not lost.

If you're just fresh out from school, every ministry has a large pool of candidates to select from. Those with less than stellar results are likely to get filtered out. Here are some creative tips to get noticed.
1) Gain relevant work experience
2) Actively seek out internship in the organisations that you're interested in.
3) Use social media. LinkedIn your potential bosses & colleagues.
4) Showcase your works & professional knowledge through blogs, microblogs, websites, professional forums etc.
5) Join volunteer networks organised by the respective agencies.
6) More ....

[cslee]

Originally Posted by cslee

Thanks. But I have been hearing people saying that the career progression is determined by your degree. Someone above just posted getting $4,050 offer with just 4 months of working experience due to his good degree.

I believe it is tough for people without honors or 3rd class.

For those without good honors: All is not lost.

If you're just fresh out from school, every ministry has a large pool of candidates to select from. Those with less than stellar results are likely to get filtered out. Here are some creative tips to get noticed.
1) Gain relevant work experience
2) Actively seek out internship in the organisations that you're interested in.
3) Use social media. LinkedIn your potential bosses & colleagues.
4) Showcase your works & professional knowledge through blogs, microblogs, websites, professional forums etc.
5) Join volunteer networks organised by the respective agencies.
6) More ....[/QUOTE]

Most importantly, must have perseverance and patience. Personally, I know of 2 candidates (only pass degrees) managed to get their dream jobs after 1-3 years of attempts.

You mean it is almost impossible to enter civil service with a 3rd class honors or below?

It is too sweeping a statement to make. For some professions (eg engineering) they only accept (upper and above) honours unless the applicant has other relevant work experience or unique skill set. But for some other vocations, they do accept general degrees.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

You mean it is almost impossible to enter civil service with a 3rd class honors or below?