Ask A Headhunter!

[Ask A Headhunter]

Hi HH,
Previously went for an interview a month ago and i asked how long would it take to get back to me if im selected. They said a month cos got other candidates. Almost a month already and theres no call. Can assume no hope alrdy? Shld i email them and check?

Well you can check with them. No harm checking but usually if it takes more than 2 weeks means the role is filled or you are not shortlisted

Sent from Sony D6653 using GAGT

 

[waddahell]

Well you can check with them. No harm checking but usually if it takes more than 2 weeks means the role is filled or you are not shortlisted

Sent from Sony D6653 using GAGT

I see. Then can u help me to understand why would they ask candidates to wait a month? As backup?

 

[Carnage]

Hi HH,
Previously went for an interview a month ago and i asked how long would it take to get back to me if im selected. They said a month cos got other candidates. Almost a month already and theres no call. Can assume no hope alrdy? Shld i email them and check?

Same situation as mine.

I followed up with an email but the headhunter didn't reply. Almost 5 days.

 

[newstranger]

a admin job doing filing and data entry at a major MNC vs an proper internship in a sme.

which do employers view favourably for new grad?

cos i heard having MNC name on resume is worth it cos ppl see brand name.

 

[Ask A Headhunter]

a admin job doing filing and data entry at a major MNC vs an proper internship in a sme.

which do employers view favourably for new grad?

cos i heard having MNC name on resume is worth it cos ppl see brand name.

Actually a proper internship is more important.

 

[Ask A Headhunter]

I see. Then can u help me to understand why would they ask candidates to wait a month? As backup?

They are still interviewing people most likely.

 

[victorian07]

Need some guidance from OP on salary negotiation.

Currently considering a career switch to a banking role, which I don't have direct relevant experience in my 2+ years of working experience. Though I did intern in that bank albeit in a different function altogether during my uni days 4 years back.

Issue being, the HR personnel subtly hinted my annual package was a tad high (due to variable bonuses). And when I probed further, he said a junior entry level would get a figure about 20% than my last drawn annual package.

Monthly basic will likely be higher but bonuses are almost zilch in this role in the current banking climate. I suggested a figure that is about 10-12% lower than my annual but he still hinted it was too high.

Any advice on how best to negotiate while not revealing my baseline too early? I know the hiring team probably has a budget to work with, but I wouldn't want to shortchange myself. Also as I won't be eligible for an increment next Feb due to me joining somewhat late, and likely it'll be in Feb 2017 before I'll get my next increment (0-8% subject to performance to macro factors).

In the meantime, I'm still going for other interviews but no concrete offers as of yet. Need to buy more buying time too, though the last resort would be to first accept this at a lower than desired remuneration, then hop on if better opportunities arise.

Appreciate any advice you may have! Thanks.

Sent from Samsung SM-G900F using GAGT

 

[Ask A Headhunter]

Need some guidance from OP on salary negotiation.

Currently considering a career switch to a banking role, which I don't have direct relevant experience in my 2+ years of working experience. Though I did intern in that bank albeit in a different function altogether during my uni days 4 years back.

Issue being, the HR personnel subtly hinted my annual package was a tad high (due to variable bonuses). And when I probed further, he said a junior entry level would get a figure about 20% than my last drawn annual package.

Monthly basic will likely be higher but bonuses are almost zilch in this role in the current banking climate. I suggested a figure that is about 10-12% lower than my annual but he still hinted it was too high.

Any advice on how best to negotiate while not revealing my baseline too early? I know the hiring team probably has a budget to work with, but I wouldn't want to shortchange myself. Also as I won't be eligible for an increment next Feb due to me joining somewhat late, and likely it'll be in Feb 2017 before I'll get my next increment (0-8% subject to performance to macro factors).

In the meantime, I'm still going for other interviews but no concrete offers as of yet. Need to buy more buying time too, though the last resort would be to first accept this at a lower than desired remuneration, then hop on if better opportunities arise.

Appreciate any advice you may have! Thanks.

Sent from Samsung SM-G900F using GAGT

Salary negotiation must always take into account 2 factors

1) What is the bare minimum you are looking at (basic salary)
2) What is the desired salary.

Secondly, you must also (very important) think about what the job requires you to do. Because if you do the wrong job, you will leave the company (very fast)

Secondly, variable bonus is never taken into consideration, regardless of which industry you apply for. (Since it is well, variable)

Unless you can firmly say (with conclusive proof like payslips) that in the last 5 years, you have consistently gotten a certain amount in terms of bonus without fail.

2 years is too short of a time frame to consider.

Anyway once you zero in on the job which you want to do, then you consider is this company worth it to join. (and not just salary, but things like location, work hours, etc)

Your best bet, is to tell them upfront that any salary offered below X amount will not be accepted (non negotiable)

 

[boucyfirebal]

Hi Headhunter,

Your thread is highly informative. Thank you for doing it to shed light on the HR policies and procedures. I would like to ask for some advice.

I'm a local uni grad. Unfortunately, I have a criminal record with regards to voluntarily causing hurt (essentially hitting someone) in drunken scuffle.

I know that it will difficult to search for a job with the record. Specifically, I would like to get your advice on whether I should focus solely on direct applications to companies or should I also expand my search to jobs that are posted by recruitment agencies. If I apply through recruitment agencies, should I be open to them about my conviction? Essentially, will recruiters bother recommending me to their clients when there is such a big black mark against me?

My plan would definitely to come clean during any interview as regardless of the result, I would want them to know about this blemish and my regret about it rather than them finding it about it some other way.

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

bump for you! good luck!!

 

[cleffa3000]

Nowadays ppl bao shan bao hai with many yrs exp but paid little increment also like dun have
Wat are your takes abt this
It industry

 

[Ask A Headhunter]

Hi Headhunter,

Your thread is highly informative. Thank you for doing it to shed light on the HR policies and procedures. I would like to ask for some advice.

I'm a local uni grad. Unfortunately, I have a criminal record with regards to voluntarily causing hurt (essentially hitting someone) in drunken scuffle.

I know that it will difficult to search for a job with the record. Specifically, I would like to get your advice on whether I should focus solely on direct applications to companies or should I also expand my search to jobs that are posted by recruitment agencies. If I apply through recruitment agencies, should I be open to them about my conviction? Essentially, will recruiters bother recommending me to their clients when there is such a big black mark against me?

My plan would definitely to come clean during any interview as regardless of the result, I would want them to know about this blemish and my regret about it rather than them finding it about it some other way.

Any other advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Firstly, it really depends on industry.

Certain industries, even if you don't disclose, they engage a third party background check company to check up on you (usually it is for government jobs, or banking industry or certain roles which require you to deal with sensitive data.)

And the checks will be done concurrently, you can join the company but 3 months later you will get dismissed (because the background check company managed to find out your history)

Best to try for those less sensitive industries.

Do note that, a lot of people often think that direct applications means easier to get the job (it's not, and it only applies if you are applying for a small company)

In your case TBH, it doesn't matter.

 

[Ask A Headhunter]

Nowadays ppl bao shan bao hai with many yrs exp but paid little increment also like dun have
Wat are your takes abt this
It industry

You want to do well in your career, must take note of 2 things

1) Job history, and how often and why you leave each company, and promotion history
2) Job requirements - It is better to be an expert in some areas than to be a generalist in all areas

 

[jtec14]

Hi HH,

Noted your focus is on banking industry.

Assuming no or minimal push factors, how much is considered a decent increment to move on into a similar role for middle office assuming consumer credit function in current market?

Thank you.

 

[Ask A Headhunter]

Thanks for the reply. So essentially, I should apply through recruitment agencies as well? My initial thought was that recruitment agencies will tend to filter me off because of the record so there would be no point in applying through their job postings. Also, if I do apply through recruitment agencies, should I disclose my record to them right at the start?

Yes it is better to apply thru both direct and thru agencies.

But please do your research on the agency as there are good and bad apples.

 

[Ask A Headhunter]

Hi HH,

Noted your focus is on banking industry.

Assuming no or minimal push factors, how much is considered a decent increment to move on into a similar role for middle office assuming consumer credit function in current market?

Thank you.

If there are zero push factors, not many companies will offer to hire you at a high salary, because the tendency to get counter offered will be there, and since you are in your comfort zone, a lot of people will take the counter offer up.

 

[jtec14]

If there are zero push factors, not many companies will offer to hire you at a high salary, because the tendency to get counter offered will be there, and since you are in your comfort zone, a lot of people will take the counter offer up.

Thanks. Interesting views, I thot the other company would have to create a strong pull factor like offering an irresistable pay assuming they need the manpower.

 

[Ask A Headhunter]

Thanks. Interesting views, I thot the other company would have to create a strong pull factor like offering an irresistable pay assuming they need the manpower.

Often, one has to have stronger reasons to leave beyond money to be considered, because if their competitor gives you 5% more, but the work environment is crap, the candidate will still go to the competitor.

 

[Beta_Tester]

I may have missed this.

What is the pay structure like for you guys? Basic flat rate. or Basic plus comm. How do they calculate and all?

I know you guys charge coys say 20-22% annual confirm package. How much the headhunter serving the coy gets out of this amount and any cap in comm?

Thanks

 

[aarongsp89]

Hi HH,

I have been reading this thread since it got started and in a dilemma.

I am working in an MNC ( Junior Exec role ) and got headhunt by one of the competitors from SME. Am currently in my comfort zone I would say and work is pretty much stagnant and repetitive. The offer from SME is at least 20% of increment. Job scope wise is something which I really want. The only downside I can see, there is not much room for growth or to climb up the corporate ladder in any SME.

Will there be a problem for me to jump back from SME to MNC in the future considering my 1.5 years of experience in MNC?

Do you think its viable to jump and does it justify the pros and cons?

 

[Ask A Headhunter]

I may have missed this.

What is the pay structure like for you guys? Basic flat rate. or Basic plus comm. How do they calculate and all?

I know you guys charge coys say 20-22% annual confirm package. How much the headhunter serving the coy gets out of this amount and any cap in comm?

Thanks

Basic salary plus commission

But commission payout structure usually falls into 3 types, depending on which company you working for
1) Paid every quarter, once payment has been collected from client (lump sum of 3 months paid out together)
2) Paid every following month, upon invoice of client (means client not paid yet)
3) Paid every following month, upon collection of money from client

Any amount below 3 times your basic salary for the month will render no commission. (eg: If your base salary is 4k a month, therefore if you only achieve 11k revenue for the month, you get zero commission, but if you get 13k revenue, the commission you get will be a % of the difference aka 13k minus 12k = 1000 x 30% = $300). This is known as threshold

On average companies can charge 20% to 25% of basic salary depending on seniority of hire. The HH will typically get 20% to 30% of the fee, minus off the threshold amount.

Let's say you get someone a 100k job, your company earns 100k x 20% = 20k.

Your threshold is 12k, therefore 20k - 12k = 8k

You get 30% of 8k = $2400 (before CPF). do note that commission is CPF deductable as well.