Unlock Salary Negotiation, Your Worth: Succeeding in the Singapore Job Market
As your talent enabler, GJC understands the importance of connecting talents to the right jobs and being compensated fairly for your skills and experience, so we created a valuable resource to walk you through this journey. If you’re looking to negotiate your salary or faced with a tricky negotiation process, download GJC’s 2025 Singapore Salary Guide for our data-driven insights.
Singapore’s dynamic economy presents both opportunities and challenges for job seekers. The city-state is known for its innovation and finance. But, global changes and new industry trends need a proactive way to manage your career. One crucial aspect often overlooked is salary negotiation. In a climate where the cost of living is rising and talent is valued, a reluctance to negotiate can be a costly mistake.
According to a recent survey by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Singapore’s economy is projected to grow by 2.6% in 2025. While this growth is lower than the 4.4% recorded in 2024, it still presents opportunities for job seekers. Industries like transportation, healthcare, and IT are driving job growth.
What were the factors that influenced salary negotiation for professionals across the world?
The stigma and attitude toward salary negotiation have greatly shifted. Today, employers view negotiations as a sign of confidence in those who take charge of their careers.
Singapore’s job market is competitive, with a shortage of skilled talent. This situation allows candidates to negotiate better when salary data is available.
Salary negotiation isn’t approached the same way everywhere. Cultural background affects how people communicate. Some cultures value directness, but others prefer a more indirect style. Economic conditions can also impact confidence. Your research and using tools like our Salary Guide, can give you a solid, unbiased base no matter the background.
Why should you negotiate your salary?
Negotiating your salary has positive implications for your career trajectory. Taking charge of your pay shows how much you value your work during your job. Good salary negotiations can significantly affect your career income and financial health.
What should you do before you negotiate your salary
Determine your market value and research
Strategic preparation is key to successful negotiation. Research salaries for your role and industry. Use online resources, industry reports, and salary guides. Also, talk to professionals in your field. Doing so helps you define an acceptable salary, the ideal target, and a realistic range.
Most employers want to see results as numbers. So, take time to highlight your contributions and show your value. For example, you can say: ‘In this project, I proposed this initiative, which saved the company xxx amount instead of the usual xxx. That’s a difference of xxx%.’
Finally, practice the salary negotiation process with people who can give helpful feedback. This will help you gain confidence as you prepare and refine your opening statements and frame your counterarguments.
Understand the company’s financial position
If you plan to negotiate a salary raise, thoroughly evaluate the company’s recent performance and overall financial health. This important context gives you insights. It can help you decide when to bring up the topic. It also allows you to adjust your negotiation strategy to fit the company’s current situation. Demonstrating an understanding of their financial position can also strengthen your overall argument.
What to do during the negotiation
Actively listen and be professional:
Do your best to maintain a positive outlook and professionalism throughout the conversation. This reinforces the idea that you intend to have a mature conversation and not make demands.
Pay close attention to your employers’ responses and concerns. Often, their explanations might reveal their constraints or areas where they have more flexibility. When you see things from their point of view, you can gather information and respond in a way that is impactful during critical moments.
Be open to negotiations:
Be prepared to discuss future contributions
You may not get your exact desired salary immediately. Be prepared to discuss a range or explore other forms of compensation. This may include bonuses, career growth chances, or better benefits such as insurance and wellness programmes. Tactfully frame your negotiation as a way for the company to retain a valuable employee and for you to be fairly compensated for your contributions.
If a higher base salary is not attainable due to a company’s budget constraints, you can still make room to negotiate secondary benefits. They could be more flexible in providing benefits like health insurance, transport allowances, or wellness programmes.
The most crucial part of the negotiation is your response to their offer. Start by showing your gratitude. Then, share your desired number: “Thank you for the offer! I’m excited to keep contributing to this organisation. Based on my recent research and my years of experience, I was hoping for a salary increment of xxx to my current salary.”
Understanding your value is key. It helps you provide a clear explanation of why you want a raise. You can frame your request like this: “My skills are in demand, and I have a strong track record of success in this area. Here are the key results to support this statement.”
Employers are primarily concerned with what you can do for the organisation. Frame your desired salary around the value you can and will bring to the company rather than your personal or financial needs.
If it’s a ‘No’
Not all salary negotiations work out, even after inquiring about other benefits or flexibility. Being polite and courteous during the conversation is key. This helps you avoid burning professional bridges. It is your choice if you wish to revisit the subject at a later date or look for other opportunities that can compensate for your skills. Through this process, you will be well-equipped to advocate for your value.
Knowing your market value is key. It’s not about getting better pay, but setting yourself up for future career success. GJC’s 2025 Singapore Salary Guide offers the insights and data you need to kick off your journey.
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