Expert Findings: macauHR Releases Results from Fresh Grad Survey

The average expected salary of fresh graduates in Macau ranges from MOP $11-15K, but that is almost 21 per cent more than what most companies are willing to offer, macauHR reports its findings

MACAU, March 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Earlier this month, macauHR attended the annual career fairs at the University of Macau (UMAC) and Macau Polytechnic Institute (IPM) to become better acquainted with the latest generation of job-seekers.

To get a better grasp of the current job market, macauHR conducted an onsite survey, collecting the answers of both fresh graduates and employers. Some astounding results were revealed, as 65 per cent of fresh grads stated that they expect starting salaries ranging from MOP $11K to 15K. Alternatively, 57 per cent of the employers surveyed expect to offer MOP $8K to 11K as a starting point for candidates without experience. However, after taking Macau's shortage in manpower into consideration, about 40 per cent of companies believe that the most attractive starting salaries should still range from MOP $11K to 15K.

Findings also showed that 67 per cent of new graduates are looking for jobs directly related to their majors; while 64 per cent are looking for jobs related to their personal interests.

As for when it comes to deciding on which job offer to take up on, 41 per cent stated that room for promotion is deemed a major consideration compared to an attractive salary (19 per cent) or employee benefits (28 per cent). Corporations also indicated they prefer to emphasize effective training programs (43 per cent) and corporate culture (29 per cent) in their promotion campaigns.

Most students evidently expect to get a job opportunity through the career fair, carrying with them a full set of CVs and cover letters. Some 64 per cent of students said they hope to be hired within the first month after graduation. Corporate representatives indicated that a positive personality, enthusiasm and a good attitude were their top criteria in screening for a new graduate.

In light of the 2.1 per cent unemployment rate in Macau, Alex Lu, Brand Manager at macauHR, recommends that fresh grads should look for jobs that create a good career path and view salary as a secondary consideration. "Just getting into the corporate world, which offers more learning and growth opportunities can help fresh grads build more meaningful careers," he says.

Several local companies, including hotels, banks, and retailers, also attended the fairs to create more awareness and recruit fresh graduates.

ABOUT macauHR

Since its launch in July 2005, macauHR (www.macauHR.com) has grown to become the most visited online job website in Macau. Currently, the site has the largest talent pool in Macau; macauHR has gained much support among employers and the media as the site of choice in the market. With our commitment to continuous improvement, macauHR provides you with a functional, attractive, and user-friendly interface for job ads. It also contains all the information and advice required for job seekers and employers alike. macauHR is configured to facilitate both recruiting and job seeking, easily and efficiently. macauHR is a member of Ignite Media Group.

ABOUT IGNITE MEDIA GROUP

Ignite Media Group (www.igniteasia.com) is a growing media conglomerate of online, out-of-home and print enterprises dedicated to promoting Macau as a premier entertainment destination. The Group includes several market-leading media brands: Macau.com, Qoos.com, Aomen.tv, Destination Macau, EC-Ad, Directel Macau, Prism Productions, Vproperty.mo, New Macau Box Offices, and Ignition, a boutique marketing agency with expertise in digital marketing, event management, public relations, and custom publishing. Ignite Media Group is the exclusive Macau partner of several of Asia's Leading Media Brands including CNNGo, Groupon, ChinaMobile, Tencent, Youku.com, SINA, and OpenRice.com.