Salary Negotiation in Malaysia: Get the Salary You Deserve
Salary negotiations in Malaysia can be tricky but not impossible. Treat it as a strategic negotiation, not a demand, and use the right tactics to secure the pay you deserve.
By Kimberly Chang on 2023-11-27 at 7:12 AM
Updated on 2024-10-04 at 6:25 AM
Preparing for Salary Negotiation in Malaysia
At Hiredly, we believe that work should bring more than just a paycheck—it should be meaningful and aligned with a company's culture that suits you. While finding the right environment is essential, fair compensation is equally important for building a fulfilling career. Understanding your worth and fighting for a salary that reflects your value is a crucial part of your professional journey.
The key to successful salary negotiation begins long before the actual discussion takes place. Proper preparation helps you build a strong case for why you deserve better pay. Start by researching industry standards in Malaysia for your role, and gather data on your contributions, achievements, and how you add value to the company. This will help you confidently navigate salary negotiations with factual support.
How to Negotiate a Salary Offer in Malaysia
Effective salary negotiation in Malaysia depends on several key factors. Below are tips to help you successfully negotiate a salary that truly reflects your value:
1. Understand Your Value
Never bring up salary first during an interview. Instead, focus on impressing the interviewers with your fit for the role, demonstrating that you’re there for more than just the paycheck.
It’s important that you understand your own value. Knowing the problems you can solve, the unique qualities you bring, and how your skills benefit the company are critical points to highlight. The more clearly you communicate your worth, the easier salary negotiations will be.
When the topic of salary does arise, steer the conversation towards confirming that you're the right fit for the job first. Only after you're confident that the company is ready to make an offer should you engage in salary discussions.
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2. Research Salary Ranges for Your Role
Before entering any salary negotiation, do your homework on the average salary range for your position. Websites like Payscale or job listings on Hiredly, where some employers display salary ranges, are excellent resources.
In Malaysia, starting salaries for fresh graduates typically range from RM2,500 to RM3,000 in cities like Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, and Penang. If you're applying for jobs in more remote areas, salary expectations might differ.
When negotiating, you should be prepared to justify your request. Highlight any factors that might support a higher salary, such as relevant experience, specific skills, or even practical concerns like travel expenses or loan repayments.
3. Request a 30% Salary Increase
In Malaysia, your salary offer is often based on your previous pay. Typically, you can expect a raise between 10% and 30%. When the time comes to negotiate, aim for the higher end of this range—request a 30% increase if you believe you can justify it.
If you're met with resistance, indicate that you're open to a slightly lower figure, but make it clear that you're aiming for the higher number. This approach encourages employers to offer the best possible salary while leaving room for compromise.
The Takeaway: Successful Salary Negotiation in Malaysia
To successfully navigate salary negotiations, preparation, and confidence are your best assets. Know your worth, understand industry standards, and be aware of the company's position in the Malaysia job market. Approach the negotiation as a conversation aimed at finding a mutually beneficial solution.
Negotiating for better pay isn’t just about securing a higher salary—it’s about laying the foundation for a more fulfilling career. By applying these strategies, you’ll build the confidence needed to present a compelling case for your value.
Fair compensation is every employee's right. To ensure you're paid what you’re worth, take the time to research and prepare for salary negotiations. This is your opportunity to advocate for yourself and align your compensation with the value you bring.
You know your worth, now find the employer who values it too. Explore top job openings and secure a role that reflects your true potential at Hiredly. Don’t settle for less!
By Kimberly Chang on 2023-11-27 at 7:12 AM