Navigating Job Offers: Choosing Between Recruitment Firms for Fresh Graduates

Dear all,

I am a fresh graduate and have just received two offers from two different Recruitment Firms.

"Firm A" is a medium-sized firm with branches in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Australia, and partner companies in Hong Kong and Japan.

"Firm B" is a small-sized firm with branches in Singapore and Malaysia only.

"Firm A" offers a lower basic pay but higher commission. However, if I do not reach my quota, they would cut 20% of my basic salary.

"Firm B" offers $200 higher pay but lower commission and does not cut my basic salary even if I don't reach my quota.

Both companies, A and B, have been established for 10 years. Company "A" has expanded into different branches around Asia, while Company "B" has not achieved as much.

Question: Which firm do you think I should build my career on? Which offer should I accept, considering all aspects of both companies? Please advice. I'm so confused.

Thank you very much!

Normally, when starting a career, people often make the mistake of selecting a company based solely on the higher salary it offers. My suggestion is to look for opportunities where there is room for growth, allowing you to gain a comprehensive understanding of the organization, which is more likely in smaller companies. I believe it is fortunate to secure a higher fixed pay in a smaller company, as there is usually more potential for personal and professional development.

Sridharan

Thank you for your reply. I will look into that from your point of view. But, another thing - is a smaller company really better than one that has already grown internationally? Training-wise, would they be able to train me better? By the way, they are both Head-Hunting Firms. Please advise.

Thank you so much. I am so lost! I would really appreciate any sort of help. Thanks a lot!

P.S. - Anyone else, please feel free to advise. I appreciate your help so much!

Hi hugs2nic,

Welcome to Citehr.com!!

"I am a fresh graduate and have just received 2 offers from 2 different Recruitment Firms.
"A" is a medium-sized firm with branches in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Australia, including partner companies in Hong Kong and Japan.
"B" is a small-sized firm with branches in Singapore and Malaysia only.
"A" offers a lower Basic Pay but higher Commission; however, if I do not reach my quota, they would cut 20% of my Basic.
"B" offers a $200 higher pay but lower Commission and does not cut my Basic even if I don't reach my quota.
Both companies, A and B, have been established for 10 years. Company "A" has grown into different branches around Asia, and Company "B" has not achieved that much.

Question: Which firm do you think I should start my career with? Which offer should I accept, taking all aspects of both companies into consideration? Please advice, I'm so confused.

Thank you very much!

Wow, you got a good break!! Fully agree with the views by Sridharan. Let me solve your query in this way:-

1. Meet the ex-employees of both firms to give you the inside picture of the organization and also meet the key people of the organizations to balance out the impressions or culture of the organizations.
2. Meet your would-be boss; they should tell you a lot about whether you would do well. It's the boss who is going to ensure that you do your job well. There is a famous maxim: people don't leave the organizations; they leave the bosses.
3. After these efforts - ask your heart and listen to yourself. I am sure you would know what to do.

Best wishes,

Cheerio,
Rajat Joshi

Thank you so much, Rajat. The problem is that they are both Singaporean companies, and neither of the bosses visits the Malaysia branch offices frequently. How can I even locate the ex-employees? Oh no, your idea sounds really good though and I understand what you mean. It's a great idea but unreachable for me, sadly. How?

Your situation is not uncommon. We all face it, especially after graduation. The choice is based/weighed by your own values.

The two companies offer varied opportunities but also the risks. One that is large offers opportunities for:
- growth
- moving sideways
- moving overseas
- bigger money
- external training
- in-house training
- exchange of ideas
- bigger challenges

BUT GREATER RISKS AND YOU HAVE TO RELY ON OTHERS TO SOME EXTENT.

The smaller one offers:
- learning in total operation
- better self-management
- faster learning opportunities
- more decision-making
- wider knowledge development
etc

Hence, there are pros/cons on both sides. You need to put the details of the pros/cons on paper in your own terms and make a judgment based on your values. If you want to go into your own business in 5 years, the small one will be advantageous. If you are planning to be an international player in the long run, then the big one may suit your plan.

SO LOOK AT YOUR VALUES AND YOUR CAREER PLAN AND THEN DECIDE.

REGARDS

LEO LINGHAM

Hi there Leo,

Thanks a bunch! In fact, thank you so much. I have a clearer view now. I guess I really do have to pen them all on paper and decide from there. Thank you very much. All the points you pointed out make sense. I will give it some thought. Thanks again! 😄

I don't know if this is possible or not, but why not visit the place where you'll work and check it out? Or, send a friend or someone who can do it for you. Maybe I'm being a little childish, but try it out. See how the workplace is and how the people are around. It's something I did when I was choosing a college. 😳

Regards,
Sunayna

Hi,

I feel you must join Organization B because it demonstrates more HR values, even though the commission part will be low. Being a fresher, you should prioritize exploring HR knowledge in the market over compensation.

All the very best!

Vijetha Kishore

Hey there Vijetha,

Thank you so much for your advice. I will think about it thoroughly. I agree with your point of view, but I guess I'll have to see how things turn out as I just joined Org. B. Things seem to be rather sluggish here, not fast-moving. Hmmmm... Did I make the wrong decision?