How low is too low (Salary in grad position)

givyjoe81

Just been for an interview this morning, for which until now had no idea what the starting salary was. Anyways been told that its €18k for the first year. The position was termed a 'Marketing Apprentice' position. So ok fair enough they are looking to train a grad from the ground up, and over 100 people applied for the position (although how many would have applied if the salary had been posted is another matter).

I just wanted some opinion on the figure, beggers cant be choosers?! I have a masters myself (not that i expect the world for it) as did another cadidate i was chatting too while we were waiting together. I know we are in a recession but can you really justify that salary, i mean a fifty per cent rise after the trial period of twelve months would only leave us on €27k, and no way anyone is getting a 50% pay rise!

Job seems quite good but just taken aback by the that figure, thoughts?

jimoc

As long as its above minimum wage the company can offer whatever they like.
As for a 50% pay rise after 12 months, if its in the contract then its a fair bet that it will happen, unless they have a 'unless we're still screwed' clause.

However the fact that it is described as a marketing apprentice kinda gives the impression that the company considers that they are training you up and so they will use that to justify the really low starting salary with the large increase.

eclectichoney

Imo, no salary is too low at the moment (unless it is sub-minimum wage and therefore illegal!). To get any job at the moment is fantastic, and I'd grab it with both hands tbh. After all what is the alternative? The salary may 'seem' low, but it's a lot more than you would get if you didn't have a job (i.e. nothing!), plus it's experience for your cv which is something money can't buy.

givyjoe81

jimoc wrote: »

As long as its above minimum wage the company can offer whatever they like.
As for a 50% pay rise after 12 months, if its in the contract then its a fair bet that it will happen, unless they have a 'unless we're still screwed' clause.

However the fact that it is described as a marketing apprentice kinda gives the impression that the company considers that they are training you up and so they will use that to justify the really low starting salary with the large increase.

Of course they can, just a little shocked at how low it was, the 50% is just me postulating as to what percentage it would take to get up to a decent salary after a year, there was absolutely no mention of any kind of figures after the first year.

Also a similar(ish) position coming up on the grad jobs boards for €22k, so il stick my neck in for that one too!

PCros

eclectichoney wrote: »

Imo, no salary is too low at the moment (unless it is sub-minimum wage and therefore illegal!). To get any job at the moment is fantastic, and I'd grab it with both hands tbh. After all what is the alternative? The salary may 'seem' low, but it's a lot more than you would get if you didn't have a job (i.e. nothing!), plus it's experience for your cv which is something money can't buy.

+1

I've taken a job today that is lower pay from my previous employer and only part time....but I'm so glad to start working again.

You have two options...the dole on €8000 or a job on €18000 plus exp on your CV is stated above.

104494431

Once you get a job (regardless of how crap it is) it's easier to find another job. I got a job two weeks ago and I already have an interview for another job this week.

This is all after applying for jobs since May and never once getting an interview/reply!