Poly Student Nurul Knowledge Chief

HR-side experience here, so let me demystify it. For fresh grads, yes you can negotiate, and no, a reasonable ask will almost never make them rescind, that is a myth juniors believe. But do it smart. First, benchmark properly: the MOM graduate employment survey and salary guides by recruitment firms give real median starting pay by degree and sector, use those, not inflated Reddit brags. Second, if the offer is genuinely below market, reply politely: thank you, I am keen, based on my research and my internship experience I was hoping for around X, is there flexibility? Anchor with a number and a reason. Worst case they say no and you take the original, you lose nothing. Third, negotiate the whole package, not just base, sometimes they can add sign-on, more leave, faster review. Fourth, weigh the learning and brand value of the first job, sometimes a slightly lower pay at a place that trains you well pays off in your next jump. But don't accept a clearly under-market offer out of fear, a firm ask shows maturity.