Unrealistic Salary Expectations of Candidates for Overseas Jobs in Pakistan: A Comparative Analysis with Competitor Countries
In recent years, the demand for overseas jobs among Pakistani professionals has surged significantly. This trend is driven by the desire for better career opportunities, higher salaries, and improved living standards. However, one of the most pressing issues faced by both candidates and employers is the unrealistic salary expectations of Pakistani job seekers when applying for positions abroad. These expectations often do not align with the market realities of the host countries, leading to challenges in recruitment and job placement. This article explores the phenomenon of unrealistic salary expectations among Pakistani candidates, compares them with those from competitor countries, and provides guidance on how candidates can assess which salary is better suited to their profession.
The Phenomenon of Unrealistic Salary Expectations
Unrealistic salary expectations refer to the disparity between what job seekers expect to earn and what employers are willing to offer. In the context of overseas jobs, this issue is particularly pronounced among Pakistani candidates. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:
Lack of Market Research: Many candidates do not conduct thorough research on the salary standards of the country they are targeting. Instead, they rely on anecdotal information from friends or family members who may have worked abroad, leading to inflated expectations.
Currency Conversion Misconceptions: Candidates often convert their expected salary from Pakistani Rupees to the currency of the host country without considering the cost of living, taxes, and other expenses. This results in unrealistic figures that do not reflect the actual purchasing power in the host country.
Overestimation of Skills and Experience: Some candidates overestimate the value of their skills and experience in the international job market. They may believe that their qualifications and experience command a higher salary than what is actually offered in the host country.
Comparative Salary Analysis with Competitor Countries for Overseas Employment
To understand the extent of unrealistic salary expectations among Pakistani candidates, it is essential to compare them with those from competitor countries such as other high manpower exporting Asian countries. These countries also have a large pool of professionals seeking overseas employment, and their salary expectations are often more aligned with market realities.
The Impact of Unrealistic Salary Expectations
The unrealistic salary expectations of candidates have several negative implications:
Difficulty in Securing Employment: Employers are often hesitant to hire candidates with inflated salary expectations, as they may perceive them as being out of touch with market realities. This can result in missed opportunities for Pakistani professionals.
Strained Employer-Candidate Relationships: When candidates insist on unrealistic salaries, it can lead to strained relationships with potential employers. This can harm the candidate’s reputation and reduce the likelihood of future job offers.
Undermining Global Workforce Reputation: The persistent issue of unrealistic salary expectations can undermine the reputation of professionals in the global job market. Employers may become wary of hiring , preferring candidates from other countries with more realistic expectations.
How Candidates Can Assess Which Salary is Better as per the Profession
To address the issue of unrealistic salary expectations, Pakistani candidates must adopt a more informed and strategic approach to assessing salaries for overseas jobs. Here are some steps they can take:
Conduct Thorough Market Research: Candidates should research the salary standards for their profession in the host country. This can be done by consulting online salary surveys, industry reports, job portals , salary comparisons of existing overseas jobs. Understanding the average salary range for their role will help candidates set realistic expectations.
Consider the Cost of Living in Overseas Countries: The cost of living varies significantly between countries. Candidates should use online cost of living calculators to compare the expenses in their home country with those in the host country. This will help them understand how far their salary will go in terms of purchasing power.
Factor in Taxes and Deductions: Different countries have varying tax structures and deductions. Candidates should research the tax rates in the host country and calculate their net income after taxes. This will provide a clearer picture of their take-home pay.
Evaluate Benefits and Perks: In addition to the base salary, candidates should consider the benefits and perks offered by the employer. These may include health insurance, housing allowances, transportation, and bonuses. A lower base salary with substantial benefits may be more advantageous than a higher salary with fewer perks.
Seek Advice from Industry Experts: Candidates can consult with recruitment agencies, career counselors, and industry experts who have experience in placing professionals in overseas jobs. These experts can provide valuable insights into salary standards and negotiation strategies.
Network with Professionals in the Host Country: Connecting with professionals who are already working in the host country can provide firsthand information about salary expectations and job market conditions.
Be Open to Negotiation: Candidates should be prepared to negotiate their salary based on their research and the employer’s offer. Being flexible and open to negotiation can lead to a mutually beneficial agreement.
Conclusion
The unrealistic salary expectations of Pakistani candidates for overseas jobs pose a significant challenge in the global job market. By comparing these expectations with those from competitor countries, it is evident that Pakistani professionals need to adopt a more informed and realistic approach to salary assessment. Conducting thorough market research, considering the cost of living, factoring in taxes and deductions, evaluating benefits, seeking expert advice, networking, and being open to negotiation are essential steps in aligning salary expectations with market realities. By doing so, Pakistani candidates can enhance their chances of securing overseas employment and contributing positively to the global workforce.
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