The 1111 Job Bank (1111人力銀行) estimated starting salaries at NT$24,582 for new college graduates, down 5.78, while Yes 123 put the figure at NT$23,000.
Yang Yu-ching (楊育青), another graduate from Shih Hsin University, said the sum was acceptable, given the cutthroat competition.
Yang wants to find a job in media or public relations, but may broaden her search if she can’t find what she is looking for.
But Yang, a resident of Kaohsiung, said she was not anxious.
“There’s no hurry since I just finished college,” she said.
Lin Hsien-ya (林賢雅), vice manager of communications at the 1111 online job portal, said vague ideas of one’s goals contributes to a high jobless rate among college graduates, who constitute 5.63 percent of the nation’s 633,000 unemployed.
Lin said many young job seekers also demonstrate a lack of passion and respect for their work, although they are often more malleable and less expensive than hiring more experienced employees.
“These qualities help explain why 45 percent of new college graduates last year were unable to find full-time jobs within six months, while another 18 percent had [already] quit,” Lin said.
Unlike Yang, Lee, a resident of Kinmen, where employment opportunities are limited, is considering a government-funded internship.
Although the salary is low at NT$22,000 a month and the position only lasts a year, “a short-term job is better than none,” Lee said.
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