post-graduation reality: career, family and satisfaction

By Chuah Kee Manwww.chuahkeeman.com

Do you want a job right after graduation?

Choose not to work

Job not suitable

Low Salary

Unwilling to relocate

Overqualified

No confidence

REASONS GIVEN FROM UNEMPLOYED GRADUATES

Online survey on unemployed graduates (1 year after graduation)Sample size about 1,400 graduates.

(Malaysia Economic Report 2013/2014)

(Employments: Main contributing sectors: services, manufacturing & agricultural)

The Reality

Part 1

Passion or Pay?

What is your goal?

Tricky Thought

What is your satisfaction? Getting a pay or following

your passion?

Expected Salary of fresh grads: RM1,800 to RM3,200.

But majority of employers are only willing to pay between

RM1,000 to RM2,400.

Pay or salary is important but don’t forget the chances

to find your passion.

Fresh graduates should find the opportunities to

practise their skills.

Part 2

Recharging Your Résumé

Résumé & Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Are they the same?

Résuméa concise outline (1-2 pages) of your skills,

education and experience.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)An in-depth document of your

qualifications, experience, skills, publications,

achievements, etc. (can be more than 3 pages)

Résumé is more commonly used in the industries (especially private companies).

CV is mostly used when

applying for academic,

scientific, or research positions

Let’s improve your résumé!

One recent study showed that recruiters spend only

6.25 seconds looking at a candidate’s résumé

before deciding whether he or she is fit for a job.

~Forbes.com

So how to

increase your

visibility via

résumé?

#1

Use the Right Layout

Is this a good layout?

Is this a good layout?

Is this a good layout?

Is this a good layout?

Layout: The Basics Stick to standard paper size (A4)

and use left or justified alignment.

Use neat and professional layout

(not too fancy/creative)

Use suitable font type and font

size (10-11pt).

Use proper headings for each

section/part

Layout: Best Fonts

• Arial• Calibri• Garamond

• Georgia• Times New Roman

Layout: The Standard PartsUse headings to indicate:

Contact Details (No fancy email)

Career Objective (Precise)

Education

Work Experience

Skills

Achievements/Awards*

Activities and Interests*

References

*optional

#2

Use the Right Language

Language Tips #1

Use strong action verbs when listing your

experiences.

Worst Words Best Words

1. Best of breed2. Go-getter3. Think outside of the box4. Dynamic5. Synergy6. Thought leadership7. Value add8. Results-driven9. Team player10. Bottom-line

1. Achieved2. Improved3. Trained/mentored4. Managed5. Created6. Resolved7. Volunteered8. Influenced9. Increased/decreased10. Won

Language Tips #2

Keywords are the key

(use those keywordsmentioned in the ads)

Top KeywordsProblem solving

Leadership

Oral/ Written Communication

Team building

Productivity

Adaptable

Language Tips #3

Avoid improper abbreviations

Example:

Ass. Manager (Marketing)

Don’t embarrass yourself

Language Tips #4

Ask someone to proofread your resume

#3

Use the Right Focus

Customise Your Resume!

Make sure you modify your resume to fit the

position

Customisation Example:

Highlight your academic strengths (e.g. relevant

courses taken) instead of putting only CGPA)

Customisation Example:

Move specific parts up according to the job. E.g.

Move up skills if your work experience is limited.

Part 3

Power Up Your Job Search

What are the best ways to search for

jobs?

Job Search Tip #1Make use of your

network of friends and relatives

Job Search Tip #2Don’t be afraid to accept “walk-in

interviews”

Job Search Tip #3“Advertise” yourself on job portals (e.g. Jobstreets or even

local forums)

Top Job Search Sites

1. JobsDB Malaysia

2. JobStreet Malaysia

3. MyStarJob.com

4. Mudah.my

5. Bestjobs.com.my

Job Search Tip #4Capitalise on Social

Media especially Facebook & LinkedIn

Part 4

Excel in Interviews

Basic Interview Tips

Be Prepared

Be Polite

Be Confident

Be HumbleVideo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShRr5E4KbxI

Avoid These Statements

o I’m a team player

o I’m a perfect fit for this job

o I’m a perfectionist

o I’m a workaholic

o I have good leadership skills

(Be specific, in fact get ready the facts)

Be careful of these questions during interviews

o “Tell me more about yourself”

o “Are you willing to be relocated?”

o “Why should we hire you?”

o “Why do you want this job?”

o “If we offer you lower pay, will you accept this post?”

And also the “pause” by the interviewer half way through.

Language Focus during Interview

o Use active voice more instead of passive voice. (e.g. I conducted the project…NOT the project was conducted by me…)

o Use more first-person pronoun (e.g. I, we)

o Avoid using run-on sentences. Pause at the right time to highlight keywords.

Part 5

Family First?

The Common Dilemma

Family or work?

“Family” is used as a reason for…

• Not choosing a “different” job

• Not willing to relocate

• Not accepting a temporary post

Family FirstAlways try to discuss with your family members openly about

your decision.

Are you ready to face

the reality?

Thank You & Good Luck!

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