<h1>In a festive Chinese New Year special on 8TV’s “活力加油站,” hosts Oscar and Tiffany invited Joselyn Lau, Hiredly’s VP of People &amp; Culture, to talk about a topic every fresh graduate worries about: how to get hired when you don’t have much experience.&nbsp;</h1><h2>With years of experience in recruitment, Joselyn shared insider tips on what really matters when applying for jobs and how graduates can stand out—even when competing with more experienced candidates.</h2>Whether you’re still looking for your first job or struggling to hear back from employers, know that you’re not alone. Job hunting can be tough, but the right mindset, preparation, and strategy can make all the difference. Focus on writing a strong resume, preparing for interviews with energy, and asking for constructive feedback. And most importantly—choose a path that excites you, not one that just “makes sense.”<hr><h2>1. Want a Long-Term Career? Start with Passion, Not Pressure<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_25_110412147_bfbb3c73c0.png"></h2>Joselyn encourages graduates not to panic if they’re thinking of switching fields after graduation.“If you’re not interested in what you studied, it’s not a mistake to explore a different career path,” she says. “Passion is what keeps your career going in the long run.”Rather than forcing yourself into a job you dislike, Joselyn recommends choosing something you're genuinely curious or passionate about. Longevity comes from interest.📖 <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/successful-career-switch-in-malaysia?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=how_fresh_graduates_can_overcome_job_search_struggles_in_malaysia_–_expert_tips_from_hiredly’s_vp_of_people_&amp;_culture&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Related Read: How To Make a Successful Career Switch in Malaysia</a><hr><h2>2. Is It Really That Hard to Find a Job in Malaysia?<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_25_110517297_16e4144c6d.png"></h2>According to Joselyn, job opportunities are out there—it’s just that graduates may not be approaching the job search strategically.Common issues include:Only applying to big-name companiesSetting unrealistic salary expectations (e.g., RM7,000+ as a fresh grad)Applying for roles beyond your experience level (like Team Lead or Manager)Instead, she suggests: ✔️ Setting realistic goals ✔️ Applying widely across industries ✔️ Practising interview skills to boost confidence📖 <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/why-your-job-search-is-failing-and-how-to-fix-it-fast?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=how_fresh_graduates_can_overcome_job_search_struggles_in_malaysia_–_expert_tips_from_hiredly’s_vp_of_people_&amp;_culture&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Related Read: Why Your Job Search Is Failing (And How To Fix It)</a><hr><h2>3. Your Resume Is Your First Impression<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_25_110617893_266cac8072.png"></h2>Joselyn compares your resume to a postcard—it’s your first impression before anyone meets you.“If it’s low quality, generic, or doesn’t highlight your strengths, recruiters won’t call.”She emphasizes clarity, personalization, and good formatting. Also, avoid typos and fluff. Let your resume tell a clear story about what you can offer.📖 <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/perfect-resume-checklist?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=how_fresh_graduates_can_overcome_job_search_struggles_in_malaysia_–_expert_tips_from_hiredly’s_vp_of_people_&amp;_culture&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Related Read: The Perfect Resume Checklist</a><hr><h2>4. Dress to Impress—Even If the Company Culture is Casual<img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms/image_2025_03_25_110723792_b0e11f5e01.png"></h2>When it comes to interview attire, Joselyn says it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.“Even if the company is casual, always show up in formal attire. Interviewing is a serious setting.”Avoid loud colors and flashy outfits unless you're applying in a creative field. And for women—keep heels under 3 inches for a more polished, professional look.📖 <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/job-interview-dress-code-for-men-with-bottoms-lab?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=how_fresh_graduates_can_overcome_job_search_struggles_in_malaysia_–_expert_tips_from_hiredly’s_vp_of_people_&amp;_culture&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Related Read: The Ultimate Interview Dress Code Guide (Men &amp; Women)</a><hr><h2>5. Didn’t Get the Job? Don’t Panic—Ask for Feedback</h2>Getting ghosted or rejected after an interview? Don’t let it affect your self-worth. Instead, reflect on what you did well and what could be improved.Joselyn suggests asking for feedback at the end of your interview itself—not after getting rejected.“When the interviewer asks if you have any questions, that’s your moment to ask for feedback. Be sincere—tell them you’re learning and would love to know how you did.”It shows humility, willingness to learn, and professionalism.📖 <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-deal-with-rejection?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=how_fresh_graduates_can_overcome_job_search_struggles_in_malaysia_–_expert_tips_from_hiredly’s_vp_of_people_&amp;_culture&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Related Read: What To Do After Getting Rejected from a Job</a><hr>Looking for a workplace that fits your strengths and passions? Start exploring opportunities on <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=how_fresh_graduates_can_overcome_job_search_struggles_in_malaysia_–_expert_tips_from_hiredly’s_vp_of_people_&amp;_culture&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly</a>, join our <a href="https://hub.hiredly.com/young-leaders-community?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=how_fresh_graduates_can_overcome_job_search_struggles_in_malaysia_–_expert_tips_from_hiredly’s_vp_of_people_&amp;_culture&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities">Young Talent Community</a> for career guidance, and take the <a href="https://hiredly.typeform.com/to/K4idZTDK?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=how_fresh_graduates_can_overcome_job_search_struggles_in_malaysia_–_expert_tips_from_hiredly’s_vp_of_people_&amp;_culture&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly Work Personality Test</a> to discover roles that truly match your personality.Catch the full interview with Joselyn on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6_DzUezcnw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">8TV’s 活力加油站</a> to hear more tips for fresh grads navigating the job market!

Graduating soon or struggling to land your first job? Hiredly’s VP of People & Culture shares job hunting tips, resume advice, and mindset shifts to help fresh grads stand out and succeed.

How Fresh Graduates Can Overcome Job Search Struggles in Malaysia – Expert Tips from Hiredly’s VP of People & Culture