Finding “the one” might be a journey fraught with ups and downs, but it seems many Malaysians are finding it even more difficult to click with their careers. According to a recent survey by Jobstreet by SEEK, 34% of Malaysians think securing the right job is more challenging than finding a long-term romantic partner. 

Insights from this survey highlight the increasing difficulties in today’s job market as employees struggle to find roles that ‘click’, matching their skills, experience and career aspirations.

The Challenge of Finding “The One” as Young Malaysians Refuse to Settle

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of Malaysians believe finding jobs that align with their skills and preferences has become more difficult since they first entered the workforce. The uncertainty of predicting long-term job satisfaction contributes to this challenge, with only 18% of employees reporting that their current job perfectly matches their skills.

Nevertheless, younger Malaysians are determined not to settle, with 55% of employees aged 24 and below ready to seek a new job within a year if their current role no longer aligns with their career goals. This willingness to settle in a role decreases with age, with only 35% of employees aged 25-34 and 26% of those aged 45-54 saying they would do the same.

These findings highlight an important distinction between generations, where younger workers place more importance on career growth and alignment over long-term job security. This desire for advancement across the younger workforce should be a concern for employers, who may need to adapt their retention strategies if they want to hold onto talent, especially in highly-skilled sectors.

Non-standard employment arrangements, including temporary and part-time roles, may further add to career instability for young and newly-graduated talent. Youth unemployment and underemployment remain significant concerns, as 37.4% of tertiary-educated individuals remain in semi-skilled or low-skilled jobs, underscoring the need for more high-skilled opportunities.

Money Still Matters to Find a Match

Young talent want to find jobs in which their skills can be best utilised - but compensation cannot be overlooked. According to the survey, 4 in 5 Malaysian employees would accept a job offer with an attractive salary and benefits, even if it doesn’t align with their long-term career goals.

Across all age groups, compensation is the top factor contributing to workplace dissatisfaction for 55% of respondents, which outweighs concerns such as a lack of career advancement and poor work-life balance, each at 31%.

Employers should consider all five key causes of job dissatisfaction — salary and benefits, lack of appreciation, poor work-life balance, poor management, and limited career growth — when designing talent retention programmes. While salary remains a leading concern, other factors are equally important.

“Much like dating, finding the right job requires mutual understanding. If there is a gap between what employees expect and what the job actually offers, you’re not going to find a good match that lasts,” said Sammy Chan, Head of Marketing, Jobstreet by SEEK in Malaysia.

“These mismatches can hamper career growth for talent and become an issue for businesses trying to align with Malaysia’s journey towards building a highly productive workforce. While jobseekers need to be clear on their career goals and pursue opportunities that align with their aspirations, employers must also clearly articulate their value proposition and specific expectations for each role, in order to attract candidates that will go the distance.”

Jobstreet by SEEK: Committed to Malaysia’s Workforce

In order to help both employers and employees find better matches across Malaysia, Jobstreet by SEEK leverages AI-driven technology to enhance job matching. By analysing vast amounts of data, the platform is able to better understand both employer needs and jobseeker profiles, resulting in more accurate and personalised job matches.

Beyond technology, Jobstreet actively engages with Malaysia’s talent pipeline through on-ground initiatives, including more than 50 university activations in 2024, which connected with over 24,000 students nationwide. Jobstreet also co-hosted key events like the Malaysia Career & Training Fair (MCTF), and launched its Career Station at NU Sentral in October, which offers career-related services including salary checks, 1:1 personalised career advice, and professional guidance for jobseekers.

“Enhancing our platform and investing in these key initiatives solidifies our commitment to equipping Malaysians with the tools they need to thrive in an evolving job market,” said Chan. “With over 3,300 certifications issued this year and new modules like the Ultimate AI Guide to Jobseeking and ELS English Certification, Jobstreet by SEEK is more than a job portal — we’re a partner in Malaysia’s journey toward a prosperous and inclusive future.”

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