Despite Malaysia’s economic growth matching equally with job creation. There are about 500,000 Malaysians that are currently unemployed and the majority are fresh graduates. If you are on this boat, you ought to know about unemployment bias. Where employers would paint it as equal to discriminating on the basis of gender, ethnicity, age and religion. That said there are ways to overcome unemployment biases during the interview, resume or just through networking.
1. Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends
Creative and work trends come and go and it would be fairly beneficial for you to keep track of the up and coming news. The process of learning new skills is a chance for personal growth and gaining new knowledge. To stay on top of the latest news, subscribe to relevant industry news sites, participate in forums and discussion boards.
2. Utilising resume keywords
Most recruiters utilise software to process and sort digital resumes by tracking the keywords that relevant to the job. Be specific as you can when it comes to searching for specific terms that can relate back to the job description. Furthermore, you can look into job ads as well and pick up the words and phrases that are specified for the position. Most importantly utilise the keywords with a proper context. For instance, Sales Manager: Achieving growth and hitting sales targets by successfully managing the sales team.
Related: 500,000 Malaysians that are currently unemployed
3.Building networks
Go the extra mile to make connections and offer advice and contacts when you have the opportunity in front of you. Reach out to groups like job hunters, alumni groups, toastmaster groups, volunteer activities and online groups to expand your reach. If you are able to build a connection with the people that you want to work with ahead before applying for the position. You may be able to overlap the unemployment bias.
4. Put the extra effort to follow-up with employers
After a job interview, it will be beneficial for you to follow up with the hiring manager. Display your genuine interest in the job by sending a greeting note a few days after your interview. It is also a chance for you mention important details that you may have miss out during the initial interview. Sending in a quick follow-up email may be an easier approach. Making a follow-up phone call display a great confidence in your communication skills. You can start it off by mentioning your full name, the position you have interviewed for and when you met.