The Reasons Why Many Graduates are Unemployed

April 29, 2007 in Cute & Funny by

Many fresh graduates are complaining that they have difficulty to get a job. Are the companies too picky or the problems rely on the graduates?

Bel has a few real life jokes about interviewees in their company, where we can understand why the graduates did not get a job.

Willie: …and then you compile your findings and write a report
idiot: so if i work overtime and submit more report, i can actually earn more lar?
Willie: actually we pay monthly salary
idiot: oh… not by report?
Willie: no, monthly.
idiot: you mean even if i dont write any report in one month also i will get paid?
Willie: yes you will, but i really hope you dont reach tat stage…
idiot: why………..??
Willie: ……………….

Read more @ Insights on Bel [Hat tip: Norwei]

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  • http://thedaneshproject.com danny

    Well, fresh grads today are too choosy. They seem to thing a degree or and adv-dip deserves a high position job and salary. WRONG!!! Work experience and enterprise is what they look for.

    IF you are a fresh grad,

    1. get a simple low paying job. (call centers or tech support are good)
    2. Work for year and do alot of self study
    3. interview at larger comps and see what they look for.
    4. go get that job at a good comp and work really hard to move up.

    Key point, never complain but work to proof those people wrong…

  • Heislyc

    I agree with you that fresh grads are getting more choosy than ever before, most of them sucks basically.

    But, the 4 steps thingy you’re trying to promote, is kinda bull shit, well, totally.

    1) Not everyone is IT grads OK? “simple low pay job” – loser’s thought.

    2) Continuous learning and self upgrading is obviously vital, but you don’t necessary need to work for year(s). Its just about how fast your mind grow.

    3) What does larger company means? Those who have a lot of security guards and give u 1 month fix annual bonus? Craps. (And you don’t “see” what a “larger company” look for, you “see” what the market demanding for, and what’s your values in the market”

    4) Good company? The company that give you more when you worked hard and sleep less? Move up? Well, even a CIMB Group Director is a paid employee, what’s the big deal? “King of Employed”?

    “work to proof those people wrong” – Is this what that keeps you working hard for? Sorry to hear that.

    You need some consultation, seriously.

  • http://web2.0entrepreneur.com ZeMMs

    I disagree with danny’s point #1. Call centers and tech support positions are not the place for degree holder graduates… not wanting those positions is not being choosy IMHO… in fact its being smart. They may not deserve a really high paying job but they do deserve the position which compliment their credentials.

    My take is that they just couldn’t win the CEO’s interest and that’s because they lack in communication skills or they fail to create some kind of portfolio to show their passion in their field.

  • http://www.cypherhackz.net CypherHackz

    in my opinion, many graduates are unemployed because they are lack in communication skills and leadership.

  • http://www.modernstreet.com DarrinW

    I think its basically a difference in culture and mentality. In the West, the job market and environment is more rewarding to people and workers. The emphasis is more on the employees.

    In the East, it’s the opposite. Eastern companies do not mind being sweatshops IF they can get away with it. The emphasis is on the “big boss” and his “vision”….and his “personal profit”.

    Concepts like employee development, staff retention and welfare, costs of living and salary, employee opinion and rights, are still very much – foreign concepts.

    I agree people are choosy these days, but then the power should be in their hands. A company is nothing without the people.

  • http://blog.diyersitzone.net didi

    Fresh graduates dont have soft skill, some more lack of hard skill…

  • http://thedaneshproject.com danny

    I am sorry if I might have given the wrong impression to anyone.

    What I tell you is what I went through myself growing up and not having the best of anything. My practices my help some but not all but I know for sure I helped me and my Juniors.

    First, when I said low paying job. When RM100 feels like a millions bucks to you “a simple low paying job” will put food on your table. Working in a call center not only improves you communication skills but also teaches you how to handle pressure. Well this is how I started. I was a fresh grad and all my dad could effort was college for me, I finished that and the first job I got paid me rm1500 to take calls and get fucked by customers everyday. I went to work at 3am and came back at 3pm or later everyday. As CypherHackz said building strong communication and leadership skills. I am not a genius not a super smart guy but I believe in certain ways of life and only when you meet me will you understand. Please forgive me if I seem arrogant.

    I have always worked for knowledge and not money. Some might say it was a mistake as I could have earned more today but missed it by my foolishness but today, now I am starting to look the the money side of things but I will never work for money alone as I will never be happy.

    A good company? Well simple, a place where you get to stretch you mind and capabilities. We tend to like to be told what to do and not start and effort our selfs. If we learn to do this every company will be a good company.

    Well Heislyc, thanks for you comments.

    “work to proof those people wrong” – Is this what that keeps you working hard for? Sorry to hear that. , hahahha . You need some consultation, seriously.”

    I’m sorry to see you don’t get it, It motivates me and is not the reason I work. I guess you just work money, I respect that and I believe it works well for you but not for me.

  • A UK Observer

    The simple fact of the matter is that the majority of graduates have very poor English communication skills – both written and spoken. No offence, but the grammar written above is indicative of this.

    As a member of an international recruitment firm – we see this same problem day in day out. In addition, graduates today have high expectations which can be good, but often unrealistic. Malaysian’s are exposed to so much “western” media – that they now think “western”. They have become materialistic and demand the trappings and perceived credos of the western culture. As such people’s expectations grow beyond what is capable for the country to deliver at this time. The reason why Malaysia has an opportunity to do so well at this time is because of cheaper labour than the western markets. Unfortunately, a poor work culture has developed over the years, where people “expect” rewards for little effort. Rewards, financial security and job satisfaction only come from hard work.

    If you want to do well you not only need to “talk the talk” but “walk the talk” – that means “do”. That means taking the initiative, taking responsibility to do a great job, not taking MC’s when you feel like it and just plain working hard. Yes, there are still a lot of poor employers out there – but if you want to be taken on by an MNC – you need to be able to demonstrate these behaviours. Have you not noticed why Chinese Malaysian’s get paid more or are preferred by employers? Or why certain organisations have a “diversity policy”. Malaysians need to realise that the “stigma” of a poor work ethic has now been attached to the Bumi Malaysian e.g. lazy, don’t want to learn English, avoids responsibility etc. My tip – demonstrate commitment! Most of the good, well paid employers will continue to be MNC’s – and they will demand excellent communication skills, and a good work ethic.

    I am passionate about helping people get jobs in Malaysia – but do you know what – if the attitude does not change very soon – other S E Asia countries will capitalise on this. Then 2020 will most likely be 2040!

  • http://thedaneshproject.com danny

    awesome points UK Observer. We need reality check.

  • yun

    I must say it’s totally because of their uneffective communication skills..that is both verbal and nonverbal communication…which plays a big role that influenced the employer to select them in becoming one of their staff..by improving their softskill,I’m sure they will have no problem in attending any interviews for they have mastered the skills.. best of luck.

  • James

    Let me share my views why. Simply too many graduates today (compared to 20 years ago, only top 10%-20% of students could enter university), almost any Tom, Dick and Harry can get a degree, even MBA/CPA. as long as you can afford it.

    There were only 5 universities during my time. Now, I lost count. A college was a college (only award diplomas) and a university was a university (only award degrees, master’s degree, phDs). Now, you can find university college, college university, university institute or vice-versa or whatever. Even those with poor results can get in, hence producing poor quality graduates, that’s the problem.

    I have done many interviews to recruit accountants, engineers, sales managers etc, all with degrees, some even with MBAs or CPAs. Most or 90% do not make the cut. These are some of the common problems:
    -Lack of good communication skills (cannot put message across effectively)
    -Poor English proficiency (spoken and written)
    -Poor grasp of technical knowledge and its application (necessary to do the job well)
    -Lack of self-confidence (necessary to deal with customers)
    -Lack of self-initiatives (necessary to resolve issues or problems, or get the job done without relying too much on others)
    -Not willing to get hands dirty or go under the sun (especially graduates)
    -Not willing to travel too much
    -Look for high pay, less work (come in late, go home early)

    First three can be improved by training/practice. The rest, the graduate will have to do something to win over or convince the employer.