When JobStreet.com ran a survey among a cross-section of senior managers and managers in multi-national corporations and large local companies in 2005, the results revealed a lot of short-comings among fresh graduates.
Here are the top 10 reasons why fresh graduates remain unemployed. Oh, and by the way, even gainfully employed people can benefit from knowing these reasons too:
10. Poor general knowledge (13.2%)
Companies do require their staff to know a bit of what is happening around them. Just remember the old adage: all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. I hope you are not like Jack.
9. Ill-prepared for job interview (14.4%)
It is not only scouts that need to be prepared. When you go to job interviews, you need to brace yourself for some tough questions from the company. At the very least, you’ll need to explain how you can contribute to the company. So, be prepared!
8. No suitable opening available (15.6%)
If you have studied for a very specific course where demand or scope is not really there, do not expect companies to create positions for the sake of employing people with this specific qualification.
7. No indepth skill or knowledge (23.8%)
Companies often find that some graduates still do not possess enough skill or knowledge after completing their studies. What a shame. How have these fresh graduates been learning in university or college?
6. No demonstrated ability to solve problems (25.9%)
Where there are problems, there are opportunities. Problem-solving is an essential soft skill that is required in all people. If you do not possess this basic skill, why should companies employ you?
5. Choosy in job or company (27.7%)
Don’t be choosy. As a fresh graduate, your first priority is to find a first job and gain some working experience. To achieve this, you may have to work away from your home town or your family. Take it as a challenge.
4. Mismatch of skill (30.2%)
The skill learnt at university or college does not match the requirements of the industry. Unfortunately, this is as much a fault of the institution as well as the student. There are institutions everywhere that offer outdated courses while the world has moved ahead.
3. Asking for unrealistic salary or benefits (33.0%)
Ahem! You are new to the work force, aren’t you? As a fresh grad without the experience, do you really believe you can command a top-notch salary? Or even benefits? Employers don’t need you, there are other job seekers who will gladly grab what the company offers.
2. Poor character, attitude or personality (37.4%)
It all boils down to attitude. Is it always me, me, me? Does the world only revolve around you? At work or at play, character and attitude counts a lot, especially your ability to interact with other people.
1. Poor command of English (55.8%)
I’ve already commented on this here, so it’s best that I do not repeat myself.
About the writer
Quah Seng Sun is Malaysia’s only Certified Professional Resume Writer and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC) which is based in the United States. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of JobStreet.com