KUALA LUMPUR: A recent survey by an online employment website has revealed that one in three Malaysians believe securing the right job is more challenging than finding a long-term romantic partner.
A survey by Jobstreet pointed out a significant shift in job market dynamics, as employees struggle to find roles that match their skills and career aspirations.
The survey found that nearly two-thirds or 63 per cent of respondents face greater difficulties finding jobs aligning with their skills and preferences than when they first entered the workforce.
This challenge is further compounded by the uncertainty surrounding long-term job satisfaction, with only 18 per cent of workers reporting that their current roles perfectly match their skills.
Young workers are notably less willing to settle, with 55 per cent of employees aged 24 and below saying they would look for a new job within a year if their current role no longer aligns with their career goals.
The likelihood of switching jobs decreases with age, with only 35 per cent of those aged 25 to 34 and 26 per cent of employees aged 45 to 54 willing to 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."
The survey added that 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 per cent of tertiary-educated individuals remain in semi-skilled or low-skilled jobs, underscoring the need for more high-skilled opportunities."
Meanwhile, compensation emerged as a critical factor, with four out of five respondents across all age groups stating they would accept a job with an attractive salary and benefits, even if it does not align with their long-term aspirations.
"Salary and benefits were identified as the top contributors to workplace dissatisfaction, affecting 55 per cent of respondents, followed by concerns such as poor management, lack of career advancement and work-life balance.
"Much like dating, finding the right job requires mutual understanding. Mismatches between employee expectations and job offerings can hinder career growth and affect business productivity," said Sammy Chan, Jobstreet by SEEK Malaysia head of marketing.
She said the mismatches could hamper career growth for talent and become an issue for businesses trying to align with Malaysia's progress towards building a highly productive workforce.
"While job seekers 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, to attract candidates that will go the distance."
Jobstreet by SEEK aims to bridge these gaps through AI-driven job-matching technology and various initiatives, including university activations and career fairs.
"By analysing vast amounts of data, the platform can 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," the survey stated.