In today’s job market, finding “the one” is even harder than finding love. 34% of Malaysians think securing the right job is more challenging than finding a long-term romantic partner, according to a recent survey by Jobstreet by SEEK.

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”

Almost two-thirds (63%) of Malaysians find it difficult to have jobs that follow their skills and preferences 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, it’s a good thing that younger Malaysians do not settle for less. 55% of employees aged 24 and below stated that they will seek a new job within a year if their current role no longer aligns with their career goals. 

35% of employees aged 24-34 would do the same, whereas only 26% of employees aged 45 and 54 show the same response. The willingness to settle in a role decreases with age, underscoring different generations’ attitudes towards the job market.   

Younger workers place great 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. Thus, they may need to adapt their retention strategies if they want to hold onto talent, especially in highly-skilled sectors. 

Additionally, 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 a pressing need for more high-skilled opportunities. 

Money Still Matters To Find A Match

Younger workers are seeking jobs in which their skills can be utilised, but compensation cannot be overlooked in today’s job market. 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. This outweighs other 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 when designing talent retention programmes: salary and benefits, lack of appreciation, poor work-life balance, poor management, and limited career growth. While salary remains a leading concern, other factors are equally important to grow a happier and more productive workforce. 

Sammy Chan, the Head of Marketing of Jobstreet by SEEK in Malaysia stated,

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.

Sammy Chan, Head of Marketing, Jobstreet by SEEK in Malaysia

Jobstreet By SEEK: Committed To Malaysia’s Workforce

To help both employers and employees find better matches across Malaysia, Jobstreet by SEEK leverages AI-driven technology to enhance job matching. With its vast amounts of data and thorough analysis, 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. With 50 university activations in just this year, the platform connected over 24,000 students nationwide. Jobstreet also co-hosted key events including the Malaysia Career & Training Fair (MCTF), and launched its Career Station at NU Sentral in October. 

Chan further added,

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. 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.

Sammy Chan, Head of Marketing, Jobstreet by SEEK in Malaysia

The platform makes people’s job-hunting journey to finding the “right one” easy, so have a go with Jobstreet to save yourself from future heartache at work!