Amid fears of a looming global recession, graduating students are facing unprecedented challenges in securing their first job.
Bank Negara Malaysia recently predicted the rise in unemployment rate to four per cent this year from 3.3 per cent last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Earlier this year, Nur Ruhaiyu Shahril, 22, expected that she would have finished her final semester by June.
Unfortunately, the International Islamic University Malaysia English Language and Literature student's graduation date has been delayed by a few months.
Nur Ruhaiyu, who is setting her sights on the publishing industry and higher learning sector, said: "The job market has not been kind to fresh graduates, especially those studying humanities, even before the pandemic started.
"The situation makes it a lot more challenging for graduates. Multiple skill sets will be in demand and competition will be fiercer than ever.
"The challenges we are facing today are unlike anything we have prepared for."
Tunku Abdul Rahman University College Bachelor of Commerce student Ng Cheng Yuan wanted to begin her career at one of the Big Four accounting firms.
However, Ng, 23, observed that many companies had taken cost-cutting measures during the pandemic.
"The job market is expected to gradually slow down at this stage of the economic cycle. Graduating students should prepare themselves to secure the limited vacancies," she said.
"Apart from studying diligently for my final examinations, I have been attending free online courses and webinars to brush up my soft skills.
"While there are factors out of my control, I can try to be the right candidate that a firm needs."
Ng, who hoped to reduce her parents' financial burden, added: "As long as I equip myself with the right skills, I can grab the available jobs. Chance favours the prepared mind."
Masters in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering student Nelson Ng Jia Jun, 23, will be graduating from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom this month.
"I think it will be tough for fresh graduates to find a job in this critical period. I could see employers retaining their workforce rather than looking to expand."
Nelson is spending his lockdown abroad enrolling in online courses and webinars to enhance his skills.
"I'm not particularly worried about the engineering and consulting field as it is a lucrative sector. Despite Covid-19, I think I will still get the chance to use my skills and contribute to the world."
Having applied for jobs through websites like Graduan and Woob, he had since received several offers. "Many companies have pushed all the assessments, including interviews, online through virtual platforms. From my observation, it's harder to judge applicants virtually, so a company I applied for held multiple rounds of online interviews."
Nur Ruhaiyu said there were pros and cons to online interviews.
"Positively speaking, they can save time and transportation costs, reduce social anxiety and promote social distancing. On the other hand, certain qualities of a candidate may not translate well on screen, such as their apparel and behaviour."
After exploring career options through JobStreet, LinkedIn and Glassdoor, Ng has undergone an online interview with a prospective employer.
"Online interviews are equally challenging because I still need to perform well. But I feel that the face-to-face interactions and the human touch in a physical interview will be more reassuring."
She highlighted the need for job fairs to continue virtually to help graduates.
"For example, the Virtual Global Career Fair held in February featured companies like AirAsia, Shell and Microsoft. Programmes such as group calls, virtual booths, virtual interviews and webinars simulated the experience of a physical career fair," said Ng.
Aisling Group founder and country director Melissa Norman said the year will prove to be tougher on job seekers.
"Unemployment rates are surging as organisations brace the unknown. Job opportunities will focus on some sectors, while the rest will employ based on specific skills or needs," she said.
She outlined several tips for graduating students. "Firstly, look at the industries that will thrive during this period for opportunities.
"Be open to different work models, such as project-based work or being independent contractors. The new norm is being defined at this stage and there is no doubt that work models will change.
"Research companies that you are applying for and how you can impact them.
"Get started. It will be great if you land a 'dream job', but remember that it is not always ideal to wait. Unless you start somewhere, you may head nowhere!
"Know your strengths and sharpen your skills to remain competitive in the job market. Develop yourself constantly in areas that will be beneficial to potential companies."
In the impending global recession, firms might prioritise experienced workers rather than fresh graduates, said Universiti Malaya Economics and Administration Faculty deputy dean (undergraduate) Dr Roza Hazli Zakaria.
"In this crisis, there will be limited opportunities. Graduating students must be prepared to face a harder time finding jobs and expect a lower salary."
With the world's increased dependence on technology, students could invest in digital skills, said Roza. "Skills such as app development, technology-based problem solving, digital marketing and digital finance will be on demand.
"In order to compete, you must build your network. Connect with your alumni, use your LinkedIn profiles and use your internship to build a good rapport with the industry."
Mental preparation is key, she added.
"Be prepared to work in industries or positions that are unrelated to your specialisation. Students cannot afford to be choosy. You may face a long wait and rejections before landing a job interview.
"Alternatively, graduates can opt to be entrepreneurial, starting small scale businesses, offering goods and services that fit the needs of the new normal."