seekstart-mag

Dive right into SEEKstart Vol. 3

– your go-to guide to conquering life after university. In true SEEKstart style, expect jam-packed expert sharing right here, from tips on salary negotiations, the truth about unpaid internships and your very-own First Job Survival Kit!

Ready? Let’s get your success story moving!

Catch up on earlier volumes of SEEKstart eMagazine – they’re still 🔥 Volume 2

Ready to step into the job market, but your resume feels kinda meh? You’re not the only one. Loads of people wonder why they’re not getting callbacks, and honestly, your resume might not be ATS-friendly enough to make it through the robot filter.

Use the Right Keywords

Sprinkle job description keywords throughout your resume—the ATS is hunting for them!

Show Your Impact

Don't just list duties—use action verbs (led, coordinated, or analysed) to showcase how you actually moved the needle.

Keep It Simple

Skip fancy fonts and graphics—AI can't read them and humans don't want to.

Tailor It

‘One-size-fits-all resumes’ fail—customise each application to show you've done your homework.

What’s ATS?

ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is a tool that scans your resume before reaching hiring managers!

Need an ATS-friendly template?

Scan and download your preferred one here!

Quick FAQ!

Should I Include a Photo?  

In Malaysia, photos are common for customer-facing roles but remember—ATS can't see your beautiful face! 

Salary Expectations—Yes or No?  

Only include salary if specifically requested—save that conversation for the interview. 

Referrals—Should I Put Them in?  

Skip referrals on your resume—drop those names in your cover letter instead. 

What If You've Got Limited Experience?  

University projects, freelance work, and volunteer gigs all count—focus on impact, not years! 

How to Get Noticed in Creative Roles?  

Use industry keywords like "Adobe Creative Suite" to pass the ATS, then let your portfolio do the real talking. 

Tip: Test It with an ATS Scanner

Use a free ATS scanner to ensure your resume won't get ditched before you apply—no more guesswork!

While not necessary for every application – it’s a must if you're emailing hirers directly. Show them why you're a star and not just a resume! 🌟

<Your name here> 

<Your contact number> 

<Your email address> 

<Your home address> 

 

<Date>

<Hiring manager’s name> 

<Company> 

<Company address> 

 

Dear <insert hiring manager’s name>, 

 

Re: <insert role title> position 

 

<INTRO> 

Start with an intro that tells them who you are and what role you’re applying for. If you know someone at the company, name-drop (in a humble, non-creepy way). Keep it short and sweet. 

 

<Why You’re Perfect for the Role> 

Now’s your chance to flex. Highlight your skills and experiences that match the job description. This is where you show them how you’re gonna add mad value. 

 

<Why You Want to Work There> 

Hiring managers are tired of reading generic lines like, “I love the mission of your company!” So be specific. Tell them what excites you about the company, whether it’s their values, their products, or something about the team. 

 

<Closer: Let’s Talk> 

End with a call to action—tell them you’d love to chat further. Don’t forget to thank them for considering your application. 

 

Yours sincerely, 

<Your name> 

Need to add a cover letter to your arsenal?

Download here!

Don't fret, we've got your back – here's a crash course on adulting!

Taxes, Baby (Yes, Malaysia Has Them)

If you earn over RM34,000 annually after EPF, you'll need to file with LHDN—though your employer handles deductions.  

Malaysia uses progressive tax rates (1% to 24%) based on income bands, with rebates available to lower your bill. 

1%   :RM34,000 to RM50,000

3%   :RM50,001 to RM70,000

8%   :RM70,001 to RM100,000

14%  :RM100,001 to RM250,000

21%  :RM250,001 to RM400,000

24% :RM400,001 and above

What if I don't meet the tax threshold? 

Earning under RM34,000 yearly? Lucky you—no tax return needed unless you have other income or want a refund! 

EPF (Employees Provident Fund)

Your retirement safety net—11% from your salary, 12-13% from your employer, locked away until retirement (with some exceptions).

What's the contribution? Track your growing nest egg through the EPF i-Akaun app—your future self will thank you!

SOCSO (Social Security Organisation)

Your protection if you're ill, injured or on maternity leave—a small monthly deduction that's absolutely worth it.

How much does SOCSO take? You contribute 0.5% of wages (up to RM6,000), employer pays 1.75%—it's mandatory but crucial when life gets messy.

Your Salary and Deductions

Your actual take-home pay will be lower than your stated salary due to EPF, SOCSO and taxes— perfectly normal, just budget accordingly.

Tip: Use a salary calculator

Calculate your real take-home pay after deductions with a salary calculator—your budget's new best friend!

Want to stand out in the job market? AI skills are your ticket to success whether you're a fresh graduate or career-switcher.

What Are AI Certifications?

AI certifications demonstrate your proficiency in tools like machine learning, natural language processing and data analysis—proving your adaptability and value to employers.

Why you need AI skills

Stand Out in the Job Market

With over 30% of Malaysian jobs affected by AI in the next decade, these skills make you instantly more marketable. Even in non-tech industries, AI certifications signal adaptability to employers.

Increase Your Earning Potential

AI professionals rank amongst tech's highest earners, with 2024 salary increases reaching 40-53% depending on specialisation. The right certification strengthens your negotiating position for better compensation.

Stay Ahead of Trends

AI evolves rapidly—certification ensures you remain current with the latest tools and applications, making you an asset to any company.

Career Flexibility

AI skills transcend industry boundaries, from healthcare to marketing to tech, expanding your career options and future-proofing your employability.

How to Use AI to Land Your Dream Job

Optimise Your Resume:

Use AI tools like ChatGPT to tailor your resume for job applications.

Automate Job Alerts:

AI platforms like Jobstreet by SEEK suggest jobs based on your skills and preferences.

Prepare for Interview:

AI-powered interview coaches help you practice responses and get feedback.

Learn Faster with AI:

Explore Career Hub to learn more about AI!

Learn Faster with AI: Explore Career Hub to learn more about AI!

Popular AI Certifications on Career Hub

How to Stand Out & Get Hired Using AI by Tim Sharp

Learn how to leverage AI for job applications and career growth.

ChatGPT Certificate: Mastering Career Growth with AI by Jobstreet by SEEK

This course focuses on using ChatGPT to boost your career prospects.

Gen AI for Productivity and Growth Certificate by Microsoft

Learn how to use AI to improve productivity in both personal and professional settings.

Understanding Big Data & ChatGPT by Kellogg HKUST EMBA

Gain insights into big data and how AI tools like ChatGPT are shaping business decisions.

Get certified now!

Join the conversation on Career Hub!

We've all seen those zero-pay internships. Are they valuable experience or just companies seeking free labour?

The Pros

01 Experience (the Good Kind)

Unpaid internships offer real-world skills that become powerful CV boosters—project management, industry tools, and teamwork experience that help you stand out.

02 Networking

These roles connect you with industry professionals who can guide your career and potentially open doors to future opportunities.

03 Possible Full-Time Offer

Impress during your internship and you might land a job offer—with the advantage of already understanding the company culture and expectations.

The Cons

01 No Pay = No $

Working for free isn't sustainable if you have bills to pay, even with small perks like transport allowances.

02 The Work Might Not Be Valuable

Some internships offer little beyond menial tasks—ensure you'll get genuine learning opportunities.

03 The Risk of Exploitation

Despite Malaysia's limited intern protection laws, your role should provide educational value, not just free labour—be wary if the company can't define what you'll learn.

The Verdict

Consider unpaid internships as investments in your future—but only if they offer valuable experience, networking and potential opportunities. Otherwise, hold out for paid roles.

Making the Right Call:

Before accepting, clarify your responsibilities, learning outcomes and any available perks—if they can't define your role clearly, it's best to walk away.

Looking for internships? We can help!

Let's be real: salary negotiation is a crucial skill whether you're fresh out of uni or already in the workforce—here's how to ask for more without the cringe.

01 Know your worth

Research market rates using our Salary Calculator or Salary Report before discussing pay—knowing the average gives you solid ground to stand on if your offer falls short.

PRO TIP! Part-time work, projects and NGO experience have genuine value—employers appreciate these skills just as much as traditional experience.

02 Don't be afraid to ask for more

Most offers have negotiation room. Try: "Thanks for the offer! Based on my research and experience, I was hoping for a salary closer to [X]. Is there flexibility in that?"

PRO TIP! Keep it conversational, not confrontational!

03 Justify your request

Prove your worth by highlighting relevant experience, certifications and achievements—even university projects count.

For example: "I've improved efficiency by 20% in my Robotics club, and I believe I can bring that same value to your team."

04 Look beyond base salary

Consider negotiating other benefits:

• Health insurance, bonuses and annual leave

• Hybrid work options or flexible hours

• Professional development opportunities

Sometimes these perks can compensate when higher pay isn't possible.

05 Be ready for a "No"

Not every negotiation ends in success—if your salary expectations can't be met, assess whether the role still fits your goals. It's perfectly fine to decline but leave things amicable for future opportunities.

06 Take your time

Never rush important ecisions—requesting a few days to review an offer is completely normal and professionally expected.

07 When to negotiate

Ideally discuss salary after receiving the offer, not during interviews. Setting expectations early helps the process, but you can still negotiate once you have a formal offer.

Need More Help with Salary Negotiation?

Jobstreet by SEEK's Salary Report provides valuable insights into pay expectations in your field—these tools offer specific ranges to prepare you for successful negotiations.

Remember: salary talks needn't be awkward. Be prepared, know your worth, and don't settle for less—you've got this!

Here’s a little peek at market rates!

Trying to future-proof your career? Smart move! Here are the jobs about to blow UP in the next few years.

01 AI Specialist

AI isn't just trendy—it's revolutionary. From machine learning to neural networks, these specialists will be in massive demand across healthcare, finance and gaming. If you love tech and coding, this career promises both job security and top pay.

02 Data Analyst

In a world drowning in data, analysts are the lifeguards. Perfect if you love numbers, patterns and fact-based decisions—you'll analyse trends, forecast outcomes and help companies crush their goals whilst sounding brilliantly clever.

03 Cloud Computing Specialist

As businesses migrate to cloud systems, specialists in Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud platforms are essential,  particularly in Malaysia's tech, finance  and healthcare sectors.

04 Cybersecurity Expert

In our digital world, cyber threats are constant. Cybersecurity professionals are digital superheroes protecting companies from hackers and data breaches—this field evolves as quickly as the threats, ensuring endless challenges.

05 ESG & Sustainability Expert

Malaysia's sustainability push makes ESG experts incredibly valuable. These professionals help companies reduce environmental impacts and boost social responsibility—ideal if you've studied environmental science or CSR-focused management.

06 Construction Manager

Malaysia's infrastructure boom needs construction managers to oversee residential and commercial projects. Perfect for those with leadership skills who want to manage teams, budgets and timelines on impressive developments—Civil Engineers and Quantity Surveyors are also in demand!

07 Healthcare Professional (Especially Mental Health)

Healthcare remains consistently vital, with mental health specialists seeing particular growth. Whether you're a psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor or therapist, there's rising demand as more people seek support for stress and anxiety.

Gen Z isn't just working—it's hustling. While older generations were locked into 9-to-5 routines, Gen Z is working smarter with tech, new skills and passion-driven careers.

01 Tech-Savvy Efficiency: AI and Tools to Work Smarter

Gen Z maximises productivity through AI like ChatGPT for research and Canva for design, streamlining tasks that once took hours. Productivity apps like Notion or Trello organise their workflow whilst free online tutorials allow rapid upskilling that gives them a competitive edge.

02 Ditching Traditional Work: Tech-Powered Independence

Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer and eRezeki let Gen Z build laptop-powered careers offering skills globally—no office needed. Social media accounts become income platforms too, enabling freelancers to choose projects aligned with their passions whilst being their own boss.

03 Self Branding: Normalising Multiple Incomes

One income stream? That's old school. Gen Z diversifies through tech-enabled side hustles—online stores on Lazada, handmade goods on Shopee, or content creation on TikTok—turning hobbies into profitable businesses with minimal investment.

04 Breaking Conventions: Working from Anywhere

The remote work revolution suits Gen Z perfectly—no commutes or rigid hours, just freedom to work from home, cafés or co-working spaces. Digital tools like Zoom and Slack facilitate global collaboration as remote opportunities expand across Malaysian industries.

Explore some hybrid options!

RESULTS! Drumroll, pleaseee

CEO Energy

You're a natural-born leader with a vision that drives you to take charge and make big moves. You're not afraid to take risks to get where you want. Your dream job? A position where you're in charge and calling the shots-founder, director, or even CEO. The world is your playground!

Freelance Hustler

Flexibility is everything to you. Whether you're freelancing, managing multiple side projects, or running your own business, you thrive on the hustle. You're your own boss, and that's exactly how you like it. The freelance life is your sweet spot.

Creative Genius

You've got a passion for creativity and a knack for thinking outside the box. Whether you're designing, writing, or creating content, your mind is always buzzing with new ideas. Your dream job? Anything that lets you flex your creativity and bring your visions to life.

9-to-5 Grind

You're all about stability and long-term growth. While you don't mind the grind, you know that hard work leads to long-term success. You're the type to steadily climb the corporate ladder and make your mark within an established structure. Your dream job? One where you can build a career over time and enjoy the rewards.