Key Highlights from Our Latest Webinar for Job Seekers

On May 16, 2025, Reeracoen Malaysia hosted an insightful webinar titled "From Application to Offer – Avoid the Red Flags and Win the Job" featuring our experienced Career Advisors, Jacy and Lizz. This session attracted fresh graduates and experienced job seekers eager to gain practical tips on how to improve their job search journey, from resume building to understanding market salary expectations.

What We Covered

Job hunting is more than just applying blindly. From resumes to interviews, candidates need to be clear about what employers are looking for. In this session, we explored:

• Resume Red Flags and Interview Mistakes

• Salary Expectations and Market Insights

• Key Factors that Influence Job Offers

• Real Case Studies of Successful (and unsuccessful) Job Searches

 

Resume Red Flags & Interview Tips 

Your resume is your first impression. It’s the only profile the employer sees before deciding whether to meet you. So yes, it plays a crucial role in increasing your hiring chances. But many candidates unknowingly make critical mistakes that hurt their application from the start. Some of the most common red flags include:

• No Photo or Unprofessional Photo

• Missing or Incorrect Personal Info

• No Expected Salary or Notice Period

• Unclear or Incomplete Employment History

• Fake or Exaggerated Skills

• No Reason for Leaving or Negative Explanations

• Unprepared for Interviews

• Poor Online Interview Etiquette

 

Interview Preparation Tips

A strong resume gets you the interview, but what you do next matters just as much:

• Research the Company – Know the company’s industry, values, and job scope before the interview.

• Ask Questions – Understand team size, training programs, and growth opportunities.

• Dress Professionally – First impressions matter. Even for virtual interviews, dress as if it's in person.

• Send a Thank-You Note – A short message post-interview shows appreciation and professionalism.

Understanding Market Expectations

To successfully negotiate an offer, it's important to understand current market benchmarks:

 

For Job Switchers:

• A reasonable salary increment ranges from 15%–20%.

• For niche roles or in-demand skills, an increment of up to 30% is possible.

What Job Seekers Care About

Salary is no longer the only deciding factor when choosing a job. Here are the top 5 reasons candidates change jobs today:

Salary

Candidates value fair compensation, but those with overly high expectations without proper justification often miss good opportunities.

Work-Life Balance

Many job seekers now prioritize minimal overtime and flexibility. Asking about work hours and OT expectations is key before accepting any offer.

Location

Long travel times or traffic-heavy routes are major turnoffs. It's advisable to visit the company once before confirming interest.

Career Advancement

A company’s promotion track and learning opportunities can greatly influence job satisfaction. Always clarify team structure and growth plans.

Company Culture

From how the receptionist greets you to the vibe during interviews—these are subtle but powerful clues. Candidates want to work in an environment that aligns with their personality and values.

 

Real Case Studies: Wins vs. Missed Chances

Successful Case:

A Japanese-speaking fresh graduate (JLPT N2) accepted an International Field Engineer role at RM3,600 with bonuses, travel allowance, and overseas training. Although the initial salary was modest, the candidate saw long-term value and made the right decision, now thriving in the role.
 

Unsuccessful Case:

A Mechanical Design Engineer with 2 years' experience rejected an offer that matched his salary expectation due to “location concerns” despite previously agreeing to it. He waited for another job that never came. When he tried to accept the earlier offer, the employer had already moved on. He ended up jobless after resigning prematurely.
 

Key Lesson: Overconfidence and indecision can cost you. Make informed, timely choices and discuss with a trusted Career Advisor before declining offers.

 

Final Takeaway

Succeeding in today’s job market means being strategic, prepared, and realistic:

• Customize your resume for each role.

• Be honest and proactive throughout the process.

• Know your market value, but don’t let salary blind you.

• Understand your priorities beyond just pay.

• Don’t chase every opportunity. Choose the one that fits your goals and values.

 

Looking for new career opportunities? Check out our latest job openings here: Job listings

Need hiring support? Connect with Reeracoen Malaysia today!

 

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