How to Apply for Jobs: A Beginner’s Guide to Landing Your First Role
Fuyohh, look who’s ready to step into the working world!
Maybe you’ve just graduated, or the gap year you took to dodge responsibilities is coming to an end (just kidding), and you’re now ready to join the workforce and be a responsible adult.
Either way, applying for your first job can be both exciting and scary at the same time. If you are feeling a little overwhelmed and unsure where to start, we’ve got your back, bestie.
This guide will take you through detailed steps on how to apply for jobs and get you from “blur sotong” to “first paycheck vibes” in no time.
First Things First, What Would You Like to Do?
Let’s start with the basics: what do you actually want to do?
Sounds simple,right? But the truth is, every degree or qualification you hold can open up a bunch of doors. And sometimes that many choices can make you feel like a child at a toy store — excited, but frozen with indecision as to which toy to bring home.
In this case, the best way to get unstuck is to look inward and identify your skills, interests and goals.
Skills, also known as (a.k.a) What You’re Already Good At
Your skills are like your toolkit. Recognising your skills helps you connect the dots between what you studied and the jobs that actually need those abilities.
For example, if you studied engineering, maybe you’re great at logical problem-solving or working with systems. If you did business, maybe you shine in presentations or strategic thinking.
JobJe Pro Tip: List out your skills (both technical and non-technical) and think about which ones you enjoy using the most. That’s where you’ll find your edge.
Interests, a.k.a What Makes You Light Up
Skills are important, but interests are what keep you going when things get tough. Ask yourself: What do I actually enjoy doing?
Do you love analysing patterns in numbers? Data roles are your thing. Can’t stop creating content or scrolling TikTok with a critical eye? Digital marketing might be your playground.
Interests often give you that “energy boost”, and aligning your career path with your interests means you’re less likely to burn out and more likely to grow naturally in your role.
Goals, a.k.a Where You Want to Go
Think about your goals. What kind of life and career do you want to build?
Some people want financial stability, others want freedom and flexibility. Your goals will guide your career decisions.
You may not know what your goals are in the early stages, or your goals may even change as you progress, and that’s okay. Explore a little, and then decide what’s best for yourself.
Even if you switch your career path halfway through, you don’t have to start all over again. You’ll carry your skills, experiences, and lessons with you, making the next step even stronger.
Once you’ve identified your skills, interests, and goals, the next step is to align them with the career options in front of you.
For example, if you’re great with numbers (skills), enjoy problem-solving (interests), and want to work in finance (goals), then roles like financial analyst or accountant could be a good fit.
Don’t just chase what’s “hot” in the market; match it with who you are. That way, you’re not only choosing a career that pays but also one that keeps you motivated in the long run.
Still unsure about which career path to take? Check out our Top 10 High-Demand Jobs in Malaysia 2025 for some inspiration and fresh ideas!
Your Digital First Impression: Make Employers Swipe Right
Think of your online job-hunting platform like a professional dating website. Employers swipe through your profile to view your skills and experience, and you decide if it’s a match made in career heaven.
Crafting Your Resume
Start by writing your personal hype document, a.k.a your resume. This is where you put your best foot forward and showcase yourself on that “Ideal Employee” pedestal.
Show off your achievements, highlight your strengths, and sprinkle in the experiences that make you stand out from the crowd.
Whether it’s a group project that turned into a mini success story, a part-time job that taught you discipline, or even volunteer work that sharpened your people skills, it all counts.
Think of it this way: your resume is the trailer, not the whole movie. You want employers excited enough to “click play” and call you in for an interview.
If you are a fresh graduate looking for a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to write a resume that stands out, check out How to Write a Resume That Gets Hired: Malaysia Fresh Grad Guide
Kickstarting Your Online Career Profile
Once you’ve polished up the perfect resume to send out to potential employers, it’s time to explore career platforms.
There are plenty out there (and yes, you should explore as many as you can), but have you heard of one that’s designed especially for fresh graduates?
JobJe is a job search platform built with fresh graduates in mind, making it easier for you to land that very first role without feeling overwhelmed.
Instead of competing with mid-level professionals for the same postings, you’ll find entry-level opportunities that match your skills, qualifications, and potential.
What’s cool about JobJe is that it’s not just a job board. It guides you through the process, from creating a profile that actually stands out to helping you prep for interviews.
Let’s explore how you can build your online profile step by step on JobJe.
1. Go to JobJe’s official website and click on the icon in the blue boxes below:
2. Fill in your personal details and remember to upload your resume.
JobJe Pro Tip: Be sure to subscribe to the weekly Job Listing Newsletter and join our Telegram group so that you don’t miss out on any good job opportunities.
3. Then, click “Submit” and verify your account by entering the verification code sent to your registered email.
4. See those horizontal tabs on the left side? Under “Edit Profile”, update your profile with detailed information about your interests, qualifications and salary expectations.
You can even keep track of the jobs that you have applied for under the “Applied Jobs” section.
And there you have it. Your career platform registration is complete! Senang je, kan?
Once you’re set up on JobJe, you can go ahead and set up your profile on other career platforms too. However, since you already have your JobJe account set up, let’s explore its features and try searching for a job.
First Date Energy: Turning Interviews Into Offers
So your job application was a success — cunnn! Now you’ve scored an interview, which is basically your “first date” with the employer. This is your moment to show them you’re more than just a piece of paper filled with grades and skills.
Here’s how to show up, glow up, and impress on your big “first date”.
Do Your Homework
Spend some time checking out the company’s website, their social media, or even recent news about them.
Having this knowledge not only helps you answer questions better but also shows a genuine interest in the role and the company.
Know Your Own Story
This one’s important. Be ready to talk about your resume like it’s your personal highlight reel. Group project? Part-time job? Volunteer work? Every bit counts.
Instead of just saying “I worked at XX,” share what you learned and how it makes you ready for this role.
Practice Common Questions
Yes, they’ll ask things like: “Tell me about yourself.” “Why do you want to work here?” “What’s your strength/weakness?”
Don’t memorise a script (you’ll sound like a robot), but practice your answers so you can respond confidently, just like a natural conversation.
If you’re a first-time job seeker, check out A Complete Guide for First-Time Job Seekers (What You Should Know) to explore the resources available.
Dress the Part
First impressions matter. You don’t need to go full James Bond or wear a three-piece suit. Just look neat, clean, and professional. Basically, dress like you want the job.
Prep Questions to Ask Them
Interviews are two-way. Employers love it when candidates ask thoughtful questions, like career growth, team culture, or the role’s challenges. It shows you’re not just desperate for any job, but seriously considering how you’ll fit in.
Bring the Vibes (and Documents)
Print out a few copies of your resume, bring a notebook, and most importantly, bring your good energy. Smile, maintain eye contact, and don’t be afraid to show enthusiasm. Employers want someone capable, but also someone nice to work with.
What Are You Waiting For, Bestie?
Okay lah, enough theory. Now it’s action time. Your resume is glowing, your interview game is levelled up, and the only thing left to do is shoot your shot.
So stop scrolling TikTok for a second and hop onto JobJe. Already teach you how to register liao, what are you waiting for?
Set up your profile, start applying, and let those interviews roll in. It’s your turn to take the wheel and steer your career in the direction you want. Get to stepping, bestie!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many jobs should I apply to at once?
There’s no magic number, but a good rule of thumb is 5 to 10 quality applications a week. Focus on tailoring each application to the role instead of spamming 50 generic resumes. (Quality over quantity).
2. Should I apply for a job even if I don’t meet all the requirements?
Yes, as long as you tick about 70% of the boxes. Many job descriptions list “nice-to-have” skills, not strict dealbreakers. Employers often hire for potential, attitude, and willingness to learn.
3. How do I deal with rejections without losing confidence?
Treat every “no” as redirection, not failure. Keep a log of feedback (if given), adjust your approach, and remind yourself that landing your first job is a numbers game. Even the best candidates face rejections.
4. How can I tell if a job posting is legit or a scam?
Red flags include: no company info, requests for money upfront, vague job descriptions, and interviews via sketchy platforms. Always research the company on LinkedIn or its official website before applying.
5. Is it okay to negotiate salary for my first job?
Yes, but do it respectfully. Research the market rate for entry-level roles in your field, then frame your negotiation around skills and value. Even if the salary is fixed, asking shows confidence.
