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Are these the 5 factors you look for when hiring Malaysian candidates?

In Malaysia, the youth unemployment rate was found to be more than three times higher than the national unemployment rate of 3.1%. Are they perhaps approaching job seeking the wrong way?

In a new book, Gary Burnison, CEO of Korn Ferry, noted that today's job seekers are trying to maximise their LinkedIn networks and work contacts on social media to land a job by sending as many resumes as they can. However, he noted that they're doing it all in the wrong way and for the wrong reasons.

In line with that, he outlined five steps for Malaysian job seekers to move beyond the resume and successfully advance their chances of employment. So, as HR professionals, are these the five things you look out for when considering the next candidate?

#1 An applicant who knows themselves

Burnison argued that before job seekers look "out there" for a job, they first have to look inside to figure out who they are, what their skills and competencies are, what motivates them, and what they have to offer.

As an HR professional, would someone who is self-aware be more appealing to you in interviews?

#2  A candidate who has ACT

Burnison noted that during each part of the job seeking process and throughout their career, professionals need to abide by ACT - be authentic, create a connection, and give bosses and colleagues a taste of who they are, what they do, and their contributions.

Do you agree?

#3 A job seeker who knows how the job can be a good fit for them

Burnison advises professionals to think of job targeting like a marketing plan where they are the product. In order for that to work, they have to know how the job would be a good fit for them and how they can fit well into the company culture.

Does this sound like someone you would like to hire?

#4 Someone with a 'learn-it-all' mindset

Burnison's message to job seekers - "the most important reward from any job, more than salary, bonus or title, is what you learn". He added that learning is about adapting, being open-minded, and the willingness to find solutions that aren't obvious.

Is this the kind of person you are looking for?

#5 A person who knows how to network

Burnison said that networking is about relationship-building, and relationships are two-way streets. In line with that, he advises job seekers to make it a natural part of ongoing interactions with people, by focusing first on how you can help them.

Will this person be your next star?

Photo / 123RF

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