JOB MATCHING: Job seekers registering online with Jobs Malaysia.
Hani Hamiza Barawi
Melvin Sayun Kunang
Frederick Sia Kee Siong
Bonaventure
SIBU: A revolution of sorts happened to some 4,000 job seekers who thronged ‘Job Placement Programme 2012’ at Sibu Town Square here recently.
Giving a big thumbs-up to the programme organised by Labour Department, there seemed to be a significant change in mentality as they were willing to accept lower pay so long as they could start working immediately.
UITM graduate Hani Hamiza Barawi said getting a job would help them build up on their experience, making them more marketable.
“I believe the key thing now is to get a job and not be choosy. Even if the pay is not what we expected, the experience will sure come in handy for our future career prospect.
“Conversely, if we choose to stay at home and wait for the right opportunity to come our way, we risk losing out to others. This is because the job market is becoming increasingly competitive,” the 26-year-old Hani Hamiza, who majored in Tourism Management, added.
Having visited three booths, she did not mind grabbing jobs not related to her field of study.
“Of course, if a vacancy related to food service is available, I will opt for it. This is because my minor is on food service,” she enthused.
Speaking fluent Mandarin, she hoped to move into education in future if given the opportunity.
Asked where she learned her Mandarin, she said in hotel management, they needed to be apt in other languages to communicate effectively with guests.
Melvin Sayun Kunang, 20, from Sengan heard about the programme from the radio and newspapers.
Asked about his choice of job, he said, “I don’t mind starting from a junior level as long as I can get a job. I am willing to work even if the pay is not up to my expectation.
“I hope to lessen my family’s burden while building up my work experience,” the STPM school leaver said.
Another school leaver, who wished only to be identified as Bonaventure, disclosed he was not particular about the available vacancies.
“For me, the important thing is to get a job to help provide for my family,” he said.
Powerful Agricultural Machinery Sdn Bhd’s representative Nancy Ting said they were offering five types of jobs – admin clerks, mechanics, welders and salesmen.
“We have received positive response from job seekers,” Ting said, adding there were 15 vacancies up for grabs.
Asked if any applicants were employed on the spot, she said she needed to refer to her manager for the final decision.
Centuryin Sdn Bhd’s manager Frederick Sia Kee Siong said in line with their expansion plan they had 50 vacancies.
He thus welcomed graduates to join them, including those looking for better opportunities.
“We are spoilt for choice as there are lots of good candidates applying for the various vacancies. I will need to discuss with my boss before calling them for another round of interviews,” Sia said.
Human Resource Officer of Subur Tiasa Holdings Bhd, Thong Siew Fong was overwhelmed by the response.
Thong did not discount the possibility of qualified applicants being employed on the spot.
“We have various openings for HR supervisor, technicians, account clerks, and so on,” she said.
Meanwhile, Sibu Labour Office assistant director Emma Yusmaniza Helmi revealed that as at 4pm last Saturday, they recorded 4,117 job seekers visiting the programme and on the spot placement totalled 716.