5 Popular Interview Questions for Fresh Graduates in Malaysia

Looking for your first ever permanent career job can be a daunting situation. It’s your first foray into a long career, and without much full-time experience on your CV, it might seem like the weight of the world lies on your shoulders as you prepare for your very first interview with would-be employers. 

To help you stand out from the crowd, we’ve worked with experts and specialists to compile a list of commonly-asked questions for fresh graduates during job interviews in Malaysia — along with some pointers on how to answer them. Of course, you shouldn’t simply copy and paste our suggestions; your responses to questions during job interviews should be personalised as much as possible. 

1. Tell me a little bit about yourself

Despite the fact that you might have already provided a quick summary of your background and experiences in your cover letter/resume, many interviewers still prefer to hear it from the candidate during the interview. This can be a good chance for fresh graduates to share about anything that isn’t already covered in your resume, so be sure to prepare a short statement that offers more context into the strength of your candidacy. 

Be sure to include in the most relevant experiences/skills that make you an ideal fit for the job. Here’s an example: 

“Throughout my final year of university, I actively participated in the events team and undertook internships at event companies. I’d love to utilise my academic qualifications as well as skills honed during these internships to coordinate events in this current role.” 

2. Why did you apply for this job?

This is a question that is often asked for candidates of all experience levels, not just fresh graduates. Still, it’s a crucial question in any interview, and you should put some thought into providing an answer that is relevant and original. 

A good tip is to spend some time researching the company beforehand, gaining a full understanding of what the business is all about — and how you can contribute with your skills. For example: 

“I’ve read that your company’s mission is to empower businesses in Malaysia to thrive in the digital era — including SMEs and micro businesses. This is a vision that I resonate with, having grown up in a family business that is undergoing various challenges due to e-commerce and other digitalisation-related matters.”

3. Why should the company hire you?

Conversely, it’s also important for you to explain why the company should even hire you in the first place. Instead of focusing on why you want the job, look at the interview from a different perspective: what can you offer the company? 

You might be applying for a business development position, for example. Consider the job description and what your skills are, and see if they’re a match. Then, personalise what you can bring to the table and share any ideas that you already might have on how you can contribute — and improve — the company/team. 

“In the past, I’ve always been a keen entrepreneur — during my studies, I also built up a part-time e-commerce business on the side. Even though I may be new to the world of business development as a career, my experiences mean that I have genuine experience in developing businesses, managing stakeholder relationships, and other related responsibilities.” 

4. Where do you see yourself in X years?

A challenging question for anyone, it must be said. This is a chance for you to demonstrate forward-thinking capabilities, and you should put some thought into your overall career trajectory — even at this early stage. 

However, don’t pressure yourself if you’re still finding your feet. Be honest with the interviewer about trying new things, but you should still maintain that you’re looking to move towards something in your career. 

Use this example for reference: 

“At this stage of my career, I want to learn X skill and improve Y skill. It’s important for me that I have room to grow and develop in this role — both professionally and personally. In X years, I’d like to be in a position where I can make impactful contributions to the company, and to be able to establish myself as a leader in my own right.” 

5. Do you have any questions for us? 

You should always have a couple of questions prepared before the interview. This shows an interest in the role, and allows you to discover things that might not be covered in the job listing, company website, or social media. 

Some suggestions here would be questions on the overall company culture, vision, values & goals — you can also ask questions about the expectations for the role, as well as the business and your expected contributions. You should also always remember that a job interview is a two-way street: ask any questions that you need answered to help you decide if a company is the right fit for you, as well. 

Here are some examples: 

• “If I were to join, what would be the first project/task assigned to me?”
• “What is the day-to-day for the role like? Would I have the opportunity to learn from a senior colleague?”
• “Does the company have hybrid work arrangements available?”
• “You mentioned that I would be working in a team, if I were to join. How large is the team?”