Job seekers accuse employers of expecting “CEO-level” skills from fresh graduates

Business & Finance
17 Jul 2026 • 8:30 PM MYT
The Sun Daily
The Sun Daily

For the latest news and features from Malaysia and the rest of the world.

Image from: Job seekers accuse employers of expecting “CEO-level” skills from fresh graduates

A short social media post has sparked debate over unrealistic hiring expectations for fresh graduates in today’s job market.

A SHORT but blunt social media post has struck a chord with many job seekers, reigniting conversations about what they describe as unrealistic expectations in today’s job market.

The Threads post read: “HR says they want a fresh graduate, but the job requirements make it seem as though they’re hiring a CEO. What a joke!!”

READ MORE: ‘Don’t advertise if you’re not hiring’: Job seekers vent frustration over wasted applications

Although brief, the post resonated with many users, who said it perfectly captured the frustration of applying for entry-level positions that appear to demand years of experience, extensive technical skills and a long list of qualifications.

Many argued that fresh graduates are often expected to possess capabilities that would typically be developed only after several years in the workforce, making it increasingly difficult for newcomers to secure their first job.

Others questioned how graduates are supposed to gain experience when many entry-level roles seem to prioritise experienced candidates over those who are just starting their careers.

The post has since sparked widespread discussion, with many netizens sharing similar experiences and expressing disappointment over what they see as increasingly unrealistic hiring expectations.

“Not only that, the job responsibilities are also way beyond what you’d expect from an entry-level role. They’re more like a senior employee’s workload,” one user commented.

“It basically means: ‘I want to pay you a fresh graduate’s salary, but I expect you to have 20 years of experience.’ That’s exactly what it feels like,” another added.

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved