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Type :Thesis
Subject :PL Languages and literatures of Eastern Asia, Africa, Oceania
Main Author :Isai Amutan Krishnan
Title :Exploring the language use and social interaction strategies by fresh graduates job interviews for 21st century workplace
Hits :23
Place of Production :Tanjong Malim
Publisher :Fakulti Bahasa dan Komunikasi
Year of Publication :2024
Corporate Name :Perpustakaan Tuanku Bainun
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Abstract : Perpustakaan Tuanku Bainun
The objective of this study was to investigate the English language proficiency of fresh graduates in Malaysia during job interviews, addressing a notable research gap surrounding the potential impact of poor English language on their employability. The present study shed light on the crucial nexus between language competence and readiness for employment. The present study employed a qualitative method. The study involved nine candidates (three successful, three reserved, and three unsuccessful) from local universities across various disciplines. Additionally, three hiring managers, three language instructors, two interviewers, and ten post job interview candidates participated in the study. The analysis of job interview data was conducted using Canale and Swain's grammar competence and Johnson and Johnson's social interaction strategies theories. The findings revealed that candidates predominantly utilised simple sentences, hindering their ability to express complete thoughts due to poor language proficiency. Successful candidates demonstrated superior proficiency in employing social interaction strategies compared to their reserved and unsuccessful candidates, highlighting the persisting challenge of poor language proficiency among fresh graduates as a significant barrier to employment. Both hiring managers and language instructors identified language proficiency as a major obstacle to employment and recommended integrating essential language components into existing course/training modules to better prepare undergraduates for job interviews and address the issue of unemployment among fresh graduates in Malaysia. Although interviewers deemed candidates' language proficiency acceptable post-interview, it was noted to fall short of being exceptional. Candidates themselves acknowledged their language proficiency deficiencies and lack of preparation. To tackle these challenges, the study recommended integrating both sentence structures and social interaction strategies into existing course modules for job interviews and professional communication courses. It emphasised the critical role of language proficiency and social interaction skills in job readiness, with implications for both higher learning institutions and the corporate sector in Malaysia.

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