u/Aromatic-Canary244

Title: 27M civil engineer in Penang, almost 5 months unemployed with zero interviews. Please critique my resume and recommend vacancies or recruiters

Hi all, looking for honest advice and a resume critique.

What I've already done: I've applied through JobStreet, Indeed, LinkedIn and MyFutureJobs, and so far I've had no interviews.

Background:

• 27M, based in Penang, graduated 2 years ago
• Looking for roles in site/onsite, consultancy, BIM (still learning), and facility engineering in Penang

What happened:
My second job was as a site engineer. The company started delaying EPF and SOCSO contributions (around 7 months without them), then paid only half salary for 4 months. I resigned without another job lined up, which in hindsight was a mistake. I should have stayed until I had an offer.

After 3 months of unemployment I took a consultancy job in Selangor. It had the same EPF/SOCSO issues, plus high rent and living costs far from home, a poor job scope and a bad working culture. I resigned again without a backup and moved back to Penang.

I've now been unemployed for 5 months with no interviews, which is starting to worry me.

My questions:

1. How do recruiters view two short stints that ended in resignations? How should I explain it in my resume and in interviews?
2. How do I explain the gap without sounding like I'm blaming my old employers?
3. Is my resume the problem? Please be blunt.
4. Do you know of any open vacancies in Penang for juniors in site, consultancy, BIM or facility roles? I'd also appreciate recommendations for recruiters or agencies worth contacting. Referrals or leads are very welcome, and I'm happy to share my resume by DM.
5. Besides the job portals, what else has worked for you (direct emails to firms, LinkedIn outreach, career fairs)?

Thanks in advance. Any advice is appreciated.

https://preview.redd.it/s8yqxru2t3uh1.jpg?width=1079&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=453592dd659d8c1026b4cf32ad789c3bbfd5d4bb

https://preview.redd.it/98vbi0ebt3uh1.jpg?width=1053&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=01a812a0b5f95b3812b8d0805c49a9438218627f

Hi everyone,

I'm seeking some career advice regarding a possible transition into a Remote Operation Facility Engineer role in Malaysia.

My background is in Civil Engineering. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering in 2024 and also hold a Diploma in Building Services Engineering. Since graduating, I have worked as a Site Engineer for about 9 months and am currently working at a civil engineering consultancy, where I have been for the past 6 months.

However, due to personal circumstances, I will be resigning from my current position. Recently, I received a job offer for a Facility Operation Engineer role. The position involves remote operation monitoring, 12-hour shifts, and a rotating shift schedule.

I am a 27-year-old male based in Malaysia and am trying to decide whether I should accept this opportunity or continue searching for a role more directly related to my Civil Engineering degree and experience.

My main concern is whether moving into facilities operations would limit my future opportunities in civil engineering, or whether it could open up alternative career paths in facilities management, building services, or data centre operations.

I would appreciate advice from anyone working in facilities engineering, operations, or engineering management.

- Would taking this role help or hinder my long-term career prospects?

- Is experience as a Facility Operation Engineer valued in other engineering industries?

- How difficult would it be to move back into civil engineering after spending a few years in facilities operations?

- Given the current job market, would you recommend accepting the offer or continuing to look for a civil engineering role?

Thank you in advance for any insights or advice.