Looking for new job at this age is a challenge. I recently started looking for new roles and it took me 6 months to get an offer. I am also in your friend's age range.

Here are some of my thoughts.

1. As he has Java experience, he should look out for roles with this requirement. I am not sure how the market is but you can use indeed.com.my to find the number of vacancies with this requirement
2. Engage Head hunters, I initially was reluctant as I have not gotten good response from them but this time I got an offer because of the head hunter.
3. If you create a job profile in foundit.com.my, you will get a lot of calls from head hunters. I got calls for many roles mostly mid senior roles.
4. Update your resume to ensure they are ATS compliant. You can google some ATS compliant resumes and update yours with the same format.
5. Keep applying every day, lookup the various job portals and apply. Its not easy applying as you should custom you application . Can take up a few hours i.e. create account and fill in the online forms etc !
6. Track the applications you have made. I created a folder for each application /engagement so I know what I sent as a reference.
7. Keep yourself motivated. Rejections or on response can be a pain. It was for me.
8. You may have to adjust your asking. But how much to ask? I started with a number I wanted, for each application when engaged by head hunters I specified my number. i then had to adjust downwards to a mor acceptable. It was a process to identify the correct asking salary.
9. As you are unemployed do not lie and say you are. If offered a job they will ask for your current payslip. It will be bad if you cannot offer. There is a lot of discussions about how you should not do this.
As you are desperate you have no choice.
Find a reason you are not employed , company restructuring , account run off, took a break from work do to burnout ( maybe not a good one) but you have to give valid reasons if questioned.
10. I was going to look at the freelance job sites , if I was not offered a job. This might be something that might help. You will have to learn the whole process on how to bid for jobs.

11. If you have time learn Kubernetes, this is part of the devops responsibilites. Look up CKA training on Udemy by Mumshad Mannambeth he explains well and you can get your CKA certification.

12. Knowing Cloud is a must. Azure , AWS,GCP, Alicloud etc choose one with the most openings you see. The tech will need to be in sync with Kubernetes to have a better exposure.Instead of random cloud tech.

13. Emphasize skills and non technical skills like managing incidents, fixing broken processes mentoring .

I wish you friend luck, having financial constrains and looking for job can take a toll on oneself. Will need to be prepared mentally. To top that off you have to learn new stuff. It's really a lot.

As a general advise , keep improving your self. Don't depend on the company you work for to send you for training. Like some of the other comments every 2-3 years must learn something.


If you have about 6 months I would encourage this program it has a wide scope on the current tech stack and might help. The issue is the time can your friend sustain another 6-8 months without salary?

https://42kl.edu.my/


Best of luck to your friend

Wow what a wide range of work experience! I have somehow boxed myself in the same industry. Mostly because when you apply via job portals etc I loose out on the short listing as my experience doesn't match the role. I think most recruiters or hiring managers are short sited only looking for people with specific experience.

I do understand the age challenge that's why I guess the order you get the more likely you will not change jobs.

Go for it, nothing to loose.