ADVICE FOR JOBSEEKERS





If you're wondering...

"Bakit kaya wala pa ring tumatawag? Fleasing fersonality naman ako! Namumuti na buhok ko kakahintay for a job interview!"

Here are some things that you may want to consider:

(1) How many résumés did you send?
Jobseekers tend to send résumés to one or two companies and expect something to happen immediately. That's a common mistake.

First, most companies put out hiring announcements months before they need to hire. While you're desperate, waiting for a call, there's a chance that the company (you sent your résumé to) is just taking it easy. They're not in a rush to hire.

Second, if you need a job soon, why not apply to at least 15 companies? Imagine, if two of those companies decide to hire you after the interview, you still get the privilege of choosing one. (Ikaw pa ngayon ang mayabang! You can say, "I turned down their offer." Mas' ok di ba?)

By not sending more of your résumé, you've imposed a limit on yourself. But if you'll submit more, you'll have more options.

(2) Apply for a job that fits you. (work you are good at)
Putting in your résumé "any job available" is not a wise idea. The company you want to work for knows what kind of talent they're looking for.  So should you.

(3) The résumé shouldn't be all about you.
It's about the job you're applying for. Show the employer how you fit into the job position. If given the chance to work for the company, how will you contribute?

(4) Is your résumé presentable?
People will always judge a book by its cover. So will employers judge you by the kind of résumé you submit. After a quick look, they'll decide if you're worth giving the 'air time' for an interview.

  • Check for correct grammar and spelling – attention to detail is important. 
  • Use quality paper – To stand out from a stack of résumé, print it on premium paper. Don't pinch a penny in exchange for not getting a monthly income.
  • Attach a photo that's taken by a professional photographer. Don't crop your head shot from one of your barkada's photo.
  • Keep your design clean and elegant. Avoid adding unnecessary elements that will add clutter. (No floral design or glitters please)
  • Instead of just listing your previous job title, emphasize the contribution you made from your last employment.
  • Remember, the purpose of a résumé is not to get you a job, but to make yourself interesting so that you can get an interview.

(5) Consider working for a small business owner.
Unlike a big corporation, small business owners conduct the interview themselves. They are more inclined to chat longer and they tend to decide based on gut feel.

If you're trustworthy enough, they might even promote you as 'kanang kamay'.

(6) Get more experience.
Work for free. Did I just hear someone say, "What?... Free?"

Yes, free.

The best way to convince an employer to hire you is to show them what you can do. Sometimes just referring to the résumé won't do you justice. But if they can see how well you work with others, they'll be more than willing to hire you as soon as a job position is available.

Even if they don't, you can still add the work experience into your credentials.

(7) Find a mentor.
Who do you want to emulate? Maybe an uncle who runs a business? Or a family friend who is also an executive in a reputable company?

Ask him to be your mentor. Let him bring you around and teach you. Ask him how he started. Listen to his advice. If he sees you eager enough, he might help you get started.

(8) Get rid of the 'entitlement' attitude.
I've met jobseekers who thinks that the government or private companies owe them a job. (I'm sure you don't think this way!) They don't owe us anything.

It's our duty to look for a job.  We are responsible for our own future.

Now, the pointers above are just some tips on how to get a job-interview.  The interview itself is another matter.

Apply what you've learned here. And then go learn some more.


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Attend a FREE Productive Pinoy Talk this October 27 2012. 
4pm-7pm. Big Shift Events Hall Makati Avenue.

To register for free, click HERE.


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