How To Get A Job?

How to land on a job? 

Maybe that's the big question going on in your head after your graduation day.

Before, you thought exams and thesis are the hardest thing you need to get through but you are wrong. Graduating from college is just a ticket to meet your dreams. 

Graduation is just the start of it. 

So now, that you have your diploma what should you do to get a job - the career that you dream of, the job that your school promises you'll get after finishing your degree?

Well, if you haven't find the answer yet I suggest you start googling. Millenials and generation Z are lucky to have all the answers in just a few clicks here and there. 

So I thought, why shouldn't I  google with them since I am also unemployed right now. 

Google gave me answers around:

♕Making a good resume and cover letter...

♕Interview questions you should answer before going to a real interview...

♕Making an account on job portal with thousands of job vacancies...

♕Quick tips to ace an interview...

and so much more. 

Almost all the answers that Google gave me are helpful and I myself have also followed when I was on your shoes looking for a job. But let me pinpoint some of the tips which I have done and proven effective when I was starting my career. 

How to find a job?

Since we are on a highly technological era, looking for a job is a lot easier. When I was a teen my aunts and uncles used to buy newspaper every morning if they want to look for a new job. Now, we can start our hunt in the most easiest way.

1. Look for a job

Check FB Groups

Open your FB account and join job hunting groups if you are not yet ready to go out. There are loads of companies posting their job vacancies on social media sites like Facebook. You could see a wide range of jobs by joining an FB group. FB Groups are distinguished by the location of the job offerings or the type of jobs you can find in the group. Example: Metro Manila Jobs, Quezon City Jobs, Call Center/BPO jobs, Parttime/Freelancer jobs, etc. Just search, join and  wait for the group admins to accept your request. After you were approved, you'll get to see thousands of jobs from one group to the other. But the cons is you will not know who among the posers are real and legit. So before going on an interview make sure to spend extra time to research about the background of the person posting the job vacancy. That way you'll have an idea how he/she is related to the company and what kind of company is he/she promoting. 

If you haven't found any connection between the poser and the company, or any information pertaining to the company even outside social media it might mean that it's not legal. So think twice. 

Browse Job Portals

You can make an account and an online resume on a Job Portal. Job portals are like bridges. They help you find the latest job vacancies from different companies across the country and the company would also get access to your resume to check if you are fit for the job. Having an account on a job portal makes it easier for you to be notified of new job vacancies, how much a company could offer for a certain position, where the company is located and more. 

I got my first job by joining a job portal so do not forget to join one too. 

Submit your resume on your P.E.S.O.

If you are a millenial or a generation Z you could have heard that each local government has their own Public Employment and Services Office (PESO). They are the ones who can also help you earn a job because they keep a record of all legit companies within your municipality. Companies went to PESO offices to submit their latest vacancies and they are given the opportunity to search the PESO Resume bank and look for qualified candidates. Who knows you'll be picked by a big company.

Here's a directory of PESO Offices, inquire how to join and submit your resume.

Join Job Fairs

After looking online, you also have to do it personally. Prepare a resume and join a job fair. Job fairs are the best place to find a job because there is a higher chance that companies invited by the organizers are all legit. You will be asked a few questions and be invited for a formal interview on the company you submitted your resume to. This event is a way for you to spread your resumes and let companies know that you are eager to earn a job on their company. On a job fair do not be afraid to submit your resumes. The more resumes you distribute the higher your chances are on getting an interview schedule.

I earned my second job through submitting my resume on a job fair held by our local government.

Checkout the website of the company you are eyeing for

If you want to earn a job on a decent company better go directly on their website and checkout the careers they are offering. If the website seems not updated, look for the contact number and call the HR if they have vacancies. Come on don't be shy. What if they are looking for someone like you. Email them your best resume. If no response after a week do a follow up. Perseverance is the key!

Ask your friends

You can also try calling out your friends, your high school classmates, let them know you are looking for a job. Ask them if they know any vacancy that would fit for you. Asking is not a thing you should be shy for.  Just give it a try so there will be no what ifs in the end. 

2. Prepare your Resume and your Cover Letter

Invest time on making your resume precise, direct and outstanding because that piece of paper will speak a lot about you. There are a lot of tips on how to make the best resume. Do your research and compose what fits you. Also, make a cover letter as an introduction to yourself. Most applicants does not include a cover letter when they are applying - well it's not required but it will make your application more personal. And please just state relevant facts about you. Do not include your favorite color, hobbies, names of your children or make your parents as your character reference. If you want an idea about making your own resume click here. If you do know what is a cover letter click here. 

3. Research the job 

Before applying research about the job you want to have. Look for a sample job description, salary range and qualification so you'll have an idea what to expect on an interview. Your parents and relatives might also give you some hints so ask them too. By researching you could see what skills are expected of you so you can prepare in advance. Research also for testimonials or reviews about the company you want to join. Before they know you, you should know them first. Read their company history and the products and services they provide. 

4. Attend the Interview

Looking for a job is really difficult so if an employer calls you regarding your application answer them. You submitted an application so you have to expect that there will be an interview. You are lucky that a company is considering you for an interview. There are a lot of other aspirants but they chose your application so why not attend the interview? 

I just like to remind all applicants who confirmed to attend an interview to at least be nice and decent to the person who called and scheduled you for an interview. If you confirmed, please show yourself on the scheduled interview. Kung sinabi ninyong aattend kayo, please umattend kayo. 'Wag niyong paasahin yung mga HR or Recruitment Officers na kumontak sa inyo. Because while it is hard to find a job it is also difficult on our part to find the right candidate. 

If you confirmed yet you changed your mind, be decent enough to inform the person who contacted you in advance. Do not ruin someone's day by being not true to your word. Because they changed their whole schedule or even their boss's schedule just to squeeze your interview in and give you a chance. 

Do not turn down an interview too just because you are frightened about the questions that will be asked to you. Prepare your self. Do a simulation with your friend and practice answering common interview question. Just be prepared and be yourself. Think positively and pray. The interview is your chance so do not waste it. 

5. Follow up for the result

After the interviews are over, let a few days pass. But if it's been a week or two and you haven't heard from them, you have to follow up and ask for the result. Most of the time the HR or recruiter is too busy that he/she forgot to call all applicants who finished the interview for the result so it is a good option to follow up. But  be ready for whatever result they might give. If you do not follow up you'll never know what happened. 

So, I hope these five tips would be helpful to you. By following these simple tips I'm sure you'll land on your dream job easily. If you want to earn a job work for it. Do not just wait for the job to come to you. As a college graduate make use of what you have learned, share your skills and help your family build a better future. It's hard to finish college but mind you it is harder to decide what career path you should pursue. So be wise in looking for a job because in the end the job you choose will also define you.