[Worklife Column, Manila Bulletin, September 2011]
In my past article, I wrote about age limitations in job ads that many older job hunters are facing. It is a real issue for many and I explained why companies do this and the process HR practitioners go through to set job requirements and specifications. If you are interested in the behind-the-scenes activities of job design as well as reasons for age limits, you can read my article on “Age Limitations” at http://worklifenow.blogspot.com/2011/07/age-limits.html.
TODAY, I’d like to discuss how older job hunters can deal with age limitations. I’d like to explore the many opportunities that abound and how you can conquer this issue. So let’s get started!
What’s Going for You?
Before entering the battlefield, you need to know your strengths. Why should companies hire you instead of younger job applicants? Once you figure this out, you can then capitalize on them. That is your competitive advantage.
So, what exactly is going for you? In order for you to answer this, you need to look inside yourself. List down the positives---your skills, knowledge and accomplishments. What are the skills that you have gained in the many years that you have been employed? What special trainings have you had from your previous work?
Ideally, as a seasoned professional, your future employer doesn’t have to spend a lot in training you. You already have acquired important skills and more importantly, the experience needed to be good at your job.
Perhaps you can emphasize that there’s less trial and error when you are hired which means lesser costs for the employer. That should get them interested.
Seeking Employment beyond the Age Limit
Some companies are very strict with age limitations while others are more flexible. In order for you to find out, you’ll just have to do trial and error. You can send out resumes despite the age issue and just qualify when they call you for an interview.
Once you get a call, you can ask if they are open to hiring slightly older applicants. You may ask this before an interview if you want to save time. Or you can do this during the interview if you don’t mind the extra effort and if you would like to convince the employer to consider you despite the age issue. There is also a chance that it may not even come up. It all depends on the company. So just be cool about it.
Your Untapped Resource
Just in case, you’ve done your best to find a job but you keep on getting bumped over the age issue. Don’t fret. It’s not over for you yet. You have an untapped resource that’s still going for you. Not a lot of people think about this, but it could definitely give you better opportunities. That untapped resource is YOUR CONNECTIONS.
As you age over the years, you meet a lot of people. You gain acquaintances and if you’re smart, you’ve built a good network of connections. See, you can tap your connections for opportunities. They can help you get a good job or better career options. You just have to reach out and keep in touch which is easier now with the presence of social media networks.
So start connecting! Look back to your schoolmates, past co-workers, church mates, associations, friends and family. You can even capitalize on your connections to get hired.
Smart marketing and sales-oriented companies value connections above all.
Finding Other Opportunities
Regardless of age, I believe that everyone should have a back-up plan. For older jobseekers, I would suggest looking into other opportunities while you are job hunting. It may even turn out to be more rewarding for you.
Selling. Start selling. Sell anything that you can comfortably sell. If you have equipment, property, furniture or assets that you are willing to sell, sell it. This will give you extra income and hone your skills in selling not just objects, but yourself too. If you become good at selling, getting a job will be easier.
Consulting and Teaching. Teach other people what you know. This is your chance to give back, learn in the process and earn extra income. Training companies like mine are always on a lookout for people with experience who can teach others. Some companies also outsource projects to consultants. So if you have the skill and experience, consider this field.
Gigs or Rackets. If you have hobbies or talents that can be marketed as a service such as writing, photography, web design, hosting, singing and others, consider getting into service-for-hire work. You can tie up with existing event organizers or outsourcing websites to get gigs or you can ask your friends and family to hook you up with people who need your service.
Sideline Business. Starting a sideline business is pretty easy. There are many things that you can buy and sell, or build and sell. There are now many avenues where you can sell your items like the internet, weekend bazaars and direct agents.
Business Ownership. This is an option for older people who do not or cannot join the corporate world. You may start a business from scratch, buy an existing business or get a franchise depending on your skills, experience, finances and preference. Do take note however that business ownership is very different from being an employee. Having your own business, in my opinion, is more challenging. So prepare well by attending seminars and seeking advice from successful business owners.
Conquering Age Limitations
At first glance, work opportunities seem narrower for older people. But this is only so for those who do not open their minds to the possibilities. Aging is inevitable. You will get wrinkles when you live long enough. But you can defy dull aging with youthful spirit. Rediscover your childhood wonder. Allow yourself to become excited and enthusiastic again. Open your arms to the next chapter of your life. Aging is not about losing opportunities, it is a new stage of taking chances and rediscovering yourself again. Good luck!
Showing posts with label job hunting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label job hunting. Show all posts
Friday, September 2, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
AGE LIMITS
[Published in Manila Bulletin, August 2011]
When you are young and free, your career possibilities are endless. Opportunities abound. You can experiment a bit and hopefully quickly find a career that is best suited for you.
As you grow older, however, your choices begin to shape your career and you’ll find yourself in a set line of work. By the time you are in your late thirties, you’ve gained enough knowledge through the years on your chosen field and you should ideally be moving upwards in your industry.
During this time, you would also have taken on more of life’s responsibilities. You may get married and have children. You may need to take care of ailing parents or other siblings. All of these are reasons why you want to work to provide well for your family.
But what if, all of a sudden, you find yourself longing for a change of career? Or what if, life suddenly throws you a curve ball and you find yourself out of work and in need of a new job?
You then open Manila Bulletin’s classified ads section. You look for job listings that are suitable for your knowledge and experience since you want to capitalize on what you’ve mastered in the last decade. You find a couple of job advertisements that suit you.
Good reputable company, check.
Good position, check.
Skills required, check.
Competitive compensation and benefits, check.
You’ve found your next job! BUT WAIT! It says in the job ad that the age requirement is from 25 to 35 years old. You’ve just celebrated your 40th birthday. Bummer.
You then look at other job ads and notice a similar pattern. There is an age limit specified in the job ads. You’re way above the age limit. You then start wondering exactly what our letter sender asked:
Dear Ms. Jhoanna,
I’m an engineer by profession and also finished EMBA. I currently work overseas for a power plant. Pay is good and knowledge advancement is great. However, I miss home and have been exploring the possibility of coming back for good. I’ve been looking at job advertisements but have been noticing age limitations that are, well, limiting.
We say that experience plays a big part in true learning and you can acquire this through years of working as you also age. As I browsed job listings, I am qualified for most of the opening, but I always end up frustrated due to age requirement.
So I have a few questions on this issue: Is the Age limit mandatory as a minimum requirement for all hiring companies? Does HR have an influence on this? Is this what we call Equal Opportunity? I hope you can enlighten me.
Thanks,
A Mature Engineer
My Response:
Thanks for writing in with this relevant issue. Allow me to answer your question about Age Limitations...
Before HR practitioners post job advertisements, they usually conduct a job analysis wherein they try to define the required skills, competencies and scope of work needed for the position. They also determine what age range and sometimes even the gender the manager in need of staffing prefers so that they will have a clear set of criteria for recruitment. As much as possible, HR confers with the manager on his or her preference since s/he will be the one working directly with the new hire.
Although Age Limitations and Gender Specification do not exactly reflect the ideals of equal opportunity which has been made into law by some first world countries, it is a practice many companies do in our country for practical purposes.
From an employer's point of view, younger employees are seen as less costly and tend to demand lower compensation because they do not have that much family obligations or medical health problems yet. They also have more years ahead, so investing in their training offers the chance for longer service time.
On the other hand, some companies are also aware that older and veteran workers have more experience and knowledge. They have already been trained by their previous employers. They have first hand practical experience and are usually more emotionally mature to handle work concerns and issues.
So it really depends on the company’s culture, needs and financial capacity. Some companies have strict age requirements, others are more flexible. If they can afford to, they hire veterans for higher positions; if they cannot, they get consultants to help out and train their younger work force.
I understand how difficult it is for older people to find jobs. Usually, the older you become and the higher your position gets, the opportunities seem to get narrower... But older people still have a lot of options. You just have to go out of your comfort zones, think outside the box and explore other ways to pursue your career.
Stay tuned for my next article to get ideas on how to conquer age limits.
About the Author:
Jhoanna O. Gan-So is president of Businessmaker Academy, HR Club Philippines and Teach It Forward Organization. Since 2003, her company has served more than 15,000 participants from various companies and industries by providing corporate skills training, business and human resource seminars. To know more about the seminars and services that they offer, you may visit www.businessmaker-academy.com or www.hrclubphilippines.com. You may also call (632)6874645. Email your comments and questions to: mbworklife@gmail.com
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
JOB HUNTING TIPS FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS
[Published in Manila Bulletin last January 2011]
After years of tedious study, I’m sure most of you, graduating students, are excited to wear your togas, get your diplomas and toss your graduation caps into the air. But while waiting for that celebratory day, you are faced with the thought and excitement of joining the workforce soon.
As this would be the official start of your career, it is best to start preparations as early as you can. If you have plans of becoming happily employed, you can increase your chances of landing a good job by doing a few things now even if you still have a few months to go before graduation. So here are some practical tips that can make you stand out immediately as a job candidate.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR RESUME STAND OUT FROM THE REST
Every year, around March to April, I see a bunch of new graduates hovering together around the hallways of our office building. You can easily spot them because they are holding brown manila envelopes and peeping nervously inside the offices as they try to muster the courage to open the glass door, ask if there’s a job vacancy and hand out their resumes.
During these months, my in-tray and email inbox are usually filled with applications. And since new graduates tend to apply together, I’ve noticed that most of the time, their resumes are almost identical to each other. Except for their names and contact details, their resumes consist of the same school, the same course and seminars, the same clubs and school project titles. Needless to say, this is not how you can stand out from the rest.
There are many ways you can make your resume stand out.
First, do not copy your classmate’s resume.
Your experience, hobbies and interests are unique to you. It is what makes you interesting. So prepare a resume that fits your personality and represents you best. If a Recruitment Officer sees that your resume is almost identical to your classmates, chances are, s/he won’t remember any of you.
Second, highlight things that you have accomplished while studying.
Most new grads would write clubs that they have joined and seminars that they have attended. But as an HR practitioner, I know that it’s fairly easy to join a club and sit through a seminar. What matters to me and my colleagues are accomplishments and projects that you have completed which showcase your skills. For example, one of my best hires, an IT graduate, created an online resume website as a project in school. She included it in her resume and provided the link. I got impressed and it showed me a skill that she had that others do not. That’s how she stood out.
Lastly, put some meat into your resume.
For many graduating students, there isn’t much job experience to speak of and this makes it difficult to come up with an interesting resume. A lot of times, I get skeletal one-page resumes that do not really tell me much. This is a bit frustrating for us in recruitment as there seems to be little information to base the screening on. So here are some ideas on what you can include in your resume even if you have little work experience:
• Internships, Practicum or OJT-work
• Summer jobs, Student Assistant Jobs or Temporary work
• Extracurricular, Sports or Campus Activity leadership positions
• Entrepreneurial endeavors
• Volunteer work: school, church, club, not-for-profit organizations
• Research papers/School Projects
• Talents and Special Skills
READER’S RESUME-WRITING QUESTIONS
I usually get random questions from readers seeking tips and clarifications on resume-writing. Let me share some of them with you, in the hopes that you will be able to prepare better resumes and land an interview:
“Is it necessary to write an application letter?”
In my opinion, it is important to include a short application letter or if you are sending your resume through email, at least a short message that states your intention of applying and what position you would like to fill.
It is common courtesy and basic etiquette. A simple, well-written note will definitely make you stand out since only 1 out of 20 jobseekers would write a message nowadays. The rest would just send generic resume email attachments without any message at all, based on my experience in the Philippines.
“I always submit my resume without a photo. Is it just fine with HR people? Do I need to attach a photo in my resume?”
Resumes without photos are okay, unless the job advertisement specifically asks for it.
If it does specify that you need to submit a photo, then be sure to submit a presentable one.
However as an HR practitioner, I must admit that I personally prefer photos in resumes because it shows me how neat and presentable the applicant is. However, there are many instances wherein I had to reject applicants based on poor photo mug-shots, especially for sales and frontline positions. So if you look good and pleasant, by all means, attach a presentable photo. It could be a plus.
“How can I increase my chances of landing a job interview?”
Aside from my tips above and submitting well-written, error-free resumes that are focused and tailor-fitted to employers, you can increase your chances of getting a job interview by showcasing your skills through sample project portfolios, online websites, social networks, referral letters and yes, even through connections. In the real world, networking is a skill and your contacts are your assets, after all.
There are many ways that you can stand out among your peers. The important thing is to care enough to put in time, effort and brainwork into the process. Putting in the extra effort and doing even the simplest of things can result in better rewards for you. Congratulations in advance on your upcoming graduation and good luck with your job-hunt!
After years of tedious study, I’m sure most of you, graduating students, are excited to wear your togas, get your diplomas and toss your graduation caps into the air. But while waiting for that celebratory day, you are faced with the thought and excitement of joining the workforce soon.
As this would be the official start of your career, it is best to start preparations as early as you can. If you have plans of becoming happily employed, you can increase your chances of landing a good job by doing a few things now even if you still have a few months to go before graduation. So here are some practical tips that can make you stand out immediately as a job candidate.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR RESUME STAND OUT FROM THE REST
Every year, around March to April, I see a bunch of new graduates hovering together around the hallways of our office building. You can easily spot them because they are holding brown manila envelopes and peeping nervously inside the offices as they try to muster the courage to open the glass door, ask if there’s a job vacancy and hand out their resumes.
During these months, my in-tray and email inbox are usually filled with applications. And since new graduates tend to apply together, I’ve noticed that most of the time, their resumes are almost identical to each other. Except for their names and contact details, their resumes consist of the same school, the same course and seminars, the same clubs and school project titles. Needless to say, this is not how you can stand out from the rest.
There are many ways you can make your resume stand out.
First, do not copy your classmate’s resume.
Your experience, hobbies and interests are unique to you. It is what makes you interesting. So prepare a resume that fits your personality and represents you best. If a Recruitment Officer sees that your resume is almost identical to your classmates, chances are, s/he won’t remember any of you.
Second, highlight things that you have accomplished while studying.
Most new grads would write clubs that they have joined and seminars that they have attended. But as an HR practitioner, I know that it’s fairly easy to join a club and sit through a seminar. What matters to me and my colleagues are accomplishments and projects that you have completed which showcase your skills. For example, one of my best hires, an IT graduate, created an online resume website as a project in school. She included it in her resume and provided the link. I got impressed and it showed me a skill that she had that others do not. That’s how she stood out.
Lastly, put some meat into your resume.
For many graduating students, there isn’t much job experience to speak of and this makes it difficult to come up with an interesting resume. A lot of times, I get skeletal one-page resumes that do not really tell me much. This is a bit frustrating for us in recruitment as there seems to be little information to base the screening on. So here are some ideas on what you can include in your resume even if you have little work experience:
• Internships, Practicum or OJT-work
• Summer jobs, Student Assistant Jobs or Temporary work
• Extracurricular, Sports or Campus Activity leadership positions
• Entrepreneurial endeavors
• Volunteer work: school, church, club, not-for-profit organizations
• Research papers/School Projects
• Talents and Special Skills
READER’S RESUME-WRITING QUESTIONS
I usually get random questions from readers seeking tips and clarifications on resume-writing. Let me share some of them with you, in the hopes that you will be able to prepare better resumes and land an interview:
“Is it necessary to write an application letter?”
In my opinion, it is important to include a short application letter or if you are sending your resume through email, at least a short message that states your intention of applying and what position you would like to fill.
It is common courtesy and basic etiquette. A simple, well-written note will definitely make you stand out since only 1 out of 20 jobseekers would write a message nowadays. The rest would just send generic resume email attachments without any message at all, based on my experience in the Philippines.
“I always submit my resume without a photo. Is it just fine with HR people? Do I need to attach a photo in my resume?”
Resumes without photos are okay, unless the job advertisement specifically asks for it.
If it does specify that you need to submit a photo, then be sure to submit a presentable one.
However as an HR practitioner, I must admit that I personally prefer photos in resumes because it shows me how neat and presentable the applicant is. However, there are many instances wherein I had to reject applicants based on poor photo mug-shots, especially for sales and frontline positions. So if you look good and pleasant, by all means, attach a presentable photo. It could be a plus.
“How can I increase my chances of landing a job interview?”
Aside from my tips above and submitting well-written, error-free resumes that are focused and tailor-fitted to employers, you can increase your chances of getting a job interview by showcasing your skills through sample project portfolios, online websites, social networks, referral letters and yes, even through connections. In the real world, networking is a skill and your contacts are your assets, after all.
There are many ways that you can stand out among your peers. The important thing is to care enough to put in time, effort and brainwork into the process. Putting in the extra effort and doing even the simplest of things can result in better rewards for you. Congratulations in advance on your upcoming graduation and good luck with your job-hunt!
UNCERTAINTY & REJECTION
[Published in Manila Bulletin last November 2011]
Job hunting is very much like dating… you go meet different prospective employers; you put your best foot forward and hope that this will lead to long-term employment or at least, a good work experience. And after going through the tests and interviews, you hear the all too familiar phrase, “We’ll call you…”
Then you wait…
If you are lucky enough to get a company interested in you, you get called for another interview date, then perhaps another after that and if things go smoothly, you are offered a job.
However, there might be instances wherein you’re not the perfect match or you are not exactly the right person that recruitment officers are looking for. Sometimes, the call that you have been waiting for doesn’t come, so you have to continue the search and go through more tests and interviews until the right opportunity comes along.
This uncertainty causes disappointments and stress among many job hunters. Naturally, you’ll start to wonder why you haven’t gotten a callback and you start analyzing things, similar to the experiences and questions of some of our readers:
“I applied online 3 months ago and got no response. Then recently, I saw the same vacancy being advertised in the newspaper…”
From a jobseeker: Good day Ma'am! I'm currently a job hunter and I would like to ask you something. I applied 3 months ago in certain companies via the internet and I heard nothing from them. Recently, those companies I applied for started to post their ads on the newspaper, and they're looking for the same positions, the ones I applied for 3 months ago. What does this mean?
Meanwhile, I also applied in this well-known company last May. I already had an initial interview and employment exam. After that, I was asked to submit my medical records, before the final interview. The HR told me that they would call me if I'm already scheduled for a final interview. That was last July. I waited, but the call never came. Since they asked for my medical records, I was looking forward to getting accepted by the company. What happened?
My response: Thank you for writing and sharing your experience in job hunting. To answer your question, there are really no hard and fast rules that govern the hiring policies of all companies. Each company has its own procedures and policies depending on their needs, culture and requirements.
There could be several reasons why the companies you applied for did not reply online and instead placed a print ad 3 months later. Most companies do an initial screening on the resumes they receive. Usually, those who match the qualifications are called for interview and those who do not match their requirements most often do not get a call.
Sometimes, there are cases wherein the needs of the company suddenly changes. Projects get delayed, recruitment efforts are put on hold or the timing isn't so right.
There are also instances wherein there's a problem with the application sent. In my experience, I've received thousands of email applications that do not have a message, just a resume attachment. If the job is a communications job, I usually discard applications with no messages because I need applicants who have basic business etiquette. Occasionally, I receive resume attachments that I cannot open due to technical glitches. Since I'm too busy to figure out how to open these files, I just discard these as swell.
So here are my suggestions:
1. Check your resume and method of job application and be sure that it really gets sent and that it can be opened by recruitment officers. Review the content of your resume and make sure it matches the qualifications posted in the advertisement.
2. Continue your job search and apply to several companies that match your interest and qualifications. If the companies you applied for do not respond, move on to your next targets.
3. Have ready copies of your resume, transcript of records, medical records and other employment requirements on hand. Some companies ask for these at the start of the recruitment while other companies do this as a last step.
“One interviewer gave me advice that I should improve my personality. What does having a Pleasing Personality mean?”
From a jobseeker: I just want to ask what does having a Pleasing Personality mean? Does it mean to be beautiful and gorgeous?
I'm 21 years old but physically I look like 35 yrs old just because of the sleep lines on my forehead. I've apply for an administrative position to different companies and have gone through so many interviews but unfortunately have failed so far. One interviewer gave me some advice on her assessment of me. She told me to improve my personality. At that time, I was afraid to ask why and so now I'm asking myself. Could it be because I’m not really beautiful and gorgeous? Please help me so that my anxieties and disappointment will lessen. Thank you.
My response: A "Pleasing Personality" refers to the overall trait of a person. It is not just about looks or outer appearance; it also means a person's behavior, attitude and demeanor.
In the context of recruitment, HR officers will look at how pleasant an applicant is...
I.e. Is the applicant presentable, neat and well-groomed?
Does the applicant have a friendly and warm smile?
Does the applicant have a professional demeanor?
Does the applicant have good business etiquette?
Can the applicant represent the company well?
A person who has a pleasing personality is very likable. He or she does not have to be beautiful or gorgeous, just pleasant, neat and with a nice personality.
So to improve your personality especially for the sake of job hunting, try to focus on good grooming and having a warm, friendly attitude. Smile always and be nice if you want to develop your personality.
Believe in Yourself!
When we get rejected or during times of uncertainty, we naturally feel hurt and most of the time, we start picking on ourselves and finding fault within. But the truth of the matter is employers are just trying to find the right match for the job. Just like in dating, not everyone you go out with will spark romance. You’ll just have to continue searching until the right one comes along. In the meantime, do continue developing yourself to make you more attractive to employers and sooner or later, you will find a good job that’s right for you.
Job hunting is very much like dating… you go meet different prospective employers; you put your best foot forward and hope that this will lead to long-term employment or at least, a good work experience. And after going through the tests and interviews, you hear the all too familiar phrase, “We’ll call you…”
Then you wait…
If you are lucky enough to get a company interested in you, you get called for another interview date, then perhaps another after that and if things go smoothly, you are offered a job.
However, there might be instances wherein you’re not the perfect match or you are not exactly the right person that recruitment officers are looking for. Sometimes, the call that you have been waiting for doesn’t come, so you have to continue the search and go through more tests and interviews until the right opportunity comes along.
This uncertainty causes disappointments and stress among many job hunters. Naturally, you’ll start to wonder why you haven’t gotten a callback and you start analyzing things, similar to the experiences and questions of some of our readers:
“I applied online 3 months ago and got no response. Then recently, I saw the same vacancy being advertised in the newspaper…”
From a jobseeker: Good day Ma'am! I'm currently a job hunter and I would like to ask you something. I applied 3 months ago in certain companies via the internet and I heard nothing from them. Recently, those companies I applied for started to post their ads on the newspaper, and they're looking for the same positions, the ones I applied for 3 months ago. What does this mean?
Meanwhile, I also applied in this well-known company last May. I already had an initial interview and employment exam. After that, I was asked to submit my medical records, before the final interview. The HR told me that they would call me if I'm already scheduled for a final interview. That was last July. I waited, but the call never came. Since they asked for my medical records, I was looking forward to getting accepted by the company. What happened?
My response: Thank you for writing and sharing your experience in job hunting. To answer your question, there are really no hard and fast rules that govern the hiring policies of all companies. Each company has its own procedures and policies depending on their needs, culture and requirements.
There could be several reasons why the companies you applied for did not reply online and instead placed a print ad 3 months later. Most companies do an initial screening on the resumes they receive. Usually, those who match the qualifications are called for interview and those who do not match their requirements most often do not get a call.
Sometimes, there are cases wherein the needs of the company suddenly changes. Projects get delayed, recruitment efforts are put on hold or the timing isn't so right.
There are also instances wherein there's a problem with the application sent. In my experience, I've received thousands of email applications that do not have a message, just a resume attachment. If the job is a communications job, I usually discard applications with no messages because I need applicants who have basic business etiquette. Occasionally, I receive resume attachments that I cannot open due to technical glitches. Since I'm too busy to figure out how to open these files, I just discard these as swell.
So here are my suggestions:
1. Check your resume and method of job application and be sure that it really gets sent and that it can be opened by recruitment officers. Review the content of your resume and make sure it matches the qualifications posted in the advertisement.
2. Continue your job search and apply to several companies that match your interest and qualifications. If the companies you applied for do not respond, move on to your next targets.
3. Have ready copies of your resume, transcript of records, medical records and other employment requirements on hand. Some companies ask for these at the start of the recruitment while other companies do this as a last step.
“One interviewer gave me advice that I should improve my personality. What does having a Pleasing Personality mean?”
From a jobseeker: I just want to ask what does having a Pleasing Personality mean? Does it mean to be beautiful and gorgeous?
I'm 21 years old but physically I look like 35 yrs old just because of the sleep lines on my forehead. I've apply for an administrative position to different companies and have gone through so many interviews but unfortunately have failed so far. One interviewer gave me some advice on her assessment of me. She told me to improve my personality. At that time, I was afraid to ask why and so now I'm asking myself. Could it be because I’m not really beautiful and gorgeous? Please help me so that my anxieties and disappointment will lessen. Thank you.
My response: A "Pleasing Personality" refers to the overall trait of a person. It is not just about looks or outer appearance; it also means a person's behavior, attitude and demeanor.
In the context of recruitment, HR officers will look at how pleasant an applicant is...
I.e. Is the applicant presentable, neat and well-groomed?
Does the applicant have a friendly and warm smile?
Does the applicant have a professional demeanor?
Does the applicant have good business etiquette?
Can the applicant represent the company well?
A person who has a pleasing personality is very likable. He or she does not have to be beautiful or gorgeous, just pleasant, neat and with a nice personality.
So to improve your personality especially for the sake of job hunting, try to focus on good grooming and having a warm, friendly attitude. Smile always and be nice if you want to develop your personality.
Believe in Yourself!
When we get rejected or during times of uncertainty, we naturally feel hurt and most of the time, we start picking on ourselves and finding fault within. But the truth of the matter is employers are just trying to find the right match for the job. Just like in dating, not everyone you go out with will spark romance. You’ll just have to continue searching until the right one comes along. In the meantime, do continue developing yourself to make you more attractive to employers and sooner or later, you will find a good job that’s right for you.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Selling Yourself To Get The Job That You Want
Here are tips for job hunters using basic Marketing concepts. This was published in my Worklife Column at Manila Bulletin last August.
Many people are terrified of selling, but it is an important part of everyone’s life whether you are a sales practitioner, an accounting clerk, a new graduate, a homemaker or a student.
At work or in school, we “sell ideas” when we pitch our project proposals. In romantic relationships, we inadvertently “sell a promise” of future happiness. During an argument, we “sell reasons” to help the other person understand where we are coming from. In a debate, we “sell our side of the story” to persuade others to take our side. In business, we need to “sell products or services” so that we will have food on the table.
Yes, selling is very much a part of our lives and the better we are at it, the more successful our lives will be.
When it comes to job hunting, you need to be able to “sell yourself” to get hired. Landing a good job therefore depends on your ability to develop, package, promote and sell yourself to your future employer. And it doesn’t stop there. Once hired, you need to prove to your bosses that you are worth it, so that you can rise in your career and be rewarded for your work. You see, selling never stops, so instead of dreading it like many people, embrace it. Master the art of selling yourself. It is one of life’s precious skills.
So How Do You Sell Yourself to Get a Good Job?
Product Development. In job-hunting, your main product is yourself. That is why one important question that you need to ask yourself is this: “If you were the employer, would you hire yourself?” Successful salespeople will tell you that the easiest product to sell is one that is very good, needed and wanted by the customer. So work on developing skills that companies actually need and want. Invest the time, effort and money to develop your skills. It will be worth your while.
Product Packaging. It’s not enough to just be a skilled worker. No matter how skilled you are, it won’t matter much if you cannot present yourself well and communicate your worth to employers. When job-hunting, you package yourself first through your resume. This is the first thing that companies look at so be sure to prepare a good resume that shows your skills and experience. Be sure to practice proper business etiquette in your emails and in person. When you go for interviews, groom yourself well. Hiring officers are people, and like most people, they react to what they see.
Product Pricing. At one point in the recruitment process, you will be asked this question: “What is your expected salary”. For many people, this is a tough one to answer. Give a high price, companies may not be able to afford you. Give a low price, you might get short-changed. So how do you answer this inevitable question? Well, the best way is to prepare your answer and find out how much you are worth.
You can calculate your expected salary by basing it on:
a. Your previous salary (as much as possible, you want to be able to get a salary that is at par or higher that your previous salary)
b. Your cost of living (calculate your expenses and add an extra amount on top of it to ensure that you can have savings)
c. Industry standards (there are salary reports available online or you can compare notes with friends---this is called benchmarking)
d. The Company (Just as you would look into a customer’s ability to pay, when job hunting, take into consideration the size and industry of the company you are applying for)
Whenever I interview applicants, I find that many of them cringe at this question. It’s understandable because it’s a bit awkward to put a price tag on oneself. So my advice is to give a price range and explain to the recruitment officer how you arrived at that amount. If you are not very particular about the salary amount, you can also throw back the question to the recruitment officer and ask what they are willing to offer for that position based on the company’s salary structure.
Qualifying Employers. In sales, you just don’t sell to every living thing that crosses your path. There are specific customers who match your product, just as there are companies and jobs that will be a good match for you. So target companies that are suitable for you. Years back when I was a job-seeker, I had a clear set of criteria for my ideal job. I used it as a guide and only applied to companies who fit the criteria.
Let me share with you my list:
a. Location (this was my number 1 criteria---I didn’t want to spend 2 hours on the road, so I picked companies who were located near my home)
b. Department (I knew what I am good at and what I am most interested in, so I wanted to have a job and be with a department where I can really contribute in---in my case, it was marketing.)
c. Company Size and Stability (I wanted to be in a medium sized company, not too big that I may disappear, not too old that it’s full of red tape)
d. Company Culture (I wanted to work for a happy company, so I observed how the Recruitment officer, the Boss and even the guard who greeted me during my interview behaved)
e. Salary & Benefits (I wanted to be compensated sufficiently)
Having a set standard helps you save time and effort. If you know what you want and expect from an employer, it is so much easier to find the right one.
Sales Approach. I don’t like it when salespeople hard-sell to me. So I don’t do it myself, especially in job-hunting. Whenever I sell or try to persuade others, I usually don’t become too pushy. Instead, I inform, advise and give suggestions. It’s more relaxed this way and I find that having a suave and graceful approach is something that many customers or recruitment officers like.
So master the art of selling yourself to get the job that you want. Good luck and happy selling!
About the Writer
Jhoanna O. Gan-So is president of Businessmaker Academy and the managing director for HR Club Philippines. Her company conducts seminars on Business, Finance, Human Resource Management, Corporate Skills Development and Company Teambuildings. To know more about the seminars that they offer, you may visit www.businessmaker-academy.com or call (632)6874645. You may visit www.hrclubphilippines for more Work-life articles. Email your comments and questions to: mbworklife@gmail.com
Many people are terrified of selling, but it is an important part of everyone’s life whether you are a sales practitioner, an accounting clerk, a new graduate, a homemaker or a student.
At work or in school, we “sell ideas” when we pitch our project proposals. In romantic relationships, we inadvertently “sell a promise” of future happiness. During an argument, we “sell reasons” to help the other person understand where we are coming from. In a debate, we “sell our side of the story” to persuade others to take our side. In business, we need to “sell products or services” so that we will have food on the table.
Yes, selling is very much a part of our lives and the better we are at it, the more successful our lives will be.
When it comes to job hunting, you need to be able to “sell yourself” to get hired. Landing a good job therefore depends on your ability to develop, package, promote and sell yourself to your future employer. And it doesn’t stop there. Once hired, you need to prove to your bosses that you are worth it, so that you can rise in your career and be rewarded for your work. You see, selling never stops, so instead of dreading it like many people, embrace it. Master the art of selling yourself. It is one of life’s precious skills.
So How Do You Sell Yourself to Get a Good Job?
Product Development. In job-hunting, your main product is yourself. That is why one important question that you need to ask yourself is this: “If you were the employer, would you hire yourself?” Successful salespeople will tell you that the easiest product to sell is one that is very good, needed and wanted by the customer. So work on developing skills that companies actually need and want. Invest the time, effort and money to develop your skills. It will be worth your while.
Product Packaging. It’s not enough to just be a skilled worker. No matter how skilled you are, it won’t matter much if you cannot present yourself well and communicate your worth to employers. When job-hunting, you package yourself first through your resume. This is the first thing that companies look at so be sure to prepare a good resume that shows your skills and experience. Be sure to practice proper business etiquette in your emails and in person. When you go for interviews, groom yourself well. Hiring officers are people, and like most people, they react to what they see.
Product Pricing. At one point in the recruitment process, you will be asked this question: “What is your expected salary”. For many people, this is a tough one to answer. Give a high price, companies may not be able to afford you. Give a low price, you might get short-changed. So how do you answer this inevitable question? Well, the best way is to prepare your answer and find out how much you are worth.
You can calculate your expected salary by basing it on:
a. Your previous salary (as much as possible, you want to be able to get a salary that is at par or higher that your previous salary)
b. Your cost of living (calculate your expenses and add an extra amount on top of it to ensure that you can have savings)
c. Industry standards (there are salary reports available online or you can compare notes with friends---this is called benchmarking)
d. The Company (Just as you would look into a customer’s ability to pay, when job hunting, take into consideration the size and industry of the company you are applying for)
Whenever I interview applicants, I find that many of them cringe at this question. It’s understandable because it’s a bit awkward to put a price tag on oneself. So my advice is to give a price range and explain to the recruitment officer how you arrived at that amount. If you are not very particular about the salary amount, you can also throw back the question to the recruitment officer and ask what they are willing to offer for that position based on the company’s salary structure.
Qualifying Employers. In sales, you just don’t sell to every living thing that crosses your path. There are specific customers who match your product, just as there are companies and jobs that will be a good match for you. So target companies that are suitable for you. Years back when I was a job-seeker, I had a clear set of criteria for my ideal job. I used it as a guide and only applied to companies who fit the criteria.
Let me share with you my list:
a. Location (this was my number 1 criteria---I didn’t want to spend 2 hours on the road, so I picked companies who were located near my home)
b. Department (I knew what I am good at and what I am most interested in, so I wanted to have a job and be with a department where I can really contribute in---in my case, it was marketing.)
c. Company Size and Stability (I wanted to be in a medium sized company, not too big that I may disappear, not too old that it’s full of red tape)
d. Company Culture (I wanted to work for a happy company, so I observed how the Recruitment officer, the Boss and even the guard who greeted me during my interview behaved)
e. Salary & Benefits (I wanted to be compensated sufficiently)
Having a set standard helps you save time and effort. If you know what you want and expect from an employer, it is so much easier to find the right one.
Sales Approach. I don’t like it when salespeople hard-sell to me. So I don’t do it myself, especially in job-hunting. Whenever I sell or try to persuade others, I usually don’t become too pushy. Instead, I inform, advise and give suggestions. It’s more relaxed this way and I find that having a suave and graceful approach is something that many customers or recruitment officers like.
So master the art of selling yourself to get the job that you want. Good luck and happy selling!
About the Writer
Jhoanna O. Gan-So is president of Businessmaker Academy and the managing director for HR Club Philippines. Her company conducts seminars on Business, Finance, Human Resource Management, Corporate Skills Development and Company Teambuildings. To know more about the seminars that they offer, you may visit www.businessmaker-academy.com or call (632)6874645. You may visit www.hrclubphilippines for more Work-life articles. Email your comments and questions to: mbworklife@gmail.com
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Seven Ways to Increase Your Employablity
[Published in Manila Bulletin last Dec. 9, 2009]
Having interviewed many job applicants for more than a decade, I have seen my share of the best and the worst.
The best ones are gems that come by once in awhile and HR practitioners like me rejoice when we sense a perfect fit. The worst ones (people with questionable characters) are more difficult to detect because it takes time and a lot of background checking to know the true nature of a person.
Interestingly, majority of job applicants fall in between the best and the worst. These people are essentially good, but they have not yet developed into their full potential nor have they mastered the art of job hunting. Like rough diamonds, all they need is some polishing to shine in the job hunting game.
If you want to increase your employability, here are seven practical tips that you can do to become more marketable and to find a job that is right for you.
1) Upgrade Your Skills
Whether you are a new graduate or a transitioning worker, you need to stay on top of your game by continuously learning and upgrading your skills. To do this, you can make it a point to learn something new every year by reading books, attending seminars or studying online. Develop your communication and people skills, as well as technical or computer know-how. Nowadays, information is very accessible, so there shouldn’t be any excuse for not learning.
2) Get Experience
If you are a new graduate, do not let lack of experience stop you from getting a good job. There are many ways to get experience such as volunteer work, internship or being active in community group activities. If you have work samples or project portfolios, show them. These can get you in the door and could even lead you to a good job.
3) Develop a Pleasant Attitude
Most recruitment officers look for skills and experience when they read through resumes. But when you come face to face with them during an interview, it is your personality that they will respond to. If you are pleasant, positive and generally likeable, you are more likely to impress them. HR practitioners look for people that are easy to work with and manage.
4) Enhance Your Image
From your resume photo to your actual interview, take the time to groom yourself and dress properly. Not only will you impress your recruitment officer but you will also earn his or her respect. Like a precious gem, you need to cut and polish it to be able to present it as a valuable commodity and command a good price. When you look presentable, you will become more marketable.
5) Improve Your Online Presence
Social Networking Sites are becoming very popular and quite a few HR practitioners are beginning to use these resources as a way to do background checks on potential candidates. They may look into your facebook, friendster or multiply accounts, so be sure to keep a decent profile of yourself. Avoid bikini shots and inappropriate words that may destroy your reputation. Meanwhile, if you have a blog, an online resume or website that you are proud of, you can include them as part of your portfolio.
6) Build Your Network of Contacts
In business, the more connections you have, the better your chances of success. The same is true when you are looking for employment, especially in the field of sales and marketing. When you are well-connected and willing to tap your network to succeed in your job, your value as a job candidate instantly increases. So be sure to mention people or groups that you are connected with either socially or professionally, it will definitely increase your employability.
7) Do Your Homework
Employers and HR practitioners love it when you show sincere interest in their company. So before an interview, research about the company and visit their website. Let the interviewer know that you have done so by asking questions or referring to their website. You can even go as far as sharing ideas or projects that you can contribute to help the company succeed. Taking the time to show that you are really interested in working for their company will make them more interested in you.
Many people get frustrated and discouraged in job hunting because they think lack of education or work experience is hindering their chances of getting a job. Although these are important, there are several ways to get educated and gain experience. More importantly, there are other factors that can make you very marketable. So believe that you can be a gem of an employee and start increasing your employability today!
Jhoanna O. Gan-So is president of Businessmaker Academy and the managing director for HR Club Philippines. They conduct seminars on Corporate Skills Development, HR Management, Job Evaluation, Labor Law and Trainers Training. Together with her team, she has recently launched the INSTANT HR TOOLKIT, a service that provides HR practitioners with over 100 ready-to-use downloadable, customizable and printable HR manuals, contract, letters forms and templates. To know more about HR seminars that they offer, you may visit www.businessmaker-academy.com or call (632)6874645. To know more about the Instant HR Toolkit, you may visit www.hrclubphilippines.com. You may email your comments and questions to: mbworklife@gmail.com
Having interviewed many job applicants for more than a decade, I have seen my share of the best and the worst.
The best ones are gems that come by once in awhile and HR practitioners like me rejoice when we sense a perfect fit. The worst ones (people with questionable characters) are more difficult to detect because it takes time and a lot of background checking to know the true nature of a person.
Interestingly, majority of job applicants fall in between the best and the worst. These people are essentially good, but they have not yet developed into their full potential nor have they mastered the art of job hunting. Like rough diamonds, all they need is some polishing to shine in the job hunting game.
If you want to increase your employability, here are seven practical tips that you can do to become more marketable and to find a job that is right for you.
1) Upgrade Your Skills
Whether you are a new graduate or a transitioning worker, you need to stay on top of your game by continuously learning and upgrading your skills. To do this, you can make it a point to learn something new every year by reading books, attending seminars or studying online. Develop your communication and people skills, as well as technical or computer know-how. Nowadays, information is very accessible, so there shouldn’t be any excuse for not learning.
2) Get Experience
If you are a new graduate, do not let lack of experience stop you from getting a good job. There are many ways to get experience such as volunteer work, internship or being active in community group activities. If you have work samples or project portfolios, show them. These can get you in the door and could even lead you to a good job.
3) Develop a Pleasant Attitude
Most recruitment officers look for skills and experience when they read through resumes. But when you come face to face with them during an interview, it is your personality that they will respond to. If you are pleasant, positive and generally likeable, you are more likely to impress them. HR practitioners look for people that are easy to work with and manage.
4) Enhance Your Image
From your resume photo to your actual interview, take the time to groom yourself and dress properly. Not only will you impress your recruitment officer but you will also earn his or her respect. Like a precious gem, you need to cut and polish it to be able to present it as a valuable commodity and command a good price. When you look presentable, you will become more marketable.
5) Improve Your Online Presence
Social Networking Sites are becoming very popular and quite a few HR practitioners are beginning to use these resources as a way to do background checks on potential candidates. They may look into your facebook, friendster or multiply accounts, so be sure to keep a decent profile of yourself. Avoid bikini shots and inappropriate words that may destroy your reputation. Meanwhile, if you have a blog, an online resume or website that you are proud of, you can include them as part of your portfolio.
6) Build Your Network of Contacts
In business, the more connections you have, the better your chances of success. The same is true when you are looking for employment, especially in the field of sales and marketing. When you are well-connected and willing to tap your network to succeed in your job, your value as a job candidate instantly increases. So be sure to mention people or groups that you are connected with either socially or professionally, it will definitely increase your employability.
7) Do Your Homework
Employers and HR practitioners love it when you show sincere interest in their company. So before an interview, research about the company and visit their website. Let the interviewer know that you have done so by asking questions or referring to their website. You can even go as far as sharing ideas or projects that you can contribute to help the company succeed. Taking the time to show that you are really interested in working for their company will make them more interested in you.
Many people get frustrated and discouraged in job hunting because they think lack of education or work experience is hindering their chances of getting a job. Although these are important, there are several ways to get educated and gain experience. More importantly, there are other factors that can make you very marketable. So believe that you can be a gem of an employee and start increasing your employability today!
Jhoanna O. Gan-So is president of Businessmaker Academy and the managing director for HR Club Philippines. They conduct seminars on Corporate Skills Development, HR Management, Job Evaluation, Labor Law and Trainers Training. Together with her team, she has recently launched the INSTANT HR TOOLKIT, a service that provides HR practitioners with over 100 ready-to-use downloadable, customizable and printable HR manuals, contract, letters forms and templates. To know more about HR seminars that they offer, you may visit www.businessmaker-academy.com or call (632)6874645. To know more about the Instant HR Toolkit, you may visit www.hrclubphilippines.com. You may email your comments and questions to: mbworklife@gmail.com
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