Strong mindset, self-confidence land jobs, DOLE official tells jobseekers

Published March 26, 2019, 12:38 PM

By Analou De Vera

Looking for a job?

Jobseekers were advised to have a strong mindset and highlight their capabilities in order to successfully land a meaningful job.

Bureau of Labor and Employment (BLE) Director Dominique Tutay told fresh graduates to be ready as they are expected to engage in a tough competition as they will be up against a pile of other applicants who could be seeking the same position.

Jobseekers queue at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)’s Labor Day job fair in Manila.
(ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

“Kailangan psychologically ihanda ang isipan po natin pag maghahanap na po tayo ng trabaho dahil ibang-iba po ito sa classroom setting,” said Tutay in a radio interview.

[They should be psychologically prepared when they start looking for a job because it will really be different compared to a classroom setting.]

Tutay said that jobseekers should think thoroughly what could be their edge from other applicants who are applying for the same position.

“Pag-iisipan mo kung anong edge mo over this hundreds of thousands of jobseekers. Ano yung pwede mong i-highlight na kakayanan mo na puwedeng makatulong sa kumpanya na papasukan mo,” she said.

[Think over what is your edge over these hundreds of thousands of jobseekers. What ability can you highlight that you think can help the company.]

Before applying for a certain job, Tutay said jobseekers should first assess themselves if they can handle the work they are applying for.

“Maghanap ka ng [job] vacancy na sa tingin mo may edge ka, makakatulong ka, at yung skills mo ay pwede mong mai-contribute sa kumpanya,” she said.

[Look for a job vacancy that you think you have an edge, you can help, and that you can contribute your skills to the company.]

The official also advised that applicants should make an effort to know the background of their prospective employer.

‘Why are you applying for this position?’

Tutay said that applicants should clearly state their intentions why they are applying for that certain position.

“You have to inform your employer so that your employer can also better understand you,” she said.

“So, what is your motivation?, What is your passion? Sabihin mo straight doon sa employer mo [tell it straight to your employer],” she furthered.

Resume building

Resumes should be short but concise, advised Tutay.

“It’s a no-no pag napakahaba po ng iyong resume. Napakamahalaga po nung oras nung interviewer po ninyo,” she reminded.

[It’s a no-no to have a lengthy resume. Your interviewer’s time is important.]

A resume should contain “key questions”– 1.) What is your objective or purpose in terms of career or profession; 2.) What are your core competencies or skills; and 3.) What job experience do you have, said Tutay.

“A page would be sufficient. Tapos kung kailangan pa po ng additional details [if additional details is needed] then that could come out during interviews already,” she said.