March 14, 11:00 am, Friday. Right after
checking out from the Bohol Tropics Resort where I emceed the highlight of DU
EK SAM INC.’s annual national business conference, I was whisked off to Bilar
some 40 kilometers from the city of Tagbilaran
It was to honor a commitment with the
graduating class of Bohol Island State University (BISU) Bilar Campus. Along
with labor expert Gerry Guidaben, I was invited to facilitate a two- day
workshop on Job Hunting.
I was assigned with the topic “How to Apply for a Job”
which I broke down into three sub- topics:
a) The Application
Letter
b) The Resume
c) The Interview
THE APPLICATION LETTER:
The Welcome Streamer |
Aside from discussing the rules &
guidelines for business correspondence, practical tips on how to make their application
letters stand out, how to get considered for an interview and new trends in the
business world were also shared
As a former Business English
Correspondence mentor for college students, I stressed the importance of the
following:
-
The
letter has to attract & impress the reader
-
Writer
should observe the rules on grammar
-
Writer
should observe clarity, conciseness & courtesy
-
Research
for the correct names, positions & designations
Practical tips like adopting the Full
Block Style & the Picture Frame Principle were shared with the students
THE RESUME
I explained to the graduating students that the
resume is a piece of paper (usually one-
three pages in length) that details who they are and what they’ve accomplished
in life so far.
It is a selling tool that outlines their skills and
experiences so an employer can see at a glance, how they can contribute to the
employer’s workplace. The most effective resumes are clearly focused on a
specific job title & addresses the requirements stated for the position
Most job
applicants make the common mistake of preparing the same resume for five or
more job openings. Do not commit the same mistake. I reminded them to make sure to customize their resume to fit the culture of the company. Highlight core competencies that they
might find useful and valuable.
They have to get hold of
the company’s brochures or annual reports because they frequently talk about
the company’s vision, mission, strategies, and organizational structure. Find a
match between the skills and competencies they have to offer and align them with
the job opening and the company’s goals
With regards
the career objectives, be realistic. In an attempt to impress, applicants
sometimes write down a lot of career goals and plans. This can backfire and
make it appear that the applicant only knows a little of everything but doesn’t
really have an area of expertise.
State both short- term
and long- term plans including plans for higher education. In a nutshell, the
career objective must show the applicant’s clear sense of purpose
Additional tip: Be sure character references
know the applicant and that the applicant has asked for the references’ permission. Make sure the names are spelled right.
THE INTERVIEW
The interview aims to select the final choices
from among the short- listed applicants based on how these applicants conduct
themselves and how they tackle and hurdle the final interview questions.
1. It probes for competencies demonstrated in the
applicant’s past experiences
2. It ascertains the applicant’s attitude about
themselves, towards their work and their views on life. It asks about personal
vision
3. It aims to know if the applicant can articulate
or communicate the added value they will bring to the job if they’re hired
THE MOST COMMON JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
We also tackled the most commonly asked job interview questions and how to answer them. I told them that at the end of the day, they have to be candid and honest and be themselves and not to be too rehearsed.
Luck plays a role in the hiring process as well
DRESS TO IMPRESS
Practical tips on how to stretch and
extend a limited number of corporate wear, grooming habits to avoid and making
that great positive first impression were also discussed
PRODUCTIVE AND FULFILLING TWO- DAY WORKSHOP:
Overall, it was a productive two- day activity for the 400 plus graduating students. I was extremely delighted with the college seniors for they really participated in the activities. Their eagerness and enthusiasm made the whole trip to Bilar worthwhile and gave me a sense of fulfillment.
Overall, it was a productive two- day activity for the 400 plus graduating students. I was extremely delighted with the college seniors for they really participated in the activities. Their eagerness and enthusiasm made the whole trip to Bilar worthwhile and gave me a sense of fulfillment.
Kudos to the BISU staff led by for the
enrichment session that would surely prove to be invaluable when these new
graduates line up for job openings
SPECIAL THANKS:
Thank you to Ma'am Sharine Signe BISU- Bilar Campus Guidance Counselor, Sir John Gudmalin BISU- Bilar Campus School Nurse who facilitated my presence, to Ms Charity Jaya, Graduating Class 2014 President and to Dr, Arnulfo C. Olandria, School Director
After I bade farewell to the organizers
& the student leaders, I silently prayed for their success when they
finally step out into the real world
Congratulations Class of 2014!
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