As the Philippine economy continues to open up after the disruptions caused by the pandemic, companies have started to hire. The country may have as many as 2.4 million skilled jobs vacant and unfilled.
This is a bright opportunity to advance your career. If at this time you seek a higher position or role, you must project that you have what your prospective employer needs: the needed skills set and competencies, outstanding customer experience, aptitude to work with mastery and attention to detail, and the drive to succeed.
Your words and image must speak that you work productively and efficiently, deliver quality workmanship, and are loyal.
Real estate developer SM Development Corporation (SMDC) provides the following tips on how to craft your image that may help you get that role or job that you want.:
1. Dress the part.
They say dress for the job you want, not the job you have. When going to an interview, don’t dress just for your role, dress for the role you hope to obtain. Get a good first impression from the interviewee as this also shows you prepared for the interview.
2. Be confident about your skills.
Employers want to see confidence in their prospective hire. Self-confidence comes from knowing what you’re good at and the value you provide, and is seen in how you act and speak. When you arrive at the interview site, remember to take a deep breath and press on! Stand tall and be proud of the skill set you have.
3. Create a list of reliable references.
Before applying for a role, make a list of reliable people who could be your character references. Do include those who are familiar with how you work and say favorable and good words about you. They could be a former boss, a co-worker, or a community leader who knows you and your work experience and skills. Reach out to those people to make sure they are comfortable with being listed as one of your references.
4. Be engaged with the interviewer.
Interviewers would want to see that you are listening and interested in what they say. During interviews, be engaged and proactive. Ask the right questions, and don’t be afraid to say you’re unsure about your answer. This can help recruiters and interviewers assess you accurately if you have the required skills instead of just trying to get the job quickly.
5. Be on the lookout for opportunities.
Don’t get disheartened if you don’t get the role that you applied for. Remember that when a door closes, a window opens. Be on the lookout for greater opportunities ahead of you. Know that you are skilled and through your experience, you have proven time and again that you are qualified for the job. And that there are companies willing to help skilled workers land a job amid the pandemic such as SMDC!
SMDC organizes Good Guys Job Market to connect the job seekers in its communities with companies that are hiring. Starting with the SMDC Fame Residences in Mandaluyong City, job fairs were also held in various SMDC locations in Quezon City, Carmona, Cavite, and Parañaque City. These events partner with the local government and authorities including the Philippine National Police, Southern Police District and the Philippine National Red Cross.
The logistics and networking for job fairs were strengthened with the collaboration with SM Prime, Greenmist Property Management Corp (GPMC), SM Supermalls, iFive Global, Public Employment Services Office (PESO) Makati, and SMDC contractors,.
SMDC’s Job Market Caravan has been matching job seekers with employers since it started in 2021. This program will be sustained to help bring people to the work that they want.
The latest Job Market Caravan on November 12 had 117 attendees trying their best to land a job from the 12 employers from different industries, including construction, engineering, sales, customer service, operations, and finance, who participated.
