Brix's Crib

How To Find The Right Job?

Although it is relatively easy to find a job in a growing economy, landing a suitable job with the right company still takes a lot of soul-searching, preparation and skill. Learning to sell yourself in competitive marketplace remains essential to the job seeker.

Choosing A Career

The first step you must take towards finding the right job is to decide on an appropriate career path. Most people have their own personal set of criteria for choosing their career. What is essential is that your career choice is well thought out, taking into consideration a long-term vision of yourself. Although it is preferable to make your choice as early as possible (even before graduating), career shifts are not impossible and often necessary. In this ever-changing environment, whole industries and job categories sometimes become obsolescent.

In making your decision, consider the following tips:

Seek the advice of family and friends. Oftentimes your family and friends know you better than anyone else. It is likely that your parents have been through the same experience you’re going through and they have some insights on the advantage or disadvantage of particular careers. Many times however, the advice offered can be tainted by certain personal biases. It is important to keep in mind that pleasing the family should not be the major factor in determining your career path.

Listen to your teachers and career advisers. Most schools have placement offices that offer guidance on this matter and their opinions are often objective. Don’t miss those organized seminars on careers and take advantage of the presence of resource speakers to get insights on specific careers and jobs.

Listen to yourself. Probably the most important factor to consider is yourself and what you consider as fulfilment. Think about what interests you and what you do best and use the insights in establishing a “vision statement” for yourself. This exercise will help you visualize what you want to become in the future. Your career or job is just one of the components in that vision. But having a vision statement can help you plan a career with a long-term goal in mind. It’s easier said than done, but nevertheless it is the best way to start your career search.

Defining a Career

Listed below are some broad career categories that you can choose from the outset.

Secretarial/Clerical - Includes clerks, receptionists, secretaries, assistants and administrative staffs. Nearly all companies and organizations employ clerical staff.

Creative/Literary - Includes artists, copy writers, journalists, writers, designers, graphic artists and illustrators. Advertising agencies, broadcast and print media and interior design companies are some of the most common employers in this category.

Banking and Finance - Includes financial analysts, accountants, bookkeepers and statistician. Most companies have finance groups that include accounting departments and treasury units. Banks, investment houses and corporate holding companies hire a lot of analysts as well.

Sales & Marketing – Includes sales executives, representatives, merchandisers, brand managers, marketing service staff and advertising executives. There are companies that specialize in marketing consumer goods like soaps, detergent and shampoo. And there are companies that market services and industrial products to other businesses.

Information/Computer Technology – Includes computer operators, system analysts, software and hardware specialists. A high-growth area, almost all companies use computers to streamline their operations and process management information. There are groups that act as system consultants for other companies that are not interested in establishing permanent systems and/or IT groups.

Social Welfare/Teaching – Includes social workers, counsellors, teachers and volunteers. The government, non-government organizations (NGOs) and schools are the chief companies in this category.

Production/Manufacturing – Includes industrial, mechanical and/or electrical engineers, production staff and construction specialists. Manufacturing companies include those that make consumer products and those that specialize in producing industrial machinery for other businesses.

Professional Consulting – Includes management consultants, engineering consultants, computer consultants, doctors and architectural and interior design services.

Servicing – Includes those involved in the operation of hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, maintenance agencies, personal and recruitment agencies.

BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) / Call Center – Divided into two categories: back office outsourcing, which includes internal business functions such as billing or purchasing, and front office outsourcing, which includes customer-related services such as marketing or tech support. The endless opportunities IT provides, stimulates (cross-border) BPO activities.

The above is not a complete listing but it gives you an idea of some of the more common career categories. Many graduating students may feel constrained into choosing careers that have something to do with their college degree. Occasionally you may hear about an electrical engineer becoming a banker or stock broker, or an accountant going into sales and marketing. It is often the case of a change of personal goals or visions but what is important is that you like what you’re doing and you feel fulfilled.

Resume Writing

A resume goes by many names like curriculum vitae or bio-data. It also comes in many forms, from the computer-composed and laser printed versions to the handwritten notes in yellow pad. What it should be is a short account of your qualifications as a job applicant. The key word in the definition is short. No matter how good you are, keep the resume within two pages at the most and one page if you don’t have work experience.

Because it is one of the most important documents sought from a career seeker, it makes sense to have a well-written and neatly printed resume. Toss away that bio-data form you bought from the neighbourhood store. There are a lot of desktop publishing services that can help make your resume attractive. Remember that the resume is usually the first contact between you and an employer and that first impression can have a direct bearing on the outcome of your application.

Your resume should be divided into five sections:

1. Name/contact numbers – Indicate your full name, address, phone numbers, e-mail address, date of birth, place of birth, height and weight. Make sure that you can be easily reached in the address and phone numbers indicated. If you can’t be easily reached, you might consider investing on a mobile phone so that you don’t miss that all important call for an interview. Typographical errors in this section (or any section for that matter) can have disastrous results, so proofread your resume carefully!

2. Education – Start this section with the most recent educational level achieved. You can indicate your school honours and other achievements in this section. Don’t forget to mention your participation in school organizations, projects, or socio-civic activities. This gives employers an idea of your management and leadership capabilities.

3. Employment – Although most students have little or no full-time work experience, you may include apprenticeships, summer jobs, part-time work, etc. Working as a food-server in a fast-food outlet for example teaches you valuable lessons in customer relations and many employers appreciate this.

4. Other Skills – Indicate your complementary skills like knowledge of a foreign language or seminar certificates in computers, management, etc.

5. Interests/Hobbies – Employers prefer well-balanced individuals busy with academics and extra-curricular activities so make sure you mention your interests, sports or hobbies.

Some job seekers indicate their work preference or desired career path in their resume. This is quite acceptable and you may insert this right after your personal details. It is also normal for companies to request a passport size photograph to accompany your files. Remember, faces are easier to remember than names or words so it is strongly recommended that you attach your photo to your resume.

You don’t need to include specific references in your resume but do prepare a list of about five references with their phone numbers just in case you are required to do so. Most companies prefer that you don’t use relatives as references.

Application Letters

A resume is usually accompanied by a short application letter. The application letter acts as your formal introduction and statement of your intentions. It should briefly explain the following:

How you came to know about the job vacancy

What position you are applying for and why you think you are qualified

What is the easiest way to reach you

Sometimes it’s advisable to revise your resume or application letter depending on the target company and position, focusing on relevant responsibilities and experiences. Your application letter can also include the reasons why you’re interested in the position.

It certainly pays to follow up your application letter by calling. Many recruiters even see follow-up calls as a measure of your enthusiasm.

You can expect some negative replies to your applications that begins with “We regret to inform you...” In the language of veteran job-seekers these are called “ding” letters or “regrets”. These can hurt the ego somewhat but you should not be discouraged. Again the key is to keep sending out your resume as often as possible.

Preparing For The Interview

After sending out tons of application letters and resume, you’re bound to get a few “hits”. Hits are those ego-boosting letters or calls from companies inviting you for an interview. You’re likely to get more “dings” (regret letters) than you get hits, so be prepared. If you’re not getting that many interview appointments, don’t be distressed. It takes time (sometimes weeks) for companies to process applications and finally get around to calling or writing you.

When you finally get that invitation for an interview, you may feel happy and excited but for many, it’s the start of the most nerve-wracking part of seeking jobs. Unfortunately, if you are noticeably nervous during the interview it could affect your interviewer’s impression. Being prepared will certainly minimize the fear and anxiety so make sure do the following:

1. Collect basic information. Do a little research on the company you’re visiting and find out what products or services they offer. Read up on any relevant articles you see in papers. Ask your friends and advisers what they know about the company. Recruiters are always proud about their company so expressing a little knowledge about their company will help you make an impression.

2. Look good and feel good during the interview. Many recruiters have a portion in their interview sheet that pertains to grooming, so having a neat and clean appearance does count a lot. Obviously, being late for an interview will add to your anxiety (and sweat) and that shows during the interview, not to mention the demerits you’ll get from the interviewer for being late. If you aren’t sure of what to wear remember that it’s better to be a little over-dressed than under-dressed.

3. Prepare all needed documents. Usually, you’ll be required to bring your transcript of records and to fill out an application form with information on your social security number, tax id, etc. so have these details on hand. Having a copy of your resume will help you recall details (like graduation dates) on your educational background that are standard in all application forms.

4. Review you resume. Anticipate what questions the interviewer may have regarding your experiences. Don’t try to memorize you resume, what the interviewer usually needs is for you to expound what you’ve written.

5. Practice. A little role-playing helps a lot. Prepare some standard questions you may receive and then let a friend sit in as a make-believe interviewer. You’ll get the chance to rehearse your answers and receive comments from your partner on how you’re doing. Some interviewers may ask some technical questions on your field so read up on your definitions (e.g., What are the four Ps of Marketing).

Interview opportunities shouldn’t be taken lightly. Good preparation can reduce your anxiety and will definitely enable you to give your best during these rare moments. That extra effort in preparation will spell the difference between getting a job offer and rejection.

Attending The Interview

The day has arrived and you find yourself sitting in front of your interviewer. You’ll want to keep the following in mind.

1. Relax. You’ve gone that far, you might as well force yourself to settle down and smile. Imagine that you’re conversing with a friend. Speak in the language you’re most comfortable with, although you may want to seek permission just to make sure your interviewer understands you.

2. Maintain eye contact. It helps leave a more confident impression.

3. Listen carefully. Understand you interviewer’s question before attempting to answer it. Take a deep breath before replying; not for a dramatic effect but because it gives you a little time to think abut your answer. The first few questions are usually critical because it sets the mood. When you start right, you’ll see yourself relaxing as the interview goes on.

4. Get to the point. Never consciously try to impress the interviewer; you’ll only end up sounding boastful. Get to the point and answer his questions concisely and then explain further if there is a need to. When asked about your salary expectations, don’t hesitate and answer him confidently but don’t give an outrageous figure.

5. Ask questions. Towards the end of the interview, take the time to ask questions about the company. Aside from giving a good impression to the interviewer, asking questions gives you the chance to evaluate the company, the position and attractiveness of the industry. An important aspect in you evaluation is the company’s organizational set-up and the people you will be reporting to. If there are still some of your strong points not mentioned yet, you may want to bring them up at this time.

After The Interview

The interview process doesn’t end with the first interview. There can be several more interviews within the same company, so never become over confident and think that you’ve got the job in the bag. Be hopeful but don’t stop your letter-writing and interviewing activities with other companies.

One way to help you get a “call-back” or a second interview invitation is by sending a letter the next day to your interviewer thanking him for his time. It’s a good way to leave a subtle follow up.

Finally, when those job offers start pouting in, don’t jump at the very first offer and make a promise to work tomorrow. You’ve got to evaluate their offer very carefully. Most of the time, the company making an offer can give you a week to think about it so do take the time! Consider the benefits and whether the position gives you the career growth you’re aiming fir. This is where the soul-searching part comes in. All the tips in the world won’t make this decision any simpler.