Fresh graduates have a special place in my heart! Whenever I learn that someone is a recent graduate looking for their first job, the first thing I do is offer encouragement. I know there are many competitive job hunters and HR officers who scrutinize applicants. If you are a fresh grad or not-so-fresh na—here are my important tips sa paghahanap ng trabaho based on lessons I’ve learned and personal experiences.

Hanap trabaho tip 1: Come prepared!

Kapag sinabing come prepared, hindi lang ito kapag may interview na.  Ito ay mula pa lang sa preparation ng

• Well-written and presentable resume
• nakahandang requirements
• Knowing the company’s profile and address
• Practicing the Q&A portion/ job interview

Between overthinking and slacking off sa paghahanp ng work, I prefer the first one. However, ideally, you should also embrace the job-hunting journey. Yong tipong looking forward ka na makakuha ng matamis na oo. It’s possible to experience this if you are confident and comfortable, as you are prepared for it.

Job Hunting tip 2: Exude the aura that you are not just a fresh graduate

Napanood ko ang journey ni Maureen Wroblewitz sa Asia’s Next Top Model (2017). Bagay na bagay na motivation ang kanyang story sa lahat ng fresh graduates or no work experience pa.

Most of her competitors had more modelling experience than she did. Some of them tried to pull her down. Sa entire season, ang tag kay Maureen ay “just the pretty face” (naging problema ko rin ata ito, charr). Isa kasi sya sa may lack of modelling experience and skills. 

Siguro kung napanood ko ang show na ito habang bino-broadcast pa lang, I would also doubt na may chance ni Maureen  kasi ang lalakas ng personality at ang gagaling talaga ng iba. However, her determination and attitude enable her to outshine the other 13 aspirants.  She proved that she’s not just “the pretty face,” but a dark horse.

So cliché na kung cliché, but believe me, it’s a fact na you shouldn’t underestimate yourself.  The first person who will pull you down or push you up is always you.

Ano ba ang magandang mentality if you are a fresh graduate hunting for your first/next job?

Una wala ka pa lang experience, pero hindi ka tanga at tamad para matuto. You must adopt this mentality so that you believe in yourself, but at the same time, be humble and open-minded to new learnings.

Don’t let your interviewer overpower you because of your lack of self-confidence. In truth, being a fresh graduate is an advantage and will give benefits sa company na a-aplayan mo like…

• They can pay you less (but please accept only ‘yong patas sa iyo)
• You are teachable because you are hunger for solid experience
• You are most likely a follower of rules and regulations
• At oo may fresh ang ideas at experience na mai-offer mo.

Sometimes, napapaisip ako na kaya may company na nagse-set ng age limit/ requirement ay hindi dahil sa edad mismo. It has something to do with flexibility and professionalism. Magkaiba ang age sa seniority, at balewala ang seniority kung walang professionalism.

Career Tip 3: Use your resume to your best advantage

Your resume shouldn’t just be a job requirement. Consider it your marketing tool to boost your chances. Make it your best positive profile ever—one that can show someone what your personal brand is, or at least that you are prolific in your career path.

Personally, I try things na libre or murang upskilling seminar or workshop na puwede kong ilagay sa resume. Iyong pupuno sa kakulangan ko sa experience.

My resume also serves as my guide during interviews. I always relate my answers sa kung ano ang nakalagay sa resume ko at hindi sa personal kung buhay. Be cautious sa kung anong sasabihin mo sa interview. Baka ma-sway at magsabi ka ng something na makakasira sa chance mo.

Mabuhay sa iyong job hunting journey!

Do you have career advice for fresh graduates, pa-share and please comment below. TY!