THE worry and preparation for a job interview is universal. Whether or not it is your first time to be interviewed for a job, the worry is still there. At some point, you might feel nervous and you would keep asking yourself what it is you’re still missing. Is your resume and outfit on point? Is something stuck between your teeth? Have you listed all your experiences in the past related to the job you’re applying for?
Last Tuesday, May 11, Twenty Something asked guests from the Human Resources of Davao-based companies to give tips and strategies to fresh graduates and young professionals when preparing for a job interview. Iris Jule Escalicas, Rpm and Christy Jean Gempisaw have been to different business industries as human resource representatives. They’ve worked in recruitment and training for the employees.
Here, they answered applicants’ frequently asked questions (FAQs):
How does a good resume look like?
Iris: I’m more focused sa content talaga ng resume. So I’m not really into the design, colors, or if meron mang colors at all. I’m looking at the basic info, the past working experiences, and the specific task. It’s one way to put in your work experiences; it’s one way to put specific tasks that you do before. I also look at your achievements and performance. For me that’s important.
Christy: When other applicants present their resume with infographics, designs, and colors, it’s probably because they want to impress the hiring manager na they could do something like this. But as a hiring manager or a recruiter, what we want to focus on is if we could see in the resume the specific qualification that we are looking for in our applicants. Yes they could present it like that as long as it’s comprehensive, as long as it’s still understandable but it’s not a requirement. We still go for the content rather than the overall creativity of the resume.
How should I act when waiting for my turn to be interviewed?
Iris: When you’re applying for a job and it’s scheduled online, you dress properly (kahit yung upper level lang) and you make sure that the connection is stable, that your voice is loud and clear and you have the correct equipment when doing the interview. As for your mannerisms, make sure that once you are answering the questions, limit siguro ang mga unnecessary na galaw ng kamay. Make sure it’s not too distracting for the interviewer.
How can I show my interviewer that I’m confident and that I’m really interested in the job?
Christy: Your confidence should be demonstrated even before you face the interviewer -- even before you go inside the interview room. You should maintain your confidence and composure already because you don’t know if someone is already observing you. Whenever the hiring manager is talking, make sure to maintain good eye contact, nod your head probably -- these are non-verbal actions that you are really listening, really eager to learn about what they have to say. When something sounds interesting, you could tell them. If the hiring manager is discussing a role and there’s something about it that really captures your attention, you could tell them. Make sure to verbalize these things. There’s no need to keep them to yourself.
What’s the best way to say when I’m asked about my expected salary rate without sounding arrogant?
Iris: As a recruiter, when I ask about the expected salary, I genuinely want to know your expected salary rate. This is not a trick question. Some applicants kasi when you ask this, kinakabahan. When you’re asked about the expected salary, you have to answer truthfully. You have to know your self-worth as far as work is concerned, your monetary worth.
If you’re a fresh graduate, you also have to research, ask around about the common offers or the salary range. Kasi you wouldn’t want to say P30,000 tapos wala ka pang work experience. You should know the salary range especially in the place you’re applying for. Example, Davao or Manila. It’s important to know that and once you tell them about your expected salary, you have to make sure that the compensation you’re asking for is fit with your qualifications.
What’s the best way to say when I’m asked of my strengths and weaknesses?
Christy: Use this opportunity to demonstrate that you are best suited for the role and by extension, a good addition to the team. When you pick the strengths you want to explain, make sure that it’s aligned and relevant to the position that you are applying for. You could support your strengths by providing examples and experiences that you had in the past.
As for your weaknesses, employers do not really want to hear that you have none. It’s important for applicants to understand that this question is intended for the employer to know how well you’re able to cope with your weaknesses and recover from your mistakes. This oftentimes tells of your true character -- being able to identify your weaknesses entails that you are self-aware and that you know how to pick the things you need to improve on.