When I graduated college, I made sure I made most out of my summer before finally having the courage to seek for a job. I went out with friends, travelled in Visayas, finished every episode of South Park, slept and woke up late, until I grew tired of being a bum.
Yet there was one thing I’ve always pondered about: my resume.
Everywhere I went I thought about what to put and what NOT to put in my resume.
Here are some tips on how to create an effective resume (if you haven’t been taught about this in college):
1. Keep it short and simple. No flowery words, no long descriptions.
2. Make sure it is relevant to the position you’re applying for. Companies wouldn’t care if you won in a pageant; you’d rather state some relevant facts that sum up your character as a future employee.
3. Always indicate your character references and do not put “upon request”. Companies really DO track you down and it will cause much hassle and delay if you do not indicate a reference in your paper.
4. A lengthy resume is not impressive, unless you have years of experience and has obtained a PhD degree somewhere.
5. The layout and style of your resume matters. Be as formal as possible.
I am proud to say that my first resume has attracted companies I’ve applied for.
Speaking of job applications, do not fret when you don’t land that job interview. Do not worry about getting soaked in the sweltering heat carrying an envelope of resumes. Do not worry about having your heels blistered. Ladies and gentlemen, applications via walk-in is so yesteryear.
If we can use the internet to research, chat, make friends or even stalk people, we can use it to package ourselves and apply for jobs. Suffice to say that companies now prefer applications via internet since it’s more convenient. Job sites like JobStreet, JobsDB, BestJobs, Craigslist and other remote/freelance job sites could give you a job you mostly fit in. These websites sort jobs according to your level of expertise, field of experience, salary expectations… It sure doesn’t hurt to browse along. It’s safe, it’s cheap and it prevents you from getting tired and thirsty.
Why would you still opt to walk building-by-building to find a job? The internet is here to make lives easier. Both employers and employees use the internet as if their lives depend on it. So you, applicant, should be practical.
The issue of unemployment is not as prevailing as before. There are new industries today by which every fresh graduate could consider taking for experience. I am not solely talking about call center jobs since personally, I don’t find these jobs fulfilling.
Unemployment. Look around the internet and you will find a lot of employers. My statement may be limited to the information technology or journalism industry but getting referrals from, let’s say, hospitals, restaurants, hotels and other companies is just a matter of packaging yourself very well. Finding a job at this time is not as hard as it seems, you just need to package yourself very well and be practical, so I reiterate.
Gaining experience increases your chances of getting employed much easier in the future. Who does not want to be offered a high salary? Who would not be flattered about getting pirated (another company offering higher pay to you)? Of course these are good sub-goals since it does not only increase your worth, it increases your morale as well.
Some companies still cling to the issue of school discrimination (“candidate must be a graduate of the top 3 universities in the country“), and the issue is getting far-fetched, as far as internet-based job postings are concerned. The only discrimination I have encountered so far is not getting the job offer since I am pregnant (and thus incapable, so the company said).
To cut you some slack, here’s a list of the techniques on how to land a job interview and eventually get the job you applied for (from application to actual job interview):
1. Search the internet for the job you’re targeting. If you are still not decided on the specific job, go to a job site and browse for jobs by category.
2. Look for the qualifications. Entry level jobs are abundant. If you find yourself fit for the job, bookmark it and look for another related job.
3. Do steps 1 and 2 until you find your job list quite satisfying.
4. Apply for each job. Job sites require applicants to register in their websites. It takes about 3 minutes to do so.
5. Write or prepare your cover letter. It should be less than 200 words long, with only 3-4 paragraphs. Cover letters are supposed to be taught in college.
6. List the jobs you’ve applied for. You may expect a call a few hours to a few days after your application.
7. If the company gives you a call, it means you are scheduled for an interview OR you are being interviewed via phone.
8. If you’re scheduled for an interview, jot down the complete office address, whom to look for, contact number (in case) and the date and time.
9. Dress accordingly. Never forget to print a few copies of your resume and never forget to bring a black pen on job interviews. You might be scheduled for an exam.
10. Do not fret if the company reschedules you for another interview. It does not really mean you have chances of getting rejected.
I did not land the first job I really targeted. It took me about a month to get over it. Do you know how much time was wasted? A lot. So if you don’t land the job you’ve been wanting, it’s okay, don’t always assume that you’re at fault.
Again, good luck in finding and getting your first job. I’m always here, doing the Lord’s work. 
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