Outdated Job-Hunting Tips (& What To Do Instead)
Paolo Martel, Feb 9, 2017
Job-hunting takes hard work and requires plenty of strategizing; but over time, people have come up with “foolproof” tips for a successful job hunt. However, while these trusted strategies provide important wisdom on how to market oneself, some of them are outdated and require a review to keep up with the circumstances surrounding recruitment in the modern world. There are now new platforms that house job advertisements and even comprehensive job application processes. Candidates and recruiters alike also use new technologies to communicate and assess each other, and all of these elements largely influence the recruitment process. It is therefore important to come up with more relevant strategies. Here are some of them:
1. Don’t: Rely on online job applications
Do: Keep your eyes peeled for every possible opportunity
Yes, job sites and online advertisements are the easiest places to look for a job these days, but they’re not the only ones. Contrary to what most people might think, there are still a lot of overseas employers who do not post job openings online. Parang forever lang ‘yan. Hindi mo makikita kung hindi mo hahanapin. Which brings us to the next point:
2. Don’t: Stay away from recruiters
Do: Make the most out of recruitment agencies!
Wag kang matakot bes. Reputable overseas recruitment agencies like Ikon have years of professional experience, are accredited with POEA and have a wide network of reliable overseas employers who could be your key to a successful job search. One of the most common mistakes of job hunters, especially those looking for a job abroad, is underestimating or overlooking the resources and potential of applying through recruitment agencies.
3. Don’t: Avoid following up
Do: Follow up in a reasonable manner
As the old adage says, there is a time for everything, including pangugulit. No hiring manager likes a too-makulit candidate, but depending on the volume of applications they process, some recruiters do, in fact, sometimes need that push to drive the process forward. The key is gauging when or how often it is reasonable to follow up on your application after the interview.
4. Don't: Delete all of your social media accounts
Do: Utilize your online presence to make a good impression
Several recent viral articles claim that going offline (that is, deleting all of your online presence) is the key to professional success. Not only is this impossible (after all, the internet never forgets), it’s also impractical and counterproductive. Social media is an excellent place to build your personal brand. It’s where you can package and market yourself as a worthy candidate. But of course, it is still incredibly important to be cautious about the personal details you post publicly. Hinay-hinay lang. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there but don’t go all-out and post everything about yourself either.
5. Don't: Have canned answers to common interview questions memorized
Do: Prepare and rehearse for interviews, but be sure to make space for improvisation
It is important to know the difference between preparation and rehearsing a script to the letter. Make sure that you are ready to answer any questions they will throw at you, but allow yourself the opportunity to think on the spot and craft answers that will better satisfy their questions and expectations. This will also prepare you to answer unusual or unexpected questions.
As with all other strategies we’ve shared here, of course this is not the be-all and end-all of a successful job search. One important skill to develop is assessing what would and would not work for the particular job or company you are applying to. For those looking for a job abroad, it is always helpful to consider their culture and norms as well.
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