Every graduating student dreams to land a job after graduation. But not all their dreams will come true. There are about more than 300,000 graduating students every year but there are no enough jobs for all. Not everyone will immediately have a job. It is a fact that some unfortunate ones will be included in the long list of those unemployed in the Philippines. Unemployment is a distressing reality in the Philippines. According to the National Statistics Office, the unemployment rate in the Philippines last year is 13.9% and it is likely to increase this year.

     Some fresh graduates try their luck outside the country. There are about 2, 670 Filipinos leaving the country daily to work abroad according to (DOLE) Department of Labor and Employment. You can't blame them for wanting to leave their beloved country because of job scarcity in the Philippines.

     Finishing a degree no longer gives the assurance of landing a job. Being in the right school is an advantage because they are the ones given priority in job applications. But being in reputable universities is not the sole consideration in landing a descent job after graduation. It is important that you stand out among the rest of the populace. There is a high competition in applying for jobs and everyone is determined to get their dream jobs. You must not be complacent and just wait for things to fall into place. Think of applying for a job as if you're playing one of the reality game shows that demonstrate the survivor of the fittest. You must be prepared because those who usually win the battle are those who are equipped.

     Here are some practical tips for fresh graduates on how to get their dream jobs. Following these simple steps is a surefire way to reach your dreams and goals.

What you'll need:

1. Good grades

        Doing well in school is the first edge you'll have. We often hear that grades are not the sole basis of ones ability but in reality your future employers will first look at your grades and this will be their measure of your capabilities. Usually those who belong in the top 20 of their classes are the ones immediately getting hired. So you must aspire for good grades if you want to be successful in reaching your dream job. Employers also look for the extra-curricular activities you do aside form your academics. So it is better if you have gained lots of experience from your extra curricular activities to show that you are a well rounded person and can work with various kinds of peoples.

2. Perfect resume

        In writing your resume, think of it is as if you're selling or marketing yourself to prospective employers. A resume is a powerful tool that could either make or break you so it better be good. You must highlight your strong points in your academics, extra-curriculars as well as your relevant skills. Remember that a resume is not just a list of your educational background, your grades, the jobs you had. Rather it should showcase your achievements, honors, your leadership qualities, your performance in various activities that will make them hire you for that job. It is also important to proofread you resume before submitting it to avoid errors in spelling in grammar. You don't want your potential employers to think of you as a sloppy person because of the typographical errors in your resume.

   The standard format of a resume should include your:

   • Career objective. This is not just a mere garnishing in your resume. This will be the first thing that an employer will look in your resume to know if the job matches your job objective.
   • Relevant Experience and Skills. Highlight your scholastic achievements and skills significant for the job you are applying for.
   • Education and Training. This will be an overview of your educational background. Do this in reverse order and state the schools, degrees and years you were in that school. Be sure to include all awards or honors received. You may or may not include your elementary background.
   • Personal background. Just reveal personal information necessary for the job. Don't state everything about you and leave some things for the interviewer to ask.
   • References. Normally you place "Available upon request" in this part because your employers will know that you list people who may be biased for you. Right references and connections may be your professor or immediate superior of your internship that will make you shine. So some employers disregard this part but others really do their background check on you.

3. Internship experience

        Not all courses require internships or on the job training. But if you're one of those lucky students who have experienced working as interns, then congratulations! Having work experience can work as an advantage for many. You can showcase your skills and capabilities. You can even learn new skills like operating different kinds of office equipments. Aside from gaining training from it, you can even get paid or have free lunch or "merienda". The best part of it is that the company that you have interned may even hire you after graduation if they liked your performance. That means no hassles in job application for you. But of course even if they don't hire you, you were lucky to be able to have the feel of a real job so you won't have a hard time adjusting to a real job when you already have one. Internships can also serve as a venue for self discovery and may help you realize what you really want to do after graduation.

4. Acing the interview

   

        It is true that first impressions last. Interview is the right time for you to impress your potential employers. Feeling nervous is normal especially if it's your first time to have an interview. But don't panic. Relax and try to be yourself. I know this line is so passé but this is the truth. You will be hired because of the kind of person you are. But you must put your best foot forward in job interviews and be proud of what you can do. Just remember these basic rules in interviews. You must also be on time, dress appropriately, have a good hygiene, be prepared, be on time, be professional, be positive and most of all be yourself.

   Here are some Interview Do's and Don'ts that you can follow:

   Do's

   • Do research on the company. Before heading to your job interviews you must research on the company you're applying for. This can show your knowledge about the company's services and may mean that you are really interested to be part of their company.
   • Do prepare advance questions about the company, the responsibilities of the work you're applying for, the salary and benefits and other pertinent questions you can think of. It is also advisable to think of questions about you that may be asked in the interview.
   • Do have extra resume at hand. You'll never know when they'll needing it. If you have a thesis, you can also bring it with you in case they may want to see some of your work.
   • Do talk about your skills in a professional and confident manner. Just don't be overconfident because some interviewers may think of it as arrogance. Just express yourself clearly.
   • Do show respect to the interviewer. Greeting the people in the office, maintaining eye contact, shaking hands and using polite words are ways to show respect in job interviews.
   • Do follow up after the interview. You don't have to bug them everyday, but the only way they'll know you're interested would be to call about your application.

   Don'ts

   • Don't be late. It is better if you arrive earlier than the call time to prepare yourself for the interview. In case you will be late because of a valid reason, inform them about your situation.
   • Don't wear informal clothes. You need not wear designer clothes or tailored clothes to impress your potential employer. Just be presentable and remember to look good. Of course don't forget your hygiene like taking a bath and brushing your teeth before the interview.
   • Don't slouch. Sit up straight and maintain good posture.
   • Don't lie or exaggerate your skills. But don't act too desperate as well just to get the job. Just be honest when answering their questions.
   • Don't answer mobile phones during the interview. Better yet turn it off or place it in silent mode to avoid disturbance in the interview.
   • Don't switch codes. Be consistent in answering whether in Filipino or in English. Don't use poor language as well and try not to answer in a yes or no mode only. Be explicit with your answers.

5. Lots of confidence

   

        In the end, it all boils down to believing in your self. Having confidence is a good way to start your career. If you believe that you are deserving of a job position then you must prove it. Just a reminder you must not be overconfident. We sometimes don't meet our expectations. In all the companies you'll apply for, someone will surely turn you down. But this should not stop you from believing in yourself. Don't feel low when some company turns you down. When they don't hire you, just think of it as their lost not yours.

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