The Perfect Pinoy Resume (Part I)

Unemployment is one of the issues being tackled by the government lately. This is a problem that has occurred long before, and is currently being experienced by the people today. It becomes more prominent every year because of the increasing number of graduating students, which adds to the number of unemployed sector of the population.

There are several factors in consideration when hiring individuals for work. The not-so-unusual Padrino/Backer system, as we all know, is something prominent here in the Philippines these days, but there are still companies in which this system does not absolutely prevail, like the one I'm now in. These qualifications need to represent the whole individual as an employee himself - clothing, punctuality when it comes to interviews, language, everything that reflects how the individual will be once an employee.

One of these requirements is the resume. This is a document summarizing all information about you - qualifications, objective, educational background, achievements, everything. However, sadly, this is one document that can make or break a person, depending on how it is made or how detailed this document is. This may land you a job, if done carefully, and may have you rejected if wrongly made. This land us to a question: HOW TO MAKE A GOOD RESUME?

So, how to construct a good, or even better, resume? Fear not, for this article can somewhat help you create a fit-to-employment resume. Please note that I am not an HR expert nor a hiring manager, but, based on experience, these things are the ones that helped me land a job. This tutorial is a compilation of the things that made my resume better - advice from our HR Department, advice from school authorities, and information from the internet. Let's get it on!

STEP 1. Know thyself. You can do introspection, and think of all things that has happened to you from childhood to graduation. These things can help you distinguish which ones are needed for your resume, or those which you can throw away. Remember that not all things are to be put on your resume, just the important ones.

STEP 2. Open your previous resume. If you're a newbie and still has no previous resume, you can skip this one. Open  your document, and check. Did this resume actually land you a job? Is it visually pleasing? Is it complete and concise? You can see for yourself. And if you think that this document actually needs revamping, then you can proceed below.

STEP 3. Is a picture required? Online resources mention that a picture is not needed, unless the job you are applying for requires good looks and/or some features, like flight stewardess jobs and the like. However, here in the Philippines, it is somewhat an addition to your resume. This is one thing that can set you above the rest.

Oh, yeah. A resume picture. Photo Credit

The photo above is a joke, as we all know, but unfortunately, there are some people attaching pictures like these in their resumes. Guys, remember that this document is formal, and will be used on your company for decades, if you become accepted. DO NOT put Facebook profile pictures, or even pics that somewhat are casual. We may not know it, but people seeing that picture on your resume can make fun of you.

Solution: Have yourself photographed in the nearest photo shop. They offer several options, and can even have you in a formal attire even though you're wearing your plain old shirt. Have them printed, and ask for a softcopy, in case of future use. If you're a fresh graduate, using your graduation picture can also be an option. Have it edited by your good friend in a digital editing software, then have it printed. Presto! A perfect photo. You can have a simple smile, but do not overdo it. Moreover, avoid giving an intimidating look. Always remember that a friendly, light photo can do you a favor.

STEP 4. Your contact details. Your contact details are essential, as these can be used to notify you if in case you've landed the job. You can't expect a company look for your contact details, but rather, it is you that is asking for a favor from them, right? Unless you're a badass summa cum laude, then topped the licensure examinations, these companies will really look for you. Remember that giving the correct information can help you, these information are also kept in private and will be used for professional purposes only.

Phone numbers: It's good to put your phone numbers, as you can receive a call from your prospective boss after you apply. However, remember that the company is not looking for a telephone directory, but rather a number which they can contact. Try to establish a main contact number, which you can put in your resume. Telephone numbers are also welcome. Also, try not to change numbers frequently, as you can be contacted a month or two after your application.

E-mail addresses: Oh, the same old email address. We all had to experience childhood, or teenage years, and made our very own awkward e-mail addresses. Examples are: xoxobabychiq@yahoo.com or sk8rboi_0226@yahoo.com. No offense, but these email addresses are laughable and can have you put on the bottom zone. Solution, try making a decent email address, do it like john.smith@gmail.com or mariadelacruz@yahoo.com. There's no harm in creating such, as email addresses are free. And, try to use it as your main address to avoid confusion.

Ginny Weasley feels awkward, too. Photo Credit

STEP 5. Your career objective. Try to mention your career objective. Mention why you are applying for the said position. Be sure that you are directing that objective to the job and the company you are applying for. It is not advisable to say "I want to work as a competent nurse in your company." whereinfact you're applying for a customer service representative position.

As this post is getting quite long, we'll end it up here. However, stay put, there is additional advice coming our way, you can click here for the continuation!~