Pet Peeves of Hiring Managers

Abridged version published on Manila Bulletin, September 16, 2009

Perhaps because of our history of being colonized more than once, we Filipinos find it easy to pick up new languages – the most prominent of which is English. With our many different dialects, and a history of debate over the true national language, English has helped us find a middle ground with which we can communicate with our countrymen, as well as with foreigners.

This, however, does not make us instant experts. Oftentimes, interviewers must struggle to understand what their applicants are telling them. Below are a few of their pet peeves, and some tips on how to avoid them.

1. Mispronunciation

Brought about by the differences in the phonetics of English and Filipino, we are very susceptible to replacing certain consonants for consonants that sound similar to them. The most common mistake is interchanging p’s with f’s, and b’s with v’s, giving you terms like “suferbisor” or “fropesor”.

Probably also due to our many different dialects, we are also susceptible to interchanging vowels for each other. Popular occurrences are even used for local advertising, such as “fich mengo pie” (peach mango pie). We also make the mistake of reading the word exactly as it is spelled, which is one of the main difference of English with many languages. Words with silent letters like almonds, become “ahlmonds”, and words with special pronunciation, like “façade”, can be a challenge for us.

To avoid this, it is important for you to familiarize yourself with the correct pronunciation of these words. When you encounter a new word, take some time to look it up in the dictionary and check the phonetic symbols. If you cannot understand the phonetic symbols, you can go online and check for English songs that make use of that word. If you can’t find it, the word you like may be too high falutin, and it might be better to look for an alternative word to use.


2. Filler Words

In any language we use, we are always limited by the amount of words we know. Some individuals find it easy to use the terms that they have learned. However, during stressful times, or when we are rushing, the right set of words may escape us. Many of us resort to the use of filler words that buy us a few seconds to think the correct term, or to organize our thoughts. Basic common fillers are non-words, such as “umm” or the tagalog term, “ano”. People also use fillers words at the start of a sentence, using terms like “actually” or “basically”, or with sentence enders like “you know”.

Frequent use of these terms can become irritating to the listener, distracting him from your message. Take a few seconds to organize your thoughts. Your interviewer would not take offense if you took a short breath before answering his question. The best way is to start with your gist of your answer, which is the topic, then follow-up with supporting details. You’ll find that filler words may not be necessary when you go straight to the point.


3. Forced Accent

With the advent of the BPO industry, there is an increase in employers looking for good verbal English skills. At times, applicants resort to imitating foreign accents to show their versatility in the English language. However, if you are not used to speaking in this language, your English comes out sounding like it went through a meat grinder and got stuck in the middle.

It is best to avoid using any accent to highlight your English skills. Your objective to be able to send your message across and the use of accents may prevent this from happening. A preferable style would be to have a neutral accent, similar to the diction of CNN newscasters. Do not be afraid to open your mouth for vowels, and make sure you are not speaking too fast. Your interviewer will surely appreciate your efforts.


4. Answering in the Wrong Language

There is a very simple rule in conversational skills – when you are asked a question, answer in the same language the question was asked in. Don’t give yourself a hard time by answering a tagalog question in English. Use simple words to convey your message across.

If you were asked a question in English, and you do not quite know how to answer it in English, ask for permission with the interviewer if you may answer it in Filipino. Being polite and respectful of your interviewer is always beneficial to you.


5. Unclear, or Round-about Answers

The way our sentences are constructed is different from the way English sentences are constructed. Sometimes, however, it is much easier for us to do a word per word translation, instead of taking the essence of the entire sentence and re-wording it to English. Doing a word per word translation can make your message unclear. It is important that we take time to organize our train of thought, and construct the sentences that can get that message across properly. Do not be afraid of using short sentences, as opposed to the popularity of longer sentences in formal Filipino. Be direct to the point, and spare you and your interviewer the extra minutes trying to make a short answer long.

What are Pre-employment Requirements?

While catching up with some of my friends during the holidays, our conversation led to a list of important documents which we should have a copy of. Even at our age, and having gone through several employers already, not everybody is aware of the important documents that are needed by our potential employers. While others may write this off a personal oversight, all across the country, other people are probably scampering to get these same documents at the last minute because they did not know it would be important for them to keep copies.

The list of requirements changes from employer to employer. Below is a list of the most common items that will be requested from you when you start a job:

1. SSS number

The government requires all businesses to submit your deductions and their contributions for your social security. This covers sick leaves, accident benefits and pension plan.

How to Get It: To get a number for the first time, you will need to go to the nearest SSS Office. Once employed, you can register on their online service to keep track of your contributions.

Additional Requirements:

• SSS Form E-1
• Certified true copy of your birth certificate/ baptismal certificate/ driver’s license/ passport/ PRC Card or Seaman’s book

For more Information: http://www.sss.gov.ph


2. Birth Certificate

The Birth certificate shows the exact details of your birth, confirming your identity.

How to Get It: You may apply for your birth certificate at the National Statistics Office personally, or through their online service.

For more Information: http://www.e-census.com.ph/


3. Philhealth number

Philhealth is the government agency providing medical benefits for us.

How to Get It: Your employer will submit your application to Philhealth. Your ID card will also be sent through the employer who applied for your Philhealth number.  If you are changing employers, ask your previous employer for your Philhealth number.

Additional Requirements:

• Philhealth M1-A form
• Photocopy of your Birth certificate, and your dependents’ birth certificates

For more Information: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph/


4. PAG-IBIG number

PAG-IBIG is the government agency addressing our home financing needs. This covers long-term loans for the purchase, construction or renovation of homes.

How to Get It: Your employer will submit your application to PAG-IBIG for you. If you are changing employers, ask your previous employer for your PAG-IBIG number.

Additional Requirements:

• Member Data Form (MDF), 2 copies
• Photocopy of your Birth certificate, and your dependents’ birth certificates

For more Information: http://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph


5. NBI Clearance/ Police Clearance

These are documents showing that you have no criminal record, and are not wanted by the law.

How to Get It: You may visit the NBI Offices to secure an NBI clearance for the first time. If you are renewing your clearance, you have the additional option of using one of their satellite kiosks in malls across the country.

For police clearance, you may visit the nearest police station in your area of residence. Each police station may have different procedures, so it’s best to call them beforehand.

Additional Requirements:

For NBI: Valid ID (for a new applicant)/ Original personal copy of the old NBI Clearance (for renewing applications)

For Police: Community Tax Certicate(CTC) or sedula and 2 pcs. 2x2 ID picture

For More Information: http://www.nbi.gov.ph/


6. Community Tax Certificate (also known as Sedula or Residence Certificate)

How To Get It: Visit the City Treasurer at your City Hall. Some barangay treasurers are also authorized to release CTCs. It is best to call your local barangay office first to verify.


7. Transcript of Records

How to Get It: Request for a copy through your school registrar.

Organizing your Documents

Your documents are much like money – you must keep them safe. This is because these are requirements for you to be able to sustain a living. Keep your documents in a safe location in your house, such as a safe or a cabinet.

For easy access, you can organize your documents using clear binders or expandable folders. Keep 3 photocopies of each document. This will allow you to easily pull out copies when you need it, and extends farther than for job application purposes.

Not all of the requirements listed above will be requested by your employer. For those who have tight schedules, it may be best to check your future employer’s list of pre-employment requirements.

Why Good English Matters In Applying For A Job

No man is an island, so the old saying goes. And how can you be an island? With the Philippine population pegged at 88 million last 2007, you cannot deny that you are not alone. This requires us to learn how to interact with other people to be able to survive, and a major foundation of human interaction is communication. Without good and effective communication, where will we find our society today?

There are different ways to communicate, but the most valuable communication resource sought after in the market is fluency in the English language. As the universal language, the use of English enables us to cross the boundaries of different cultures. This is extremely helpful in this day and age, with different businesses going global, and more opportunities for work and business opening up beyond our country’s borders.

Because of these opportunities, more job vacancies are opening up that require fluency in English. Many of our budding industries right now have international clientele. These types of businesses require good English skills to be able to maintain their company operations. This makes English one of the skills that support the lifeline of their company – their international clients.

The need to learn English is not just restricted to businesses that have international relations. With the numerous dialects in the Philippines, English is becoming a second language with which we can conduct business deals with. It provides a cue that discussions conducted in this language mean serious business, and is separate from personal affairs. Many official documents are also written in English. It is important for those receiving and handling these documents that they are able to understand them. Wrong interpretations of the contents of important documents could mean life or death. This can happen in many different fields, in as simple as daily transactions at a store, making an investment with your hard earn money, or saving a life in the E.R.

Despite all the benefits of English to a company, not all positions in a company require good English skills. For some companies, only key personnel are required to be fluent in the English language. These key positions are usually positions of authority – positions that can make or break a deal. Majority of these positions have supervisory or managerial roles. Their need to master the English language is brought about by the need for accuracy, precision and clarity in their communications with their clients. It is from these communications that the rest of the company will get their daily tasks from, and ensure that the company is moving like clockwork. Correct judgment calls made from proper understanding of client needs are what run a company, and ensure that many of us continue to have a career and a source of living.

Since not everybody is applying for such a role, many job seekers can opt to not master the English language. However, this would limit the length of your growth in your career of choice. For many of us, we dream of eventually being able to hold high levels of responsibility, and receive the equivalent compensation for such work. Companies will consider how far your abilities can benefit them. Without mastery of the English language, both your dream, and your usefulness to the company, will be severely limited.

Given all these reasons, if not for the sake of your future company, the least you can do is to arm yourself with the tools you will need to make your life better. You don’t need to be a genius to master English. All it requires is your determination. English is simply a skill, and just like any other skill, it can be learned and it can be developed. All it takes is for you to make that decision.

What Can A Fresh Grad expect From His/Her First day On The Job?

Abridged version published on Manila Bulletin, June 21, 2009

Any new employee can expect that on their first day on the job, they will undergo an orientation to help him get to know the company and the job more. The orientation is a crucial part of work that will help set your goals and work plan for your stay with the company.

Not all orientations need to be formal. For some, especially call centers, the new employee undergoes several days of foundation training which helps put them in perspective for the job they will face. For companies who are more hands-on with the job, the employee’s first day starts out as a day with their superior, learning the ropes. Whether it’s a classroom set-up, or an informal on-the-job training type of orientation, the most important lesson you must learn is how to be able to do your job properly within the restrictions and expectations of the company.

There are times, though, when your employer is in dire need of your skills that you may be given an incomplete orientation. While employers are generally encouraged to provide a full orientation to the new employee to ensure the best, there are times when the employer is forced to teach you about their own rules, regulations and company culture “the hard way”. This calls for you to take the initiative to learn the things they did not teach you. You can ask more tenured colleagues about the rules and regulations, or you can try to catch a few minutes of your boss’ time to clarify ideas. To ensure your success in your chosen career, you will need to be brave and learn how and where to ask questions. It is better to ask and learn the truth, rather than make your own assumptions and bear the brunt of the consequences later. As early as your first day, learn how to protect yourself from making a misstep at the office by being brave enough to check out your facts.

What are the things I should learn about?

To make it easier for you to understand how the company works, you can start by understanding the things that are most relevant to you. Start out with their compensation and benefits plans, and available perks in the company. The things that you may receive, or the things that you deserve to get, are great motivations for doing a good job. Knowing what exactly you are working for can help you focus on the job on-hand. Goals make work more tolerable, and easier to handle. Working for somebody gives you a big responsibility, and big responsibilities can be very stressful. Dividing your work into bite-sized chunks, with rewards at the end, can help you handle the stress better.

Also, look for the policies and procedures of the company. The policies and procedures of the company are comparable to the company’s bible of ethics and processes. You may be a wonder kid at your job, but if you end up bypassing or violating core procedures of the company, you may end up sacked and sent back home to your parents. Just like in school, you must also follow a set of rules to follow at work, and certain procedures to get the things that you want. Following the rules and procedures is a sign of good breeding, and gives you additional credit with the supervisors.

Learn about the company’s history, vision and mission. As part of a company, you are now part and parcel of an entity that seeks to grow and take itself to new places or heights. Knowing the company’s objectives, for both short-term and long-term, can help you assess your skill level and talents to see where you may best help out with the company within your jurisdiction.

Last, but not the least, a new employee should get to know his fellow employees – particularly the managers and supervisors. Not a lot of people appreciate arrogance or disrespect. The man with a tie beside you in the elevator can be the owner of your company. The man in simple jeans, walking with his kids at the lobby may have been one of the managers on vacation dropping by. It pays to know who the bosses are, to be able to treat them with the respect they deserve. Remember: they went through the same things you have and will go through. You have to give them credit for giving their best at their job, and reaching their current position.

Other than knowing who the bosses in the company are, find the key people you need to interact with. Good impressions with these key people can help make future transactions smoother. Entering a company requires you to make many new and different relationships. Starting each relationship on a good note can go a long way to your success in that company.

Your first day at work is your chance to learn the things that you need to know to keep yourself happy and working productively inside the company. For the company, your first day at work is their chance to impress you, and show to you that they are worth more than just what they are paying you. The first day at work shows the new employee that their company is worth their loyalty, and their productivity becomes the strength and future of the business. A lot of exchange of trusts happens during this first encounter. As a recipient of that trust, we should learn how to take care of it properly by living up to the company’s expectations. Learning the basics of life inside the company is just the first step, like a baby gingerly putting its foot down on the floor. Its gives you the courage to take yourself further, and will be your support in making your dream job come true.

When is the right time to make a career change?

abridged version published on Manila Bulletin, June 14, 2009

A career is one of the things that help us realize who we are. It is one of the ways where we can express ourselves, through the good use of our skills and talents. A career is like a roadmap ways we can show the world our skills. Once that roadmap you have chosen becomes unappealing for you, that is the best time to consider if you should make a career change.

Making a career change is not as simple as finding a new job. Career changes require you to re-align yourself towards the new career path that you want to take. Since this involves additional personal investment on your part, first consider the following:

1. What made you think of making a career change?

Take a closer look at the reason for why you feel that a career change is in order. Are you truly unhappy in your job? What about your current job are you not satisfied with? Can these be addressed by your supervisor? You may be mistaking your feelings of de-motivation in your current job, or dissatisfaction with your company procedure with the need to make a career change.

2. What are you personal goals?

A career is one of the ways for us to realize our goals. Once you have a clear idea of what your personal goals in life are, you can make a closer inspection of how far your chosen career can take you in reaching those goals.

Re-aligning your career path with your personal goals will also help you assess how interested you are in your current career. If your goal is to be the friendliest person in town, but you are working in a job whose career path will keep you boxed in doing statistics all day long, perhaps it’s time for you to consider other options.

3. Can you afford a career change?

Career changes do not happen overnight. There are many things you need to do to prepare yourself for your new career. When changing careers, do your research about the skills required for the new career you want to take, and what you need to do to be able to obtain those skills.

Other than upgrading your skills, you must also take a look at your own lifestyle. What are the things you can and cannot live without? How much do you need to survive on a monthly basis? Can my new career support this type of lifestyle? Sometimes, career changes become unsuccessful because there were unrealistic expectations of the new career. A little market research on the salary rates of your new career would not hurt. Websites such as Jobstreet.com can provide you with a general idea of the average salary rates for various jobs. You can also inquire among your friends, for a more personal account of the compensation in certain careers.

4. Who will be affected by your decision to make a career change?

When talking about careers, we are always encouraged to think of ourselves, and our own personal growth. We may forget that there are many people related to us that may be affected by this decision. If you are supporting a family of your own, or other relatives, these people will need to know that you are taking a new risk in your life, and how their own lives will be affected by this. You may be requiring your family to make a lifestyle change that is not to their liking, or you may be depriving the family of their breadwinner. Your decision to make a career change will be much smoother if you talk with the people who matter the most to you and gain their approval and support.

Changing careers is no simple matter. As can be seen by the list above, there are many things you must consider. There are some who might advise that career changes should be done before you reach thirty years old. Some may advice that career changes are only possible when you have established your own nest egg. The only one who can truly determine when the right time for a career change is is you. As captain of the ship called “your life”, you have to make the call to change careers yourself. Nobody else can decide where you want to dedicate your life to. Establish your own personal goals clearly early on as your guide in making that decision. In the end, what is important is for the ship to be able to reach its home port after fulfilling its mission.

Why do manners matter in jobseeking?

This was originally an article submitted to Manila Bulletin for their Clasified Answers column for June 7, 2009. 

I have to admit, when I first received the topic for the article, I was completely dumbfounded. I found it a bit ludicrous to discuss why anyone would ask my manners are important. Coming from a strict values-oriented family, this question was a very alien concept.

To answer the question directly, I would like to quote the words of one of my colleagues: “If during an interview, where one is expected to put their best foot forward, they cannot behave well, then he might be problematic to the company eventually, especially when dealing with clients”.

This statement truly summarizes the importance of manners to your prospective employer – and to the person applying for the job. Without the proper conduct, any jobseeker can jeopardize their chances of entering the company of their dreams. An employer would not want to hire a person who he thinks will cause him more problems. Employers hire employees as a solution to certain needs of their company – not to become something that they will need another solution for.

The First Impression

Manners are part of that first impression you give your future employer. From the moment you send in your resume, the way you handle your interaction with the company and its representatives may affect your possibility of hire. There are many different types of chances for first impressions. As an applicant, you have to be aware of these opportunities, and use them to your full advantage.

With the advent of the internet, this first encounter can start when you send in your resume to the recruiter's email. Take for example this hypothetical email:

good day mam/sr. i am a fresh graduatte of mass communication and i am applying for a possition as a reporter or any jobs related to journalism, i attached my resume and sample of my works.. i am willing also to work on extended time i am a hardworking and willing to learn more and gave more ideas in your company. god bless and more powers

The application letter has at least two faults: (1) It does not follow standard letter format; (2) It has several spelling and punctuation mistakes. These two faults can make it difficult for the employer to understand the full train of thought of the applicant. If the company this was intended for has international clients, there would be a high chance that his application may be rejected. These little things, such as minding your punctuation and grammar, show that you are considerate, and it shows that you give your future employer enough respect to spend extra time making sure your letter is in order.

The Persons Who Deserve To Be Shown Good Manners

Most applicants put their best foot forward once they meet face to face with their interviewer. However, it is more advisable to be polite starting with the first person you encounter, even if that first person is the security guard or the janitor. Remember that these people are also employees of the company you are working for. Your future employer can easily walk out of his office and ask these people about the way you treated them. There have been reported cases of employers including this type of feedback in their considerations to hire a person. A simple raise of the eyebrow at one of the janitors may have a profound effect on your application.

Manners can also be used to set the tone of your encounter with these people. The best place you can start is with yourself. Treat your body with consideration – prepare your materials ahead of time to avoid rushing, eat your meals properly, and make sure you are groomed properly. The way you treat yourself will reflect in the way you treat others. If you treat yourself the way you would treat a king, it would be easier for you to show the same degree of respect and consideration for everybody you encounter.

Practice Makes Perfect

Manners do not just come into play when you are looking for a job. Manners are necessary for any human interaction, and is one of the important foundations for establishing good relationships. Good relationships can be the catalyst for good opportunities for you. Your neighborhood baker may have a son who may become your future boss. Your mother's friend may be able to give you leads for job vacancies in a respectable company. Every relationship you have has the potential of giving you something valuable. It is this potential that you must nurture, even through the simple act of being polite and considerate of the other person. Practicing good manners every day, to the people that you meet, may open many doors for you, and can help you exhibit the same to your future employers. Having good manners is not very hard; if you already practice it everyday, your natural likability will shine through, and employers will be attracted to the package that you are selling – you.

What is a Freelancer?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being one?

abridged version published on Manila Bulletin, May 20, 2009

Do you have any special talents or skills that could be useful to other people, or companies? If you offer the service of your talents or skills on your own, and not in behalf of the company you are working for, then you may be considered a freelancer.

According to Merriam-Webster, a freelancer is “a person who pursues a profession without a long-term commitment to any one employer”. A freelancer is very much like a business. Any business has a product to sell. In the case of a freelancer, his product is his own skills and expertise. He provides a form of service to his customers, in the same way business also provide services to their customers. However, unlike a business which is composed of two or more people, a freelancer is just one person providing the service he has been contracted for. Fields with available freelance work are graphics design, journalism, programming, events management, consulting and other creative services.

Advantages of Freelance Work

For those who are looking for more flexibility in their hours, freelance work may be the solution. Since freelance work is about services, your responsibility is to deliver the output requested by your customer. Since you are not tied down to one employer, you are free to create your own schedule. This is particularly true for service related freelance work, where the customers are mostly concerned only with the final outcome of your service.

For example, Mr. Juan dela Cruz is a freelance computer programmer. He has been hired by Company A to produce a program that will help them monitor the use of the computers in their Internet Café, and was given 1 month to finish the project. Company B has also hired Mr. Juan dela Cruz, to modify their existing database program to include new features that they requested, and was given 1 week to finish the program. Our freelancer, Mr. Juan dela Cruz, is free to decide when he will work on each project to be able to meet the deadlines given to him by his customers. He can decide to work on one project for half a day, and the other project for the other half, or he can work on one project first and finish it.

Another advantage of freelancing is the benefit of having multiple streams of income. Each customer is one income source. Since a freelancer has the benefit of making his own time schedule, he can cater to more than just one customer and get more than one income.

For those who are looking for more variety in your work, freelancing may allow you to explore your profession to its fullest capacity. Each customer you take will have different needs from other customers. It is this variety in customer needs that will allow you to broaden your skills portfolio, and enable you to fully master your field of expertise.

Disadvantages of Freelance Work

While everything that was mentioned may sound like the answer to the common man’s prayers, you will also need to be aware of the difficulties in freelance work.

First in the list is the unreliability of your income. There are different types of agreements for freelance work. Some of them may provide you income at the end of a project. Some of them may provide you regular income while the project is still ongoing. No matter what type of agreement you have entered into, the income you will earn from one project will definitely end, and you will need to find another project to work on to give you another stream of income.

Second and closely related to the first, is the need for marketing. As a one-man show, you will need to learn how to market yourself to prospective clients, and how to find these prospective clients. Having multiple clients, and multiple income streams, is one of the best advantages of freelancing– but you have to work at sustaining this situation if you want to keep supporting yourself. You need to learn good networking skills to maintain your customer list, and provide you with a lot of opportunities to handle projects for a long time.

Just like in the second, a freelancer will also need to learn his own accounting, and needs to learn his laws. Many people think freelancing is just like its name – free. In fact, freelancers also need to pay their duties to the government, in the form of value-added tax (VAT) and income tax. They may also need to learn about legal issues in their profession, to help protect them and their clients.

Also, a freelancer has to be able to properly assess how much profit he will get out of a project. Unexpected expenses may eat too much out of your contract price, leaving you with very little to work with. This especially comes into play when you provide your services out of regular hours, or if you have to hire other services to work for you to reach the customer’s objective. You might also want to factor in your personal expenses in your overall income. As a freelancer, you will have to provide for your own SSS, philhealth and other benefits commonly handled by employers.

To Freelance or Not to Freelance, That is the Question

Freelancing may not be for everybody. Before entering into freelance work, make sure to consider what your needs are, and the options available to you. Consult with the people who will be affected the most by your decision, like your family and your friends. Most of all, consider what freelancing service you will provide, and the market for your skills. Just like with any product, you have to consider if your skills are profitable or not, and exactly what your market is looking for. A little bit of research can go a long way in the profession of your choice, and can spell the success or failure of your choice.

Freelancing allows you to take a creative approach to how you will use your own talents. Let your imagination go wild with the possibilities, but balance it with enough knowledge to prepare you for the challenges that you will face. Your success in freelancing is in the palm of your hands.