killer resumes and acing the job interview for new graduates

[abcxyz]

Originally posted by kevinCostner
Just to share my thoughts......

I just had this Job application a week ago and the company I applied in called me three times in a span of two weeks, one for the technical test, the other one for the personality test and the latest is for the workshop.

There's nothing to loose, as many people might say, but not for me since i have a job now and absences in a probationary status is a big No, No- specially if you wanted to make an good impression on your bosses., I came to the appointments anyway not minding that I may not be regularized on my current job since I was very optimistic that I will be hired in the job i am applying for since the HR personnel consistently gives me a call and encourages me to come to those appointments though she knew that I have a job now. (anyway, i have no right to blame her in the first place since i submitted my resume not thinking of the consequences this application might bring out)

Ive already made three absences in my current job now just to give way to my application on this company since they offer a better, higher-paying job, (and more beautiful secretaries, i may add )

Here is the thing.. I had a good score on the Technical exams, i mean, I think, that I really did very well.

Then comes next the PERSONALITY EXAM, which i think is very odd since ive got to finish the test in 30 short minutes for a 120-question module.
I don't know if the company gives emphasis on the personality test but i damn sucked.. at some instance, i wanted to be an introvert, and at some instance i prefer to be an extrovert so that may look confusing when they find out what type of personality I have. IS THE PERSONALITY TEST OF THE APPLICANT A VERY BIG FACTOR IN HIRING THEM? I MEAN, Its just a Test,.. or does it really have a strong impact on the employers?

Moving on, here comes the Workshop.. I dont have any Idea at all what this workshop is all about. I even thought that It was an acting or singing workshop or whatever whimsical workshop I might think since the word "workshop" is stereotyped..
anyway, i soon found out that the workshop is like a test of your communication skills, and your skills to reason out and make some firm judgement on the data that they will give you..

so then it came, all 9 qualified applicants has to point out their decisions and justify such decisions.. The thing that really sucked in me is that I am a born debater, so whenever some people made some "negative" remarks on my statements, i always follow it up with a further elaboration but I don't threw their statements in back in their faces. I mean, I just can't help but to elaborate. Is this a bad attitude?.. What kind of interpersonal skills should be "desirable" in these kind of matters??
Please help me..

(anyway, as of presstime, i am still waiting for their call, but it seems like i didn't make it in the workshop, I dont know why, but definitely, it is not because I am an introvert, That's a sure thing!)

It was one of those experience that did not turn out right but sure did give me lessons so that I may not be wrong again the next time...
I HOPE..

PS..
CAN ANYBODY ANALYZE MY SITUATION NOW? Is it ethical to give them a call asking about my job application status?? or should i forget everything and move on??

Your advice would be greatly appreciated..

the WORST thing you can do to yourself is to BLAME YOURSELF or to feel something is wrong with you. when you dont get accepted for a job, it doe not mean you are worth nothing or that you have done something terribly wrong or you failed one or all the theings you did (interview, test, panel, workshop).

the truth is you hire someone using the BEST FIT principle, not as much as hire the best person for the job. now best fit could be anything, it could be budget (another applicant willing to work for less), or plain vibes (personality fits the job more) --- there's no one formula. interviewers like you are humans.

so when you dont get a job, dont be too harsh on yourself. learn from it, and move on. now whats an analogy ---- might sound corny but this reminds me of the gf-bf thing. you can't get all the women you court to be your gf. sometimes you like the person but no chemistry so you dont get into it. sometimes the thinking part does not work but the chemistry is great so you go into it. sometimes you really dont like the person but u cant put your finger into why so, so you dont pursue. but whatever happens, you learn from the situaion and you move on.


yes, by all means follow up your application and/or decision. its not good to be left hanging.

> you can follow up by calling them up.

> if you're queemish about calling, write a letter. and if you write a letter, make the letter work harder for you by including in your letter some smart comment about the company you're applying for or its business

by the way, IT IS ALWAYS SMART TO SEND A LETTER RIGHT AFTER AN INTERVIEW. do you guys do this? in that letter, remind them on your strengths. this is a good idea because the interviewer wil be reminded of you and shows real interest on your side.

[abcxyz]

Originally posted by Britneys_Jugs
TO abcxyz
These are my questions:
Do you think companies would merit my part-time job as a full-time job?

What do you think would be the best job description for this? Or more importantly, how could I make it sound interesting?

Do you think companies would still call me for an interview even if there's a minor (hehe, I prefer it as minor) hindrance (which in my case, is inexperience)? Or do you know any instance wherein a company was looking for an experienced applicant, but, in the long run, hired a fresh graduate?

Hope you could help me again. Thanks.

nope a part time job cant be seen as a full time job. part time is part time. but you SHOULD mention it still. specially if you were able to contribute something to the business or depsrtment. but in this case as you mentioned, you didnt do much.

but that is NOT A LOST CAUSE. though you didnt do much in terms of actual work, you must have learned something about relationships at work or dealing with people. dont forget that the work place is made up of two basic components --- the work and relationships. think this through and figure out what you learned about work relationships.

let me just give you two points you can use : 1) i've learned that at work, i need to be more ASSERTIVE to ask for work because i like to work and i can do the job. and 2) that people tend to behave based on the info they know about others (that info was my dad's the boss).

work out the rest and how you can use them in interviews.

i cant help you on how to describe the part time work you did. be creative and inventive about it. but when you do that, make sure you can defend it and talk specifics.

if compnaies are purposely looking for experienced employees, its a tough for you to be called.

but IF YOU HAVE A KILLER COVER LETTER AND RESUME, you can get interviews. the reality is --- BOTH experienced and new graduates are first assessed through cover letters and resumes. another truth ---- EVEN EXPERIENCED APPLICANTS SUBMIT LOUSY COVER LETTERS AND RESUMES. what does that tell you? ---- all is fair in love and war, and jobs.

[abcxyz]

Originally posted by Britneys_Jugs
Thanks Phantom! What's your opinion about my hanging question, abcxyz?


Question: (to abcxyz or to anyone who wants to share his/her views)

Is it ok to apply for several positions in just one company? I recently submitted my resume(s) in a company that has several openings, and applied for each position that I know I have the necessary qualifications to begin with. Can this be considered normal or do I look desperate enough to apply for all positions? Any opinion from any of you would be highly appreciated.

did i answer the question?

for experienced applicants, applying for several positions in a few cases might not be a good idea. kasi may kaunting "specialization" involved.

but its ok for new graduates. many companies hire new graduates as management trainees --- they get you to work in several departments for a period of time and decide later on where to put you. BEST FIT.

[abcxyz]

Originally posted by kevinCostner
Here is the thing.. I had a good score on the Technical exams, i mean, I think, that I really did very well.

Then comes next the PERSONALITY EXAM, which i think is very odd since ive got to finish the test in 30 short minutes for a 120-question module.
I don't know if the company gives emphasis on the personality test but i damn sucked.. at some instance, i wanted to be an introvert, and at some instance i prefer to be an extrovert so that may look confusing when they find out what type of personality I have. IS THE PERSONALITY TEST OF THE APPLICANT A VERY BIG FACTOR IN HIRING THEM? I MEAN, Its just a Test,.. or does it really have a strong impact on the employers?

Moving on, here comes the Workshop.. I dont have any Idea at all what this workshop is all about. I even thought that It was an acting or singing workshop or whatever whimsical workshop I might think since the word "workshop" is stereotyped..
anyway, i soon found out that the workshop is like a test of your communication skills, and your skills to reason out and make some firm judgement on the data that they will give you..

so then it came, all 9 qualified applicants has to point out their decisions and justify such decisions.. The thing that really sucked in me is that I am a born debater, so whenever some people made some "negative" remarks on my statements, i always follow it up with a further elaboration but I don't threw their statements in back in their faces. I mean, I just can't help but to elaborate. Is this a bad attitude?.. What kind of interpersonal skills should be "desirable" in these kind of matters??
Please help me..


PS..
CAN ANYBODY ANALYZE MY SITUATION NOW? Is it ethical to give them a call asking about my job application status?? or should i forget everything and move on??

Your advice would be greatly appreciated..

PT --- there are no right or wrong answers here. and its damn hard to cheat (to get to a pre-determined outcome) bec pt designs take these into consideration. some questions are re-stated differently for the purpose of getting a good read.

on the workshop if i was the one hiring and you performed the way you said you did, i would have given you HIGH MARKS if i was there, you would passed in flying colors just because you participated. it says you are a person who is not afraid to speak your mind, has ideas, knows what you are saying and hopefully a good communicator. congratulations!

[kevinCostner]

Originally posted by abcxyz
the WORST thing you can do to yourself is to BLAME YOURSELF or to feel something is wrong with you. when you dont get accepted for a job, it doe not mean you are worth nothing or that you have done something terribly wrong or you failed one or all the theings you did (interview, test, panel, workshop).

the truth is you hire someone using the BEST FIT principle, not as much as hire the best person for the job. now best fit could be anything, it could be budget (another applicant willing to work for less), or plain vibes (personality fits the job more) --- there's no one formula. interviewers like you are humans.

so when you dont get a job, dont be too harsh on yourself. learn from it, and move on. now whats an analogy ---- might sound corny but this reminds me of the gf-bf thing. you can't get all the women you court to be your gf. sometimes you like the person but no chemistry so you dont get into it. sometimes the thinking part does not work but the chemistry is great so you go into it. sometimes you really dont like the person but u cant put your finger into why so, so you dont pursue. but whatever happens, you learn from the situaion and you move on.


yes, by all means follow up your application and/or decision. its not good to be left hanging.

> you can follow up by calling them up.

> if you're queemish about calling, write a letter. and if you write a letter, make the letter work harder for you by including in your letter some smart comment about the company you're applying for or its business

by the way, IT IS ALWAYS SMART TO SEND A LETTER RIGHT AFTER AN INTERVIEW. do you guys do this? in that letter, remind them on your strengths. this is a good idea because the interviewer wil be reminded of you and shows real interest on your side.

Thanks... That really made my day.. sometimes, i cant help but to think that there is something missing in me that is why i didn't make it to the job.. anyway, im just thankful that i still have one..
A big thanks...


PS.. i just wish that i have read this thread before my interview, it sure is a big motivation..

[abcxyz]

Originally posted by kevinCostner


Thanks... That really made my day.. sometimes, i cant help but to think that there is something missing in me that is why i didn't make it to the job.. anyway, im just thankful that i still have one..
A big thanks...


PS.. i just wish that i have read this thread before my interview, it sure is a big motivation..

thanks for the compliment.

when things dont go my way, i tell myself "its their loss, not mine". try it, it works.

[Britneys_Jugs]

Thanks, too, abcxyz.

[kevinCostner]

Originally posted by abcxyz
thanks for the compliment.

when things dont go my way, i tell myself "its their loss, not mine". try it, it works.

gee. that was fast.. sorry for my ignorance, mam(?).. but are you an HR personnel yourself??
kind regards..

[AnGeLJoLi]

Hi! Hope someone could help me here. (especially abcxyz)

I just had an interview last Tuesday and I do think it went smoothly. The interviewer, an HR head, told me to wait for a while so that the associate publisher could interview me, too (the interview with the associate publisher was quite unexpected because the scheduled interview was with the HR head only) and so that, practically speaking, I wouldn't go back and forth to the office. Unfortunately, the associate publisher was nowhere to be found and the interviewer told me that he would call within this week to schedule the postponed interview. He even asked me if I'm planing to go out of town this week. But up until now I haven't heard from him. If, by any chance, next week, he didn't call, is it ok to follow-up my application or should I let it go?

Any opinion would be highly appreciated. Thanks.

[abcxyz]

Originally posted by AnGeLJoLi
Hi! Hope someone could help me here. (especially abcxyz)

I just had an interview last Tuesday and I do think it went smoothly. The interviewer, an HR head, told me to wait for a while so that the associate publisher could interview me, too (the interview with the associate publisher was quite unexpected because the scheduled interview was with the HR head only) and so that, practically speaking, I wouldn't go back and forth to the office. Unfortunately, the associate publisher was nowhere to be found and the interviewer told me that he would call within this week to schedule the postponed interview. He even asked me if I'm planing to go out of town this week. But up until now I haven't heard from him. If, by any chance, next week, he didn't call, is it ok to follow-up my application or should I let it go?

Any opinion would be highly appreciated. Thanks.

YES BY ALL MEANS MAKE A CALL AND FOLLOW UP make the call as soon as possible. make the call tomorrow, friday. and ask if a schedule with the next interviewer has been scheduled.

calling signals your interest and assertiveness, very good qualities for anyone to have.

dont be shy. be confident. sound smart. dont be apologetic. good luck.

[silly_ka_jax]

Hello.

Do companies offer you the job right on the spot during the final interview or do they get back at you after a couple of days? The final interviewer told me I have a chance of getting in, do you think it's a "pambobola" or does it hold water? Although, I think my chances are not that big because the interviewer gave a specific scenario and told me to sell the product to her. I babbled on and on, I have no experience selling anything whatsoever, BUT the interviewer knows this because I just graduated. They didn't require any selling experience for the job. But, the job requires you to endorse the product. Do you think it's a minus point in my interview not knowing how to sell or market their product properly? Please kindly answer all the questions. Thank you.

[abcxyz]

Originally posted by silly_ka_jax
Hello.

Do companies offer you the job right on the spot during the final interview or do they get back at you after a couple of days? The final interviewer told me I have a chance of getting in, do you think it's a "pambobola" or does it hold water? Although, I think my chances are not that big because the interviewer gave a specific scenario and told me to sell the product to her. I babbled on and on, I have no experience selling anything whatsoever, BUT the interviewer knows this because I just graduated. They didn't require any selling experience for the job. But, the job requires you to endorse the product. Do you think it's a minus point in my interview not knowing how to sell or market their product properly? Please kindly answer all the questions. Thank you.

yes it does happen that you're offered the job right there and then. if they ask you to wait for results, they probably want to finish interviewing all those on their list. but your shold follow-up. better yet, at the end of the interview, ask when you can follow-up.

no, its not necessarily "a minus" not knowing how to sell. i say that bec as you said the interviewer knew you were a fresh graduate and did not have previous selling experience. perhaps rather than selling skills, what the interviewer was looking for was comunication skills, confidence, analutical skills and thinking process. specially for new graduates, doing well on these can get you the job.

[silly_ka_jax]

Originally posted by abcxyz
yes it does happen that you're offered the job right there and then. if they ask you to wait for results, they probably want to finish interviewing all those on their list. but your shold follow-up. better yet, at the end of the interview, ask when you can follow-up.

no, its not necessarily "a minus" not knowing how to sell. i say that bec as you said the interviewer knew you were a fresh graduate and did not have previous selling experience. perhaps rather than selling skills, what the interviewer was looking for was comunication skills, confidence, analutical skills and thinking process. specially for new graduates, doing well on these can get you the job.

I've asked the interviewer when could I follow-up, but the interviewer misinterpreted the question and instead told me I have a chance of getting hired. Do you think it's merely "pambobola" on her part or was it partly true? She said, there were still two interviews left before she makes a decision. When do you think is the best time, like, days, to make a follow-up call?. What is the best thing you could say to follow-up an application without sounding too "makulit" and desperate? I don't know how to deal with rejection so, could you give me an overview on how they're gonna handle my call if I didn't get hired? The company has provided two choices of positions that an applicant would like to apply for. If, I didn't get hired for my first choice, would it be possible if they'd consider me for my second choice? I've already asked the interviewer about this and she said, yes, that's why they provided two choices of positions. But, i don't know, she might be pulling my leg or what. I believe, my skills are more appropriate for my second choice. Do I have to make a follow-up call regarding my second chocie?



Sorry if I sound so makulit.

[abcxyz]

Originally posted by silly_ka_jax


I've asked the interviewer when could I follow-up, but the interviewer misinterpreted the question and instead told me I have a chance of getting hired. Do you think it's merely "pambobola" on her part or was it partly true? She said, there were still two interviews left before she makes a decision. When do you think is the best time, like, days, to make a follow-up call?. What is the best thing you could say to follow-up an application without sounding too "makulit" and desperate? I don't know how to deal with rejection so, could you give me an overview on how they're gonna handle my call if I didn't get hired? The company has provided two choices of positions that an applicant would like to apply for. If, I didn't get hired for my first choice, would it be possible if they'd consider me for my second choice? I've already asked the interviewer about this and she said, yes, that's why they provided two choices of positions. But, i don't know, she might be pulling my leg or what. I believe, my skills are more appropriate for my second choice. Do I have to make a follow-up call regarding my second chocie?



Sorry if I sound so makulit.

you have to BELIEVE in yourself that is very important not only during job hunting, most specially wehn you get the job. we are all bad at handling rejections -- but we all need to learn to suck it up and move on. ive posted a few on this topic here, scroll up, but to sum it up --- dont despair if you dont get accepted. often kasi its not just skills, or just interview performance, "best fit" din kasi. i posted domething about bf-gf thingy, go read that.

i cant tell you if it was bola, because i did not see her facial expression/body language when she said that. BUT, hardly would recruiters say that if they dont mean it. its easier to gauge if you were not preferred -- they tell you outright or dead silence.

follow-up as soon as you can. midweek? end of the week? any would do, depends how composed you are already. sound confident on the phone. and by all means ask about the 2nd option. say something like "am following up on the progress of my application regarding the two positions i applied for" not the words just the thought. so say it outright you are applying for 2 positions. get actual dates --- whens the next interview and with whom. or when do i call again to follow-up in case she does not know yet. the interviewer is a she? use your charm. using your charm by the way works for both female and male interviewers.

[Dr_Love]

Hi abcxyz,

How can this guy sell himself?

Will they believe him?

TNX!

[abcxyz]

Originally posted by Dr_Love
Hi abcxyz,

How can this guy sell himself?

Will they believe him?

TNX!

there are NO limits to what you can do, thats for certain. dont know much about the job market and the internet/e-business but i think the internet is one industry where SELF PROMOTION can be done easily. its probably one of the few industries where you can actually DEMONSTRATE your skills and achievements. demonstrate i mean -- puwede kang mag show and tell (graphics designers is another) you can put up a portfolio and bring it with you to show prospective employers.

i might not know much about the tech stuff, but you can put all your work on cd, cant you? and you can put up your own website showcasing your work.

does not matter what your title is, its only a title --- as long as in truth you did it and you can defend yourself, then do it by all means.

what about as part of your portfolio, do something like a "dream" website, do a website for yourself for the sole purpose of showcasing your skills.

ive seen the cd/website portfolio tack a very effective one. i've witnessed this in all the jobfairs i observed in silicon valley. look at it this way --- if you put up a website showcasing your skills, the world is your audience!

[tomatosun]

abcxyz,

i was interviewed last week, and i asked them when i would know if i made it, they told me prob in 2 weeks. im wondering if it's ok to make a follow-up as soon as today or this week, coz im thinking of doing so but, won't i sound too makulit or somethin like that?

thanks

[abcxyz]

Originally posted by tomatosun
abcxyz,

i was interviewed last week, and i asked them when i would know if i made it, they told me prob in 2 weeks. im wondering if it's ok to make a follow-up as soon as today or this week, coz im thinking of doing so but, won't i sound too makulit or somethin like that?

thanks

no such thing as makulit. go ahead and follow-up. just be nice. they will look at your follow up as being assertive.

[blue_querubin]

abcxyz:

when submitting a resume, is it alright if I staple the pages? a friend advised me to put it in a folder.

what type/size of envelope should i used when i send a resume by snail mail? i wanted to put it in a large brown envelope so that i wouldn't be folding the papers, but then again i thought it could be a bad idea.

help!

[abcxyz]

resumes : to staple it or not? fold it into a short envelope? put it in a folder then mail in big envelope?

not sure if one is better than the other. i guess its really your own personal preference. others may agree/disagree.

the other consideration of course is cost --- its more expensive to put in folder and mail in bigger envelope. but then again bec ur looking for a job, cost should not be a consideration,. its an investment.

i will tell you how i send my resume and why i send it that way. you can make up your mind.

> i DO NOT staple my resume. feeling ko lang using a staple makes it kinda look cheap. BUT i put my name, email addy, cell number and tel number on the header of every page. AND also "page x of x pages" (msword is cool!). so if the other pages are separated from the main page, they would know how to put it back. of course, they will eventually staple it, but im not going to do it.

> i DO NOT FOLD my resume. looks neater if not folded.

> i NO LONGER PUT MY RESUME inside a folder. i used to do that but most recipients will remove them from the folder anyway. but when i used to put my resume in a folder, i used to use CLEAR/TRANSPARENT plstic folders.

> but I DO USE nice looking paper. the thicker variety and nice feel to it. i use white for CL and use another color for resume.

> NEVER, NEVER give your resumes as is, to security guards. the security gurads wont care less. put it in an envelope and address it to someone in the organization.

> if its a job i really, really like and i got a good lead, i use couriers, not snail mail.