For the Fresh Grads!

My Batsilyer ng Sining sa Sikolohiya back in 2007.

Finally, you are now a college graduate! Congratulations! Plan on taking a much needed vacation the next few months? Suddenly became allergic to journals, highlighters, pens and text books? Or have you decided to take your talents to Makati? Ortigas Center, Bonifacio Global City or Eastwood?

I know most of you are smart enough to have researched, prayed and have consulted schools, parents and friends on what you are going to do for your future. But then again, have you really 100% figured things out already? Having had a few years of HR experience (in the best luxury automotive company in the world with the best dealership here in the Philippines), I give you guys 3 very simple tips on how you can prepare yourself better in this new stage of your life.

I. EXUDING CONFIDENCE

Average GPA + Diploma = Dean’s List + ‘BIG 4’ Diploma. Why so? Communication Skills!

Nothing speaks of confidence more than being able to express yourself well during an interview. Human Resources (HR) at times may use this as tie-breaker for equally good candidates! That’s because the name of your school and GPA will not speak and apply in your behalf. It is going to be you sitting in that conference room conversing with the HR Associate. You will have to explain and sell yourself to a prospective buyer, your future employer. NEVER be intimidated by anyone, not even against the BIG 4 Grads sitting and waiting to be interviewed just like you at the office lobby. If you can express yourself well? Then you may just have given yourself the chance of making it as an underdog or maybe even as the frontrunner for the job!

Good posture, grooming and wardrobe add to the entire package too! It wouldn’t matter if you have the radio voice of King DJ Logan and the vocabulary of William Shakespeare if you smell like a 3^rd Grader who just came from the playground.

So speak up and be heard! Answer substantially! Do not settle for short answers and phrases like “I am a patient person, hard working and willing to learn”, because you need to prove to HR that you are who you say you are.

II. PROVEN CONFIDENCE

So you say you are hard working? Prove it by talking about a time in college when you had to prepare for and passed three final exams, aced a term paper, prepare for a school play and had to plan an outreach program for your school organization! HR operates much like CSI. HR needs evidence and needs proof. You are the best witness to yourself, so give HR all the evidence they need in order for them to make the proper arrest... err, judgment about you.

Prove not just by mere words but by tangible and measurable traits and qualities displayed through past behavior your potential against equally good applicants. Make your talents, accomplishments and strengths measurable both qualitatively, and quantitatively.

If HR asks about a time you had to deal with a very difficult person, then share stories about recent real life situations with the family, your involvement in church, your activities in the neighborhood! Your life is not contained in the walls of your university, and HR knows that. So don’t be limited with school-related activities!

Remember, besides becoming part of a company’s team, they see new-hires as an investment. Companies allocate resources in order to hire someone who will not waste manpower, time, effort and money. This is why HR conducts Behavior Based Interviews. HR will not take your word for it when you claim that you have leadership qualities. You say “I’m really good!” HR replies, “How so?” HR needs solid evidence: Well explained accomplishments, traits, beliefs and values that match and fit the needs of the company.

Then again, you won’t be able to wow HR by just showering yourself with Calvin Klein’s Eternity 5 minutes before interview. Make no mistake about it, Substance matters. HR will make sure to never judge a book by its cover. Prove your worth! Give HR a glimpse into your life! 

But, is confidence and preparedness enough?

III. FAITH + CONFIDENCE

I remember back in college when I wasn’t able to meet the required grade of my pre-requisite for my college major. It would delay me  possibly for an extra year in college. I did not know what to do, but the typical worried Christian in me just prayed and prayed and prayed. I hoped for the best, but I was also very realistic.

So on that fateful Course Card Distribution day (When Lasallians receive their final grade), I went to school expecting the worst. But as the day unfolded, by some miracle, my professor gave me and my block mates one final shot. An oral exam. I grabbed the opportunity, and aced it like my life depended on it. There I was prepared to suffer the wrath of my parents and go through an extra year of schooling, but if that wasn’t God granting favor upon me? I don’t know what is!

Psalm 20:7 talks about God reminding his people Israel to not be like the powerful and mighty Egyptians who fell and faltered because they chose to not believe and trust in God. It says: 

”Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” 

In our case today, God expects the same thing. A great career may start by doing well and receiving an offer on your first job interview, or may only happen after your 3^rd job in less than a year's time. Believe and know that you have what it takes to succeed, but at the same time trust, have faith and pray to God knowing that it is him who gives (what is best for you) in the first place.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

So now go ahead and win that interview!