Finding work in a tough job market

(This is part of Take Charge of Your Money, a partnership between INQUIRER.net and Citibank to help readers handle their personal finances well.)

Question: I am an OFW who used to work as an account executive in the Middle East. Our company laid off some workers two months ago and I was one of those who were let go. Now I am back in the Philippines. Since then I have been trying to apply for a job but I am unsuccessful so far. Most of the jobs call for young people and only a few companies seem to entertain those who are in their 40s like me. How can I land a job? I need to earn money for my family. — Nita

Answer: Many people are in the same boat as you, Nita. Thousands of OFWs have lost their jobs as a result of layoffs or nonrenewal of contracts.

Locally, the number of Filipinos who have lost their jobs since the start of the global financial crisis has also run in the thousands. This makes the local job market tougher than ever.

But there is always hope to look forward to. New businesses are opening, and some old ones may be expanding. The Philippine economy is expected to grow this year although at a slower rate than before.

With this, believe that there will be a job out there for you. Here are some tips on how you can make it in the tough job market:

1. Research on the industries that are growing. Worldwide, the health sector, for instance, is continuing to grow. Opportunities also abound in business process outsourcing, which includes call centers. Read the business news and features in newspapers, magazines and websites and sharpen your business radar. Find out what companies and industries are hiring people.

2. Hire a headhunter or sign up for job websites where you can post your resume online. This will let employers know about you. For job websites, employers need only to search for job applicants matching their qualifications and they will get in touch with you or the website administration will alert you of the job opening.

3. Make your resume look professionally done. Employers would want to see first your career objective, work history (including job description) and educational attainment before your personal information. Take time to write your job description and career objective well. Use high quality paper and an easily readable font. Make sure your photo shows you at your professional best.

4. Go to job fairs. Wear professional attire, bring several copies of your resume, and visit job fairs being organized in the city. At this fairs, interviews may be done on the spot so be prepared to talk about yourself, your career objective, and your skills. Be confident.

5. Find credible people to give you good recommendations. For your character reference list, choose people who know you and have worked with you and you know will put in a good word for you. Before you put them on your CV, however, inform them that you would like to put them on your character reference list.

6. Consider temporary or contractual jobs. A temporary or contractual job may lead to a permanent job if your employer is satisfied with your performance. Put in excellent work and make sure you are found to be reliable.

7. Work part-time while looking for a full-time job. Take stock of your skills and find something you can do and earn from. For instance, you may teach a subject or two in a college nearby, or tutor some kids on their school subjects. You may also be a tour guide on Saturdays or assist a friend in her catering business. You don’t have to be idle when looking for a full-time job. The money you may earn from a part-time job may also go a long way in helping your family make ends meet for now.

How about a business?

Earning money cannot only be done by working for others. Why not work for yourself? A lot of people amazed themselves when they stepped out in faith and started working for themselves. Yes you can earn money by being your own boss!

How can you go about it? First, take stock of what you are good at. What can you do that makes you stand out from the crowd? If you can bake well, consider starting a home bakeshop business. The capital will not be too much since you will be using your existing kitchen appliances and you won’t have to pay rent. Or maybe you’re good at organizing events. Start an events company and offer your services in planning parties and corporate events. If you are good at buying and selling, start an online shop and sell stuff you think people will need and want.

Remember: Be confident about your skills. If you are confident, your would-be employer or customers will see they can trust you.

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