Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The most common mistake in job hunting is to make a decision too quickly, a recruitment expert has shared.
According to Eric Mary, the country manager of international recruitment firm Robert Walters, more and more job opportunities are opening up in the Philippines.
“The question is no longer about finding jobs. It’s about making the right choice when you do decide to move,” Mary told CNN Philippines in a recent interview.
He explained that the job market had become “candidate-driven.” Job hunters now have the luxury of choice as international and local companies expand and compete with one another for employees.
Know what you want
When you take your time to look for job opportunities, you can study your offers thoroughly.
Mary said people often have non-negotiables for their desired jobs: pay, location, work schedule, culture, career prospects.
However, some job candidates are often driven by emotion and sign on immediately, without considering all of these factors.
“I always hear of people quitting after six months or one year because they didn’t like one thing or the other,” Mary said.
“In the end, it’s just a waste of your time, and it’s not good for your profile for future employers.”
Hone your resume
Of course, no job hunt is complete without a resume.
The resume is a summary of your entire professional career. It needs to be clear and structured so employers can appreciate all you’ve done so far, Mary said.
“Take the time to look back at what you’ve done in your life and make sure it comes across,” he said.
Resumes, he added, should also set you apart from the onset. “Don’t put in achievements that can be done by just anybody.”
Expand your search
Last but not least, tap different sources so you get more information about your next career move.
Mary said recruitment consultants have industry specialists that can talk to job seekers and help them realize what they want to achieve in their desired post.
They can also present to them job opportunities they didn’t know of before. Job candidates can often have a limited view of the market, he said.
“The key for us is to be able to identify the right opportunity for you — not just so you can find a job, but so you can stay in that job,” Mary said.
