Mary Anne Flores is one of the thousands who graduated from college a year ago. Much like her peers, she’s excited to start her first job out of school. But that was after a number of rejections and several applications that didn’t get a response.
She’s long been ready to work but working life is not as keen to welcome her.
To help fresh grads like Flores, and those 54 percent of young Filipino professionals who feel unsure about what to do next in their careers, the world’s largest professional social network, LinkedIn, urges them to take advantage of its community of professionals in finding their dream job.
Make a good first impression online
According to the latest report of advertising agency WeAreSocial, there are 67 million Internet and social media users in the Philippines, thus it is ideal for job applicants to take advantage of the online world.
LinkedIn says there is a good chance companies looking for future hires will come across an individual’s social media profiles and posts, hence it is important to be deliberate about one’s public digital presence.
Creating and completing a LinkedIn profile is one of the most powerful ways to showcase an individual’s potential. In the Philippines, buzzwords like “experienced,” “skilled,” and “specialized” are often used, but the key is to find ways to illustrate these qualities and stand out from the crowd.
Companies are keen to understand your career aspirations, according to LinkedIn.
If past job experiences are not yet available, the platform suggests putting skills and achievements you have acquired from school, at extra-curricular activities, during summer jobs, or even while doing volunteer work. Share your unique story with your profile and learn how you can keep your profile fresh and interesting to prospective employers.
Build meaningful connections with people you admire
Acquiring more friends and followers on social media is fun, but in the real world, LinkedIn says, growing a professional network is not a numbers game. Quality over quantity.
LinkedIn helps individuals connect with not just family, friends, and acquaintances, but also with professionals who have done work or have accomplished careers.
“Don’t be shy about reaching out to them even if you don’t personally know them yet. A polite message can go a long way. Take time to mention if you have something in common with the person—like where you went to college, a mutual connection, or an experience that you share,” LinkedIn says in a statement.
Learn and grow
Keeping updated and informed about what’s happening in one’s respective industry will not only help them ace job interviews but also help them spot trends that can lead to a career opportunity, according to the social network.
“We all have to start somewhere—be encouraged that we now have many ways to connect to opportunities. Establish yourself as a professional, cultivate a network or community of people, and commit to continuous learning.”
