Finding a job opportunity is exciting, especially if it's right up your alley. But after the basic application process and the interviews, you don't get the call back. For most Pinoy employees, this simply means they didn't get the job. After all, hiring for many companies in the Philippines is built on the we'll-call-you-don't-call-us routine. But in case you're wondering what went wrong, it is quite possible (and okay) to ask the employer why they didn't give the job to you.
Here are some reasons why you should ask why you didn't get hired:
- you need to know what qualifications you lack
- you need to know what the other candidate (whom they hired) has that you don't
- you need to know the kind of qualifications you need to acquire
- you need to know how to improve yourself to increase your chances of getting hired the next time around
If you don't get the call back, don't just chalk it up as an unfortunate event or shrug it off and say, 'it's their loss, not mine.' It will be your loss if you don't learn from the experience. So how do you ask?
Make your intentions known.
It would help if you let it be known that you would like to be informed in case you didn't get the job. That way, you'll find out if informing candidates who didn't pass is part of the HR's practice. If it isn't, ask how long the period would be until a replacement is found and then ask if it's all right for you to call them to inquire about your application.
Call your interviewer.
The person who interviewed you is likely to be the boss of the department to which you are applying. If you want direct answers, ask them for information why you weren't hired.
Call HR.
Probably the most useful department to call in case you want to ask why you weren't hired is Human Resources. Even if the decision maker is a manager from another department, the HR could still be privy to the reasons why they didn't pick you. (Emphasis on 'could' because sometimes HR isn't informed of the real reason why) You could call, ask whom to talk to regarding a review about your application and then ask to speak to that person.
If you worked with a job placement agency, call your contact person and ask them why your qualifications didn't make the cut. They'll be more than happy to inform you and advice you on what you should do in the future.
Send an e-mail.
If you're a bit shy or unsure about how to go about the whole process, you can always send an e-mail to the HR department, your interviewer or your contact person. Include your name, the position you applied for, the date of your interview/s and with whom. Inform them that you didn't get hired but would like to know why. Be businesslike. Don't whine or sound defensive. Remember that as a job applicant, you have the right to be informed why the opportunity wasn't given to you.
It would also help if you mention that you would like the information to help you identify your weaknesses so you could do better the next time.
Be ready for anything.
In the Philippines, some companies will inform you why you got beaten out of the position automatically as part of their hiring procedures while other companies won't. I once applied for a job with a publishing company -- a job I was excited about. I passed the test, got interviewed but hit a snag when the interviewer asked me about my current salary. She seemed disappointed that I was making that much already (which wasn't much, by the way). I assured her I was willing to negotiate (read: bring the figure lower -- stupid, I know but it was the job I was after. The remuneration was just a second priority).
The interview ended and I was assured they'd just call. So a week went by, two weeks... no call. Of course, that meant I didn't get hired. But I was so blinded by my longing for that job that I called the company anyway. The woman at the other end of the line said that they hadn't made a decision yet and that they'd just call.
So another week went by and since I was makulit, I called again. The woman at the other end seemed pissed that I had to ask for information about the job. She said that if they wanted to hire me, they'd call me and that's that. She didn't even tell me if they'd already hired someone. She said it so harshly that she killed my spirit for a few days.
Oh well... should've known better, though. To make the long story short, I didn't get the job of course and went on to pursue another career.
So if you do ask, don't sound hostile or desperate (like I did). It's a simple process, after all but be ready for what you're about to hear.
Prepare a few detailed questions.
Don't turn your conversation into an hour-long discussion of your qualities. The person at the other end of the line has work to do and all those questions from you are probably making him loose his patience. He's probably nodding to himself and thinking, 'Now I understand why this person didn't get hired in the first place.' So anyway, if you want to get something useful from your inquiry, ask a few pointed questions. Some examples:
= what skills do I lack that didn't qualify me for this position?
= do you prefer someone with ___ degree/education/training/certification?
= since you're looking for someone with excellent communication skills (or any other skills), did my present speaking and writing skills prevent me from getting the job?
= may I ask what your assessment of me is as a job candidate? (Tricky question but if you get an honest reply, it can be very helpful. Again, just be ready. And whatever you might hear, no matter how hurtful or surprising, don't lash back or try to defend yourself.)
= did I have mannerisms that seemed inappropriate?
= what mistakes during the interview do you think I should correct?
Don't ask accusatory questions or things that would put the hiring manager on the spot. After all, companies don't want to be charged of discrimination or unfair hiring practices. Make sure everything is businesslike and professional. And remember to make it short. The person you're talking to is already either super bored or breaking out in cold sweat.
Now that you know how to get in touch with your could've-been employer, here's the cold, hard truth about what you can expect:
When you call or send an e-mail, the most common reply you'll get is this: 'I'm sorry, you did not qualify for the job.' or something to that effect. If you prod further, the person at the other end of the line will probably tell you stuff like, you don't have the right education, training or background or that they preferred someone with more experience.
It's rare to get an answer that is useful for your purpose. Why? Because HRs and hiring managers prefer to play it safe and would rather be polite than hurt your feelings. It could also be that they really don't know or understand the reason why.
Or maybe the reason is simply discriminatory -- you're married and the guy they hired is single (meaning, he can be sent anywhere at any time without hearing a peep out of him) or that you're overqualified (meaning that you're older and likely to ask for more in terms of compensation) or that you're a woman (and they'd rather give the job to a man because the industry you're applying into is male-dominated).
My point here is that if you don't land the job, it's okay to ask why you weren't hired. Just make sure you:
- ask the right person.
- ask the right questions.
- don't expect earth-shattering revelations.
- learn from what they tell you and not use it as an excuse to defend yourself, harangue them on the phone, send them e-mails accusing them of discrimination or stupidity for not hiring you or starting a blog designed to put the company down.
If it's feedback you wanted, that's what you're going to get. Learn from this, improve whatever needs to be improved and move on.
Read more on this article...
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Methods of Job Recruitment: 6 Ways Employers Find You
There are several ways employers can find you. Here are just a few of them:
Internal Recruitment
This is also known as in-house recruiting, wherein an employer looks at the available manpower already working in the company to see who has the best qualifications for an available job. Armed with the specifications for a particular job position, the management, with the help of Human Resources, looks for employees who already have the training, background and experience to handle the new assignment.
Why employers prefer this:
Simple – it's easier for them to hire someone they already know and whose job performance they already have confidence in. It's also advantageous, in that the candidate is already familiar with the company, its mission and vision, its workers and of course, its culture.
This is why many companies make it a policy to consider internal hires first before placing an ad each time a job vacancy comes along.
Why you'll like this:
If you’re already working and your company begins to look for a job candidate, you can apply for a position that you may already be prepared to handle. If this happens in your company, it's probably a good sign that employees are given a chance to progress in their work and that it's possible to move up in your environment.
Want Ads
If the desired candidate cannot be found within the company, the management will opt to place an ad. This will usually appear on local and nationally-circulated newspapers, trade magazines and/or online job boards.
Why employers prefer this:
Publicly available want ads allow a company to find a good number of candidates for a particular position. That way, they can choose from as many applicants as possible. This is also a good method of job recruitment for multiple job vacancies.
Why you'll like this:
Want ads are the most useful method of recruitment for jobhunters, particularly if you've never worked before or are looking for a change of environment. On the downside, it's a free-for-all and for jobs that are highly sought after, very competitive.
Government and NGOs
There are numerous government programs that train people to make them employable. Many of these agencies are in close contact with companies, providing a means with which highly skilled labor can find jobs they are qualified for. This is also another method of recruitment that allows companies to find employees with specialized training.
Why employers prefer this:
The labor pool found here is trained to perform specific skills, something that not many in the jobhunting market may be capable of doing.
Why you'll like this:
If you have specialized skills, you could go straight from being a short-term trainee (6 months to 2 years) to becoming a fully employed worker. This is also perfect if you're relatively inexperienced in the job market and are exploring your job opportunities for the first time.
Recommendations
Yep, this method of recruitment is alive and well. A company will often depend on recommendations from people in the same industry and job level. For example, one HR manager could ask another HR manager to recommend someone for a job opening in a certain department. Sometimes, the source could also be a professional contact, confidant or even a friend.
Why employers prefer this:
One advantage of using recommendations as a method of job recruitment is that a hiring company can gain access to an employable individual who is recommended by a person they trust. There's a high likelihood that the candidate is already familiar with the company, its culture and what the job entails.
Why you'll like this:
Getting recommended makes it easy for you to find another job – you don't even have to go looking for one. If you do get recommended for a job, be thankful. It means that your hard work is paying off.
Getting Pirated
If another company likes the way you do your job, they may be tempted to lure you into their side of the fence. This is called 'pirating'. People who get pirated are usually those who exhibit stellar performance. The crossovers generally occur within two companies in the same industry.
Why employers prefer this:
They know exactly what they want and once they find it in an individual, they go for it. In the end, they get the talent they want for a purpose they have already designed.
Why you'll like this:
If your work is exemplary, you might be piracy-material. If you do get offers to swim to the other shore, it's probably a good indication that your skills are in high demand.
Job Placement Agencies
Another popular method of job recruitment is using job placement firms, also known as job consultants or headhunters.
Why employers prefer this:
All the administrative tasks associated with hiring will be taken on by the job placement firm. These include: placing ads, sorting resumes and CVs, scheduling candidates for interviews, conducting interviews and tests (if required) and to some extent, negotiating salary and compensation terms.
Why you'll like this:
Most of the jobs that go through job placement agencies are the 'meaty' jobs. Because it can cost them extra, companies who hire these firms are serious about their search. That means, you shouldn’t have any problems about the stability of the job. If you're nervous about negotiating directly with the hiring company, you can discuss all your concerns with the headhunter.
Read more on this article...
Internal Recruitment
This is also known as in-house recruiting, wherein an employer looks at the available manpower already working in the company to see who has the best qualifications for an available job. Armed with the specifications for a particular job position, the management, with the help of Human Resources, looks for employees who already have the training, background and experience to handle the new assignment.
Why employers prefer this:
Simple – it's easier for them to hire someone they already know and whose job performance they already have confidence in. It's also advantageous, in that the candidate is already familiar with the company, its mission and vision, its workers and of course, its culture.
This is why many companies make it a policy to consider internal hires first before placing an ad each time a job vacancy comes along.
Why you'll like this:
If you’re already working and your company begins to look for a job candidate, you can apply for a position that you may already be prepared to handle. If this happens in your company, it's probably a good sign that employees are given a chance to progress in their work and that it's possible to move up in your environment.
Want Ads
If the desired candidate cannot be found within the company, the management will opt to place an ad. This will usually appear on local and nationally-circulated newspapers, trade magazines and/or online job boards.
Why employers prefer this:
Publicly available want ads allow a company to find a good number of candidates for a particular position. That way, they can choose from as many applicants as possible. This is also a good method of job recruitment for multiple job vacancies.
Why you'll like this:
Want ads are the most useful method of recruitment for jobhunters, particularly if you've never worked before or are looking for a change of environment. On the downside, it's a free-for-all and for jobs that are highly sought after, very competitive.
Government and NGOs
There are numerous government programs that train people to make them employable. Many of these agencies are in close contact with companies, providing a means with which highly skilled labor can find jobs they are qualified for. This is also another method of recruitment that allows companies to find employees with specialized training.
Why employers prefer this:
The labor pool found here is trained to perform specific skills, something that not many in the jobhunting market may be capable of doing.
Why you'll like this:
If you have specialized skills, you could go straight from being a short-term trainee (6 months to 2 years) to becoming a fully employed worker. This is also perfect if you're relatively inexperienced in the job market and are exploring your job opportunities for the first time.
Recommendations
Yep, this method of recruitment is alive and well. A company will often depend on recommendations from people in the same industry and job level. For example, one HR manager could ask another HR manager to recommend someone for a job opening in a certain department. Sometimes, the source could also be a professional contact, confidant or even a friend.
Why employers prefer this:
One advantage of using recommendations as a method of job recruitment is that a hiring company can gain access to an employable individual who is recommended by a person they trust. There's a high likelihood that the candidate is already familiar with the company, its culture and what the job entails.
Why you'll like this:
Getting recommended makes it easy for you to find another job – you don't even have to go looking for one. If you do get recommended for a job, be thankful. It means that your hard work is paying off.
Getting Pirated
If another company likes the way you do your job, they may be tempted to lure you into their side of the fence. This is called 'pirating'. People who get pirated are usually those who exhibit stellar performance. The crossovers generally occur within two companies in the same industry.
Why employers prefer this:
They know exactly what they want and once they find it in an individual, they go for it. In the end, they get the talent they want for a purpose they have already designed.
Why you'll like this:
If your work is exemplary, you might be piracy-material. If you do get offers to swim to the other shore, it's probably a good indication that your skills are in high demand.
Job Placement Agencies
Another popular method of job recruitment is using job placement firms, also known as job consultants or headhunters.
Why employers prefer this:
All the administrative tasks associated with hiring will be taken on by the job placement firm. These include: placing ads, sorting resumes and CVs, scheduling candidates for interviews, conducting interviews and tests (if required) and to some extent, negotiating salary and compensation terms.
Why you'll like this:
Most of the jobs that go through job placement agencies are the 'meaty' jobs. Because it can cost them extra, companies who hire these firms are serious about their search. That means, you shouldn’t have any problems about the stability of the job. If you're nervous about negotiating directly with the hiring company, you can discuss all your concerns with the headhunter.
Read more on this article...
Sunday, September 6, 2009
8 Tips for Jobhunting While You're Still Employed
So maybe you're no longer happy with your job. Maybe it's time to cast your net once again and try to seek out greener pastures. But don't quit your job yet. Searching for another job while working in your present one is quite possible. Here are some tips when jobhunting while you're still employed:
Make sure you do not jeopardize your present job.
Keep this in mind before you start your search. Many would-be job hoppers make this common mistake, banking too much on the potential of a new job without really knowing for sure if they'll be able to land the next job or not.
Have a clear goal about your jobhunt.
Know what you want in your next job. If your jobsearch is based on a flimsy reason, you might not be able to land a job that will fit you perfectly. Then you'll find yourself jobhunting once again.
Consider the new set of skills you have gained in your present job.
This is important for your next employer. So you're looking for a new job. What are your new qualifications? Have you learned enough in your present job to actually have sufficient capability to move to the next one? If your prospective employer sees there's nothing new you can bring to their company, you might not be considered employable.
Be very discreet.
Unless there's someone at the office that you can absolutely trust, do not blab to anyone about your newest activity. This, even if you hate working for your boss or are truly unhappy with your job.
Flaunting your intention to leave the nest to everyone who cares to listen is pushing it. What are you trying to do? Rub it on everyone's faces just so they'll know how much value you have in the company? If you do leave, they'll know that soon enough. Or if you're really a valuable employee, they probably already know.
However, if there is someone -- a close friend or a confidant -- that you can trust with your life, then you could probably tell them about your intentions. This can be particularly helpful in case you need someone to cover for you. Just make sure this individual can really, truly be trusted.
Fly below the radar.
When you're looking for a new job while still employed, you have to be careful about letting other people (especially employers) know that you're available. Choose who you speak to carefully. Posting your resume online to be viewed publicly may alert your present employer about your jobhunting activities. In case this happens, you should be ready with a good explanation.
Some of the jobhunting resources you can use:
Newspaper ads
Classified ads (online and off)
Want ads in trade and industry magazines
Personal contacts
Another good way to look for a job while still employed is by going through job placement or employment agencies. They are also sometimes referred to as executive search companies or headhunters. They do the search and initial interviews for prospective employers.
These types of companies are well-versed in the jobhunting and placement process. They maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding job searches so you can rely on them to keep your application private. These are free, by the way so don't be conned into paying to have yourself placed by any of these firms.
Don't use company resources when jobhunting.
Just because you're jobhunting while employed does not excuse you from using your company's computer, printer, scanner or broadband connection to search for available jobs or send out your resume. It's rude and in case you get caught, it will be a source of embarrassment for you.
Don't use your jobhunting as a weapon of revenge.
If you must look for a job, do so because you really want to seek better opportunities. Don't do it as a way to get back at anyone, including your mean boss.
Try to schedule your interviews efficiently.
You can't report to the office dressed up for an interview without anyone noticing about the sudden change in your attire. Be ready when a prospective employer calls. If you can, try to schedule an interview at an early time – say, 8 a.m. – or later in the day. That way, you can either report for work late or just simply leave early.
Read more on this article...
Make sure you do not jeopardize your present job.
Keep this in mind before you start your search. Many would-be job hoppers make this common mistake, banking too much on the potential of a new job without really knowing for sure if they'll be able to land the next job or not.
Have a clear goal about your jobhunt.
Know what you want in your next job. If your jobsearch is based on a flimsy reason, you might not be able to land a job that will fit you perfectly. Then you'll find yourself jobhunting once again.
Consider the new set of skills you have gained in your present job.
This is important for your next employer. So you're looking for a new job. What are your new qualifications? Have you learned enough in your present job to actually have sufficient capability to move to the next one? If your prospective employer sees there's nothing new you can bring to their company, you might not be considered employable.
Be very discreet.
Unless there's someone at the office that you can absolutely trust, do not blab to anyone about your newest activity. This, even if you hate working for your boss or are truly unhappy with your job.
Flaunting your intention to leave the nest to everyone who cares to listen is pushing it. What are you trying to do? Rub it on everyone's faces just so they'll know how much value you have in the company? If you do leave, they'll know that soon enough. Or if you're really a valuable employee, they probably already know.
However, if there is someone -- a close friend or a confidant -- that you can trust with your life, then you could probably tell them about your intentions. This can be particularly helpful in case you need someone to cover for you. Just make sure this individual can really, truly be trusted.
Fly below the radar.
When you're looking for a new job while still employed, you have to be careful about letting other people (especially employers) know that you're available. Choose who you speak to carefully. Posting your resume online to be viewed publicly may alert your present employer about your jobhunting activities. In case this happens, you should be ready with a good explanation.
Some of the jobhunting resources you can use:
Newspaper ads
Classified ads (online and off)
Want ads in trade and industry magazines
Personal contacts
Another good way to look for a job while still employed is by going through job placement or employment agencies. They are also sometimes referred to as executive search companies or headhunters. They do the search and initial interviews for prospective employers.
These types of companies are well-versed in the jobhunting and placement process. They maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding job searches so you can rely on them to keep your application private. These are free, by the way so don't be conned into paying to have yourself placed by any of these firms.
Don't use company resources when jobhunting.
Just because you're jobhunting while employed does not excuse you from using your company's computer, printer, scanner or broadband connection to search for available jobs or send out your resume. It's rude and in case you get caught, it will be a source of embarrassment for you.
Don't use your jobhunting as a weapon of revenge.
If you must look for a job, do so because you really want to seek better opportunities. Don't do it as a way to get back at anyone, including your mean boss.
Try to schedule your interviews efficiently.
You can't report to the office dressed up for an interview without anyone noticing about the sudden change in your attire. Be ready when a prospective employer calls. If you can, try to schedule an interview at an early time – say, 8 a.m. – or later in the day. That way, you can either report for work late or just simply leave early.
Read more on this article...
Saturday, September 5, 2009
5 Key Attributes Employers Check Out in Job Applicants
When a company is hiring, what exactly do they look for? Here's a peek at the 5 critical attributes that hiring companies expect to find in job applicants:
Education
Does it matter that you went to school? In many job vacancies, it does matter if you've completed high school or college or obtained a Master's or a doctorate degree. In some cases, even the school you went to will factor heavily on whether you land the job or not. Even a certificate course will mean the difference between getting the job and getting rejected.
Specific courses are often required for specific jobs. In the same manner that you can't ask a baker to build a house, you can't make a journalism major perform the job of a systems analyst.
Job experience, technical skills and other trainings
Other than your education, you have to bring something extra to the table. These will be judged by the hiring company based on your past work experience, any technical or special skills related to the job that you might have, special projects you have contributed to and trainings you have undergone.
Don't forget to indicate this type of information on your resume. It's a vital add-on to your desirability as a job applicant. It's also important to mention these attributes during the interview.
Special abilities and skills
Another important consideration for employers is any special ability you might have that can contribute positively to performing the required task. The ability to drive a vehicle, for example, is often a must-have attribute for certain jobs such as sales, marketing and service-related work. If you will be working on the production floor, being able to operate machinery or equipment is also a critical factor that will determine your employability.
Mental and emotional characteristics
Why do you think the hiring company asks you to take job application tests? To take a peek at your mental and emotional attributes, of course. Other than your intelligence, your aptitude for certain skills and tasks will be an added bonus to the company that hires you. And yes, how you handle common challenges such as stress, extra workload, disagreement among co-workers, unexpected surprises at work, etc. will determine whether you're the right candidate for the job.
Personality
No, it's not about looking like you stepped out of an Armani or Versace ad campaign, but it does help if you have a confident, outgoing, pleasant personality. This is often a key attribute that will help you stand out from the pack, particularly if the competition is stiff.
If you have the qualifications but prove to be difficult to work with, the job will probably go to somebody else. Employers count on your attitude not just towards work and the office but also towards people (co-workers, clients, customers and suppliers) and work situations that may arise. Character counts and your employer wants to know if you can deliver.
Read more on this article...
Education
Does it matter that you went to school? In many job vacancies, it does matter if you've completed high school or college or obtained a Master's or a doctorate degree. In some cases, even the school you went to will factor heavily on whether you land the job or not. Even a certificate course will mean the difference between getting the job and getting rejected.
Specific courses are often required for specific jobs. In the same manner that you can't ask a baker to build a house, you can't make a journalism major perform the job of a systems analyst.
Job experience, technical skills and other trainings
Other than your education, you have to bring something extra to the table. These will be judged by the hiring company based on your past work experience, any technical or special skills related to the job that you might have, special projects you have contributed to and trainings you have undergone.
Don't forget to indicate this type of information on your resume. It's a vital add-on to your desirability as a job applicant. It's also important to mention these attributes during the interview.
Special abilities and skills
Another important consideration for employers is any special ability you might have that can contribute positively to performing the required task. The ability to drive a vehicle, for example, is often a must-have attribute for certain jobs such as sales, marketing and service-related work. If you will be working on the production floor, being able to operate machinery or equipment is also a critical factor that will determine your employability.
Mental and emotional characteristics
Why do you think the hiring company asks you to take job application tests? To take a peek at your mental and emotional attributes, of course. Other than your intelligence, your aptitude for certain skills and tasks will be an added bonus to the company that hires you. And yes, how you handle common challenges such as stress, extra workload, disagreement among co-workers, unexpected surprises at work, etc. will determine whether you're the right candidate for the job.
Personality
No, it's not about looking like you stepped out of an Armani or Versace ad campaign, but it does help if you have a confident, outgoing, pleasant personality. This is often a key attribute that will help you stand out from the pack, particularly if the competition is stiff.
If you have the qualifications but prove to be difficult to work with, the job will probably go to somebody else. Employers count on your attitude not just towards work and the office but also towards people (co-workers, clients, customers and suppliers) and work situations that may arise. Character counts and your employer wants to know if you can deliver.
Read more on this article...
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