This post is solely based from my experience. There is no right or wrong when looking for a job. We will always learn something from it. I always tell other people to chase their dream jobs. As much as possible, don’t just settle on something just for the sake of it. If you badly need to work, go and find the easiest you can find but don’t settle. The worst thing is if you’re not happy with your job, you’ll just feel miserable. Always remember that what we are now is the result of our actions and decisions.
1. Build your CV
There is not much difference with the resume in the Philippines and the CV in the UK. Basically, they are just the same. But you need to update the formatting and boost the content. Find a template that’s easier to read or user-friendly. And always focus on the content. I downloaded a free CV template from Reed. Please click here for the sample.
For people with job experiences in the Philippines, I always recommend to be as specific as possible in the Employment History section. List all the recent employment history you have for, let’s say, the last 5 years. Make sure you include all the tasks you performed.
If you have a Key Skills section, always list all the software, programs or systems you know how to use. The hiring manager will be looking at what you can do. For example: Microsoft Office packages like word, excel, powerpoint and outlook; Oracle, Adobe programs like photoshop, pdf; Agile system.
Most companies use software to run all the CVs submitted to them as they usually receive hundreds. That’s why it’s important to be specific with what you know to use as the software will feed in the keywords. Some companies might still read it one-by-one but you can never tell.
2. Apply, apply and apply
Visit job search platforms like Reed, Indeed, Monster, CV-Library, and any legit websites you can find. Don’t just settle in one platform, you need to widen your scope to see more opportunities. Don’t just apply and wait from one employer. The competition is very tight these days.
I have an estimate of sending 200+ CVs in different websites. And I only heard from a couple of them, more or less 8 companies, for an interview with some I have to decline as I’m already employed. Please take note that the hiring process is long and it takes time. The hiring managers wait for the closing date before they start filtering the candidates. So bear in mind to be patient. I know it’s hard because I’ve been in that road as well. Just think that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
3. Keep on practicing for an interview
While applying, you can start practicing on how you’re going to answer in an interview. You can ask for your husband/partner’s help to do a mock interview with you. In that way, somebody can tell you in which areas you need help in improving.
Before my interview appointments, I always make a point to research information about the company. Also, I researched for the possible answers I can find and I tried to familiarise them. Familiarise and DO NOT memorise. It helps if you keep on practicing because it will eventually flow naturally when answering the questions with the interviewer. They don’t want to hear a memorised script.
The most common interview method here in the UK is competence-based interviews. It’s usually situational and the hiring manager will assess your competence based on how you react in every situation they ask. So be prepared, this might or might not apply but at least you will not go blank during the interview session.
Always be yourself and be natural when answering. Be confident, or at least try. And for sure, you will ace the interview. Make sure you show them what you can do and offer but at the same time evaluate them.
Interview process is a two-way street. The company evaluates the applicant if they have the right skills for the job, and the applicant should also assess the company if you like to work with them. Remember that you will be working with them 7.5-8 hours a day. You’ll be spending more time with them than your partner. AT the end of the day, you don’t want to get stuck in a job you hate.
This is one of the websites I checked:
3.a. The Muse
4. Keep on doing research and regularly update your CV
I never stopped researching for possible questions and answers for my interviews. I just wanted to be equipped as much as I can so I won’t waste a lot of time thinking for an answer to a certain question. You don’t want to say ‘Uhmmm, hmmmm, uhmmm’ a lot of times.
If after a few days nobody contacts you, there might be something in your CV that needs working out. Keep on reading your CV and you might spot a section that needs updating. You can also ask a friend/partner to review your CV. They might be able to spot something you can’t.
Bear in mind that the CV acts as your key to land an interview. Make it more appealing and easy to understand to the hiring managers.
5. Chase your dream job
Looking for a job even if you already have a job experience in the Philippines is still not an easy-peasy thing to do. Also, you might think that it will be difficult to get a job because you have no UK experience. WRONG! Most companies take your job history into account. If you have the right skills and attitude, you surely have a big chance to get hired.
Last year when I was actively looking, I reached the point when I felt frustrated. Why? Because no company has called me back! I thought to apply to any jobs knowing I’m overqualified for it. I’m so grateful for my husband as he was the one who pushed and believe in me that I can make it. Support from a partner or loved ones can go a loooong way!
You need to take your time and find that right job for you. How to know if it’s the right job? You’ll know when you assess the company during the interview. It will just feel ‘right’.
If you get rejected, you’re bound to feel bad but don’t dwell on it for a long time. Instead learn from it, re-assess what you need to do right next time. So for the next interview, you will become better. If you don’t get the job, move on. It may not be really for you. Just keep on going. And hopefully, you’ll land the right job for you soon.
I will try these advices. I hope I can also work in Germany or UK. I’ve been sending CVs everywhere but they ignored me. 😭