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Experts note the importance of upskilling, reskilling to have better chances of getting hired in the UAE

Filipino jobseekers in the UAE must make time to upskill to have higher chances of getting hired, according to experts.
 
In The Filipino Times’ live streaming on Facebook titled ‘TFT Usapang OFW: Oplan Hanap Trabaho sa UAE’, HR and professional stressed the need for applicants to be multi-skilled so they can be suitable in many sectors and markets.
 
Nina Carpio—the Human Resources Director for Jollibee Foods Corporation in the UAE, and The Filipino Times New Media Personality of the Year 2018—said that applicants will become more confident to apply if they have multiple skills to offer, noting that everything is now accessible in the internet.

READ ALSO: Experts tackle importance of keywords in online job applications
 
“You have to be multi-skilled in this age. Now, pwede mo na matutunan lahat because all information is readily accessible [on the internet], so there is no excuse not to be upskilled. [When you have more skills, you will be confident to apply to that position you want,” she said, noting that applicants should not passively wait, and instead use their free time to further better themselves.
 
Carpio added that in their industry, they have food hygiene training for all their employers, and that they specifically prefer those with food hygiene certification. “Kung wala ka noon, better to have one now because advantage ‘yon sa F&B. You can get training sa government ng Dubai, nasa AED200 to AED500 ang rates.”
 
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Cristina Calaguian—the founder of Dagaz HR Consultancy and Recruitment Company and The Filipino Times Awards 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year finalist—also said that being upskilled allows you to easily find alternative jobs, especially if sectors currently hiring does not match your current skillset.
 
“Dito sa UAE, ma-re-realize mo na madami kayo at iba’t ibang nationality ang kalaban mo,” she said, adding that learning more skills shows the employer that you have the motivation to improve yourself. “Iisipin ko [as an employer], pwede kita i-promote.”
 
She remarked, however, that applicants should also determine first their strength and interest.
 
“First and foremost, kilalanin mo sarili mo, kung saan ka magiging effective. Kung ayaw mo, ‘wag mo ipilit kasi hindi ka din tatagal sa company na ‘yon,” noted Calaguian.
 
Dr. Rex Bacarra, the Dean of General Education at the American College of Dubai and The Filipino Times Educator of the Year 2019, meanwhile, advised Filipinos, and not to restrict themselves to their major.
 
“Kung may hobbies kayo, kahit ‘di niyo, major pag-aralan niyo. The more skills you have, the better are the chances for you to actually be hired. Reskilling is important,” he said.
 
In addition, he also talked about the importance of achieving excellence not only for the salary and benefits, but because it is the right thing to do.
 
“In the end, you should be doing your job well, hindi dahil sa sweldo, but because it is right. Ipangako mo sa sarili mo na kahit anong mangyari, magiging excellent ka. If you have the drive, nakikita ng ibang tao ‘yon and all others will come,” Bacarra said.
 
“Make sure na may drive ka not because of any reason kundi dahil ang pigging excellent ay tama at mabuti hindi lang sayo kundi para sa humanity,” he added.
 
WATCH THE ENTIRE WEBINAR SESSION HERE:

Jamille Domingo

Jamille Domingo gathers stories on a wide array of topics, particularly on the Philippines, UAE, Saudi, and Bahrain—which are published on The Filipino Times Newspaper, The Filipino Times Website, and The Filipino Times Newsletter. She also presents the news on cam in the pre-recorded daily broadcast of The Filipino Times Newsbreak—a run-through of the most important events of the day, reaching 5,000 to 20,000 views—to deliver stories to audiences inclined to audio-visual content online. For recommendations and story pitches, you can reach her at [email protected]

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