HR experts have noted that for Filipino applicants to stand out, they must be mindful of their social media profiles as well as the photos they post and put in their CVs.
In The Filipino Times’ live streaming on Facebook titled ‘TFT Usapang OFW: Oplan Hanap Trabaho sa UAE’, experts discussed how they headhunt applicants, citing the importance of having clean and updated social media profiles—specifically LinkedIn.
According to Cristina Calaguian—the founder of Dagaz HR Consultancy and Recruitment Company and The Filipino Times Awards 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year finalist—she always advises candidates to update their LinkedIn and other social media profiles, because even if HR professionals received the CV, they will still check the applicants’ online presence.
She said that aside from calling references and former employers, many employers now conduct background checks on people’s social media accounts.
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“Chinecheck naming ang social media profiles so you have to be present and active online. Even your Facebook account, minsan tinitignan namin so kung may ayaw kang ipakita make it private. Kasi talagang nag-che-check kami,” she said.
“Branding is necessary. The more presence you have, the better for you and for your own branding,” he said.
Nina Carpio, the Human Resources Director for Jollibee Foods Corporation in the UAE, and The Filipino Times New Media Personality of the Year 2018, also advised applicants—especially those who are active and have a huge following online—to steer clear of extreme personal views especially on politics, because it could affect their job seeking venture.
“If you’re somebody very public, I suggest to be careful about becoming very extreme on your views. For me as an HR, for example, I have to be careful on what I post as well,” she said.
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In terms of CVs, Carpio also said that among resumes that stands out for her are those with certifications as well as those who have engaged in extra-curricular work.
“Aside from experience, what I look at are professional certifications, or if they have done some training. Even the social work they did, their volunteer work, or what they do outside work. Those are the things I look for as an HR. Kasi doon makikita mo if a person is willing to learn at may ambition siya. Important to put those things in CV,” she said.
Meanwhile, Calaguian also said that applicants should make their CVs look professional, and that includes the photos they use.
“Kapag ang photo ay selfie, we don’t read the CV anymore. Kasi, it’s your resume. If you don’t have time to prepare for that, hindi ko na siya babasahin,” she stressed.
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