BAGUIO CITY: Soft skills that exemplify the behavior and attitude of a person matter during interviews and can make or break a job hunter’s chance to be hired, authorities said on Thursday.

‘We brief the applicants never to lay their hands flat on the interviewer’s table because that is a sign of aggression. Please avoid fidgeting. There are allowed hand movements, which can be used when nervous,’ Romelda Escaño, Baguio City’s Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) manager said in a press conference on Thursday for the ‘Kalayaan Jobs Fair’ on June 12.

Escaño said that while technical skills are a major factor that will be looked into, soft skills such as fidgeting or having clasped hands, arrogance in speaking, or high regard for one’s self are additional factors that employers take note of during job interviews.

She said simplicity in dressing is also a factor, along with having multiple body piercings that draw attention, she said.

‘Always opt for the more conservative, smart casual look. What are
the power colors? (It is advisable to wear) more muted or toned down (shades). Always remember that black is classic,’ she said.

She also said that there are times when resumes do not need to go with a photograph of the applicant.

‘We want the employer to concentrate on the skills of the person before the appearance so if it is not asked, do not attach a photograph,’ she said.

Escaño said the city’s PESO provides orientations as part of the career development service orientation.

Michael Jason Peña, assistant mall manager of SM City-Baguio, in the same press conference, said they prefer that applicants come simple but decent when applying for a job.

‘We don’t require any specific clothing but as much as possible, the applicant is presentable. We don’t discriminate against any person but we want workers who are willing to dedicate themselves to the job they are applying for,’ he said.

Training

Emerito Narag, Department of Labor and Employment-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR) assistant regiona
l director, in the same press conference, said the department has a ‘JobStart’ program, a 10-day or six-month training done once a year to help job applicants improve their chances of landing a job.

‘This program is specific to prospective employers who are looking for people to hire. We want the participants to be ready for actual employment. The program provides a stipend for the trainees and as much as possible, we get 100 percent of the participants ready for the employee-seekers,’ he said.

DOLE’s Government Internship Program (GIP) is another program, which for 2024 has a fund allotment of PHP54.7 million for 1,590 beneficiaries for Cordillera. This provides a three to six months internship opportunities for high school, technical-vocational, or college graduates who want to pursue a career in public service.

As of June 3, 2024, around 721 individuals have been hired for six months in the different provinces under this program.

Skills matching

DOLE-CAR records show that the top occupations preferred
by applicants in the region include service crew, cashier, overseas domestic helper, saleslady, and overseas farm worker.

The top industries in the region are engaged in wholesale and retail trade; other community, social, and personal service activities; hotels and restaurants; financial intermediation; construction, health, and social work.

Narag said DOLE conducts job fairs to be able to bring together employers, service providers, and other stakeholders, making it easier for job seekers to fit themselves.

‘We have hired-on-the-spot during job fairs, we also have near-hired and qualified applicants who just need to submit additional requirements but there remain to be those who are mismatched with the available job vacancies,’ he said.

For the ‘Kalayaan Jobs Fair’ on June 12, Narag said they hope to have more applicants, especially with fresh graduates looking for jobs.

Aside from SM Baguio, the job fair will also be held in Agra, Apayao, and Ifugao.

As of Thursday, more than 3,000 job vacancies have
been recorded in Baguio and Ifugao.

Source: Philippines News Agency