In the competitive job market of the Philippines, a well-crafted resume is essential for standing out to potential employers. However, certain elements can lead to immediate rejection of an application.
One significant mistake is including a photograph on a resume. This practice is generally considered outdated in the Philippine professional landscape and can potentially invite unconscious bias based on appearance or age.
Other details that should be omitted from resumes include:
- Objective statements: These take up valuable space when recruiters typically spend minimal time scanning each resume. The applicant’s qualifications for the job should be evident without an objective statement.
- Complete home address: Listing a specific barangay or street address could lead to discrimination based on socioeconomic factors. It’s advisable to only include the city and region (e.g., “Quezon City, Metro Manila”).
- Outdated email domains: Using old email providers might suggest a lack of technological awareness. A professional Gmail account is generally preferred.
Effective Resume Formatting for the Philippine Job Market
Simplicity and readability are key in resume design. Creative layouts should be avoided if they might confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) commonly used by large companies in the Philippines.
For recent graduates, the education section should be placed at the top. Those with a year or more of experience should lead with their professional experience, listed in reverse-chronological order.
A separate skills section highlighting technical abilities and certifications relevant to the industry is recommended. This can include proficiency in commonly used software or fluency in English and other languages.
For most professionals in the Philippines, a one to two-page resume is sufficient. Senior executives with extensive experience might extend to three pages if necessary.
Tailoring Resumes for Filipino Employers
While customizing a resume for each job application is advisable, having a strong base resume for most applications is efficient. Minor adjustments can be made to emphasize specific qualifications for each role.
When tailoring a resume, it’s important to pay attention to the job description and use keywords that match the requirements. Many Filipino companies now use ATS to screen resumes, so incorporating relevant terms can increase the chances of passing initial screenings.
Additional Considerations for Filipino Job Seekers
- Highlight any experience with Filipino companies or multinationals operating in the Philippines.
- Emphasize how overseas experience can benefit local employers, if applicable.
- Include relevant volunteer work or community involvement, as many Filipino companies value social responsibility.
- Mention proficiency in regional languages like Cebuano or Ilocano, as this can be an asset for roles requiring communication with different parts of the country.
A resume serves as the first impression on potential employers in the Philippines. By avoiding common mistakes and presenting qualifications clearly, job seekers can increase their chances of securing interviews in the competitive Filipino job market.
