A "How To" Of Some Sort

Looking for a job is something but actually getting THE job is an entirely different story. I have been an HR practitioner for the past 6 years and there are some things an applicant should and should NEVER do.

I have received CV's/ resumes with cover letters wrongly addressed. I understand that when one decides to go job hunting, he/she usually prepares probably more than 10 copies of their CV's so that they can float it to as many companies as they can. But please make sure that you get to properly address each cover letter properly! We are a bank and sometimes we get cover letters addressed to Hotels / Restaurants, etc. Goes to show that the person isn't detail oriented. Tsk,tsk.

My pet peeve would have to be applicants who I call up to schedule for an interview / take the exams sound uninterested, sleep (!) or annoyed. Once you submit your CV, I would want to assume that you really are interested in getting a job, so once you get a call and hear that it is from a potential employer, I think the least that one can do is to be accommodating. If for any reason, by the time you get that call and you are no longer interested, being polite is the least that you can do.

It is equally important to listen to instructions as well when you are invited for an interview. Certain companies are strict about the time or date or the necessary documents you need to bring. So when you arrive 15 minutes late, dear, you will definitely get a D- for punctuality especially for bigger companies where time is an essential factor because of the volume of applicants. There is a reason why there is a schedule given.

When you get to the interview, a good conversationalist will never fail to impress. NEVER. Giving one word answers like yes or no or maybe is a HUGE turn off. Worst, if you just nod or shake your head.

Come prepared.Before you even go for an interview, do a little research about the company you are applying for a job at. Being able to share what you know about the company is a sure sign that you really prepared for the interview and are interested in landing that job with the company.

Know what you are applying for. You can't go for an interview and just say that you are applying for whatever position is available. One's sensibility is highly reflected here. Your degree finished plus past work experience (if any) must match the position you are applying for.

Never say you want this job because you need the job. Who doesn't need a job? Focus on your goals and targets in life. Share your dreams and aspirations and how this job can help you attain them.

And lastly, smile,relax and be yourself.

Of Hope

Next month, we will be having our national and local elections. We will be voting for a new President, a new V.President, 12 new Senators and new Mayors, V.Mayors and Councilors at the city level.

I do have a soft spot for this because my Dad ran twice for Councilor in our city but lost twice. I never questioned his intentions more so his heart. We just couldn't stomach having to use money and coercion for him to make it to the city council.

In the years that have passed, I do wonder if there is any sense in even voting. I know my voting for the people who I believe are clean and of integrity will be put to a waste.

And the bigger question is, is there hope for my country?

When we went to the US embassy for the interview of my kids for the application of their US tourist visa, I couldn't help but pity the Filipino people. The embassy was swarming with Filipinos-- most dressed in their best 'dressed to impress clothes," in the hope of being granted a visa by the US embassy. I doubt if our embassies in other countries are even visited by a third of the number people present at the US embassy. The sad part is, we really cannot deny the fact that there still are a number of people who take advantage of whatever is granted to them and then further destroy the name of the Filipinos. But on the other hand, when desperation calls, one may really choose to live on the edge and risk whatever he or she has left just to have a better life.

How sad it is to know that we cannot find enough security in our own homeland to say that we are more than content and thankful for what our country has to offer us. I too have my bigger dreams but I still wonder sometimes what is more important - patriotism or the future of my children? It is very frustrating to have to feel desperate every once in a while knowing that my children deserve so much more than what their reality here in our country can only offer. I'd rather not want to have to contemplate on issues like these, but I must release my own selfish motives and face the inevitable.

Is there still hope? I hope.

6 Years Ago, Dad

Today would have been the 29th wedding anniversary of my Dad and Ma.
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6 years ago on this day, Dad was fighting for his life in the ICU. But he held on because it was their 23rd wedding anniversary with Ma.
The next day, he let go.
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There was no question that he would be buried in the suit he wore on April 6, 1981 when he married Mama.
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He waited for Mama for 18 months. And then she decided to follow him.
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Happy 29 years Dad and Ma.
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It's been 6 years since you left Dad. You are my hero. I miss you everyday. I Love You.
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You and Ma are happy where you are right now.
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There are still so many things I do not understand. I need to release the bitterness in my heart. It worsens when loneliness catches up.
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I Love You Dad.

The Baby That He Should Be

My almost 13 month old refuses to walk. Refuses. He prefers to crawl or be carried. When we position him for walking while still holding him under his armpits, he automatically lifts his feet. He doesn't want to walk. He will climb and pull himself up but walk? No way. He'd rather be carried. Al 12 kilos of him stuck to my hip.

He did take his first 4 steps 5 days ago and I was so ecstatic that I posted it on facebook. Apparently, I never learn my lesson. Of course, by announcing it to the whole world, I jinxed myself! And since then, he has refused to walk again. He even hates it when I put on his shoes! I hope by my announcing his not wanting to walk, I will jinx myself by allowing the exact opposite to happen. Hah crossing my fingers. 

My eldest walked a little before he turned 11 months. My second walked a week before he turned a year old. But this youngest one is probably soaking up in all his babyness.

In the meantime...

Happy Easter

I feel that I haven't been thankful enough for the so many blessings I have been showered with. As we remember the risen Christ, I want to thank Him for all He has done in my life.

I am thankful for my faith. My Lord, my God.

I am thankful for my husband.

I am thankful for Josh, Dash and Arrow.

I am thankful for my family.

I am thankful for my work.

I am thankful for the home I live in.

I am thankful for the food we eat.

I am thankful for my wonderful friends.

I am thankful for my life.

I am thankful for my househelps who love my children.

I am thankful for weekends.

I am thankful for the small treats in life - like ice cream on a warm day or hot choco on a cold, rainy day.

I am thankful.

Christ has risen.Happy Easter everyone!

What are you thankful for?

Snow For the First Time!

My kids meeting snow for the very, very first time. Possibly their last.

It is amazing how we people from the tropics dream of touching, seeing snow in the flesh. If for some, they despise snow, my kids loved every single minute of their time with it. Although I have seen the States, I have never seen snow. 

What a wonderful experience for them.