With thousands of job seekers competing to get hired during job fairs, how will an applicant be able to stand out and be hired on the spot (HOTS)?

In view of the upcoming simultaneous conduct of job fairs in the Ilocos Region during the annual celebration of Labor Day on May 1, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 1 gives a to-do list before stepping into the said recruitment activity.

In an episode of the Kapihan sa Ilocos, DOLE-1 Assistant Regional Director Honorina Baga advised interested applicants to review the job postings in advance and assess which positions alight best with their skills and personal interests.

Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their target participating employers or business establishments, enabling them to anticipate and prepare for the questions during the interview proper.
 

“Know your potential and the skills you can contribute to the table,” Baga said.

Baga shared that it has been observed that HOTS applicants are those who aced the interview and impressed the participating employers or business representatives.

Also, Baga said physical and mental health should also be in a good state if an applicant wants to attract job opportunities during the activity.

“Get enough sleep and rest so you will have all the energy and might to eagerly participate in the job fair all throughout from the application process to the interview proper,” Baga said.

Regarding appearance, Baga strongly urged job seekers to dress up appropriately and present themselves professionally when applying for a job.

 Punctuality is also a plus point as Baga cited, “Early bird catches the worm.”

Meanwhile, DOLE-1 Regional Director Exequiel Ronie Guzman encouraged first-time job seekers to seize any employment opportunities available to them.

“Do not be too picky because it works that way. You start at the bottom then you work your way up,” Guzman said.

He added, “Be reminded that to have a job is to be able to provide food for our families."

DOLE, in partnership with the Provincial Employment Services Offices (PESO), local government units, and national government agencies, is regularly staging job fairs.

The next region-wide recruitment activity will be on Jun 12 as part of the commemoration of the Philippine Independence Day.

In case that you won't be able to make it this May 1, fail forward.

Learn from your experience. Practice more. Boost your skills. Then try again.  (JCR/MJTAB/CGCC, PIA Region 1)