A great job comes in two ways—either you're born in a family with a great family business or you have to look for one. And unless you're the daughter of a famous hotelier or a son of a real estate magnate, the latter is usually the default way to go.

But getting a good job isn't always easy. Simply showing up in an interview and brandishing your college degree isn’t a sure-fire way to find yourself enjoying a good-paying job that you actually love. And since the degree-holders don't necessarily have it easy with job-hunting, imagine what things would be like for the undergrads and the non-grads.

So what can an undergrad or a non-grad do to get his or her dream job without opting to have a fake diploma printed out?

Stop, Look and Analyze

A job that sounds good sitting right under your nose? Sounds great! But is a good job the right job? A human resource practitioner from Manila, Rose Gob, says that one must think thoroughly before handing out resumés. Check the job's description and size yourself up first if you're skills and experiences qualify you for the job.

"If you feel that you can do what is expected of the post, then apply for it," states Gob. By stopping and analyzing, you saved yourself not just the trouble, but also the time—time you could use to look for a job that fits you perfectly.

Rock the Resume

"Undergraduate or not, one should prepare his/her most updated curriculum vitae. Updated meaning his/her skills, achievements,educational attainment and other pertinent information about him/her must be included," states Genalyn Dizon, An H.R. practitioner for a Singapore-based company.

Learned a new skill or went on a seminar that would help boost your chances of getting hired? Don't be afraid to write it down. The more skills and experiences you have, the higher the chances that they’ll pick you over others. Companies need to know what kind of person they're getting their hands on to—and if you're the kind who wouldn't need to be trained for a long period of time—you’re more than likely to bag the job!

But writing your skills and experiences doesn't mean that you should make a novella of a resumé. "Tailor-fit your resumé according to the company's needs. Highlight your skills and experiences that fit the job," Rose Gob reminds job-hunters. Your employer doesn't have the time to read a six-page curriculum vitae. So strategically pick out which skills, experiences and trainings that would fit your job description. Remember - an ideal resume is just one to two pages, tops.
Dress for Success

Your great resume served as your ticket to that all-important interview. So what to do next, you ask? Impress your employer by dressing properly for the upcoming meet. Rose advises that applicants should always dress appropriately during interviews. "If you are applying for an office clerk position, opt for something smart-casual; nothing too formal. If you are applying for a counter person position or for a production position, appearing neat by wearing something casual would be sufficient," Rose advises.


Interview Etiquette 101

The interview, or as Genalyn likes to call it, "the day of reckoning" has finally arrived! By this time, you should anticipate the employer's would-be questions. Genalyn stresses out how important it is that you know your resume—because it's where your employer will get most of the questions from. "Thus, you must know your resume....be truthful,”Genalyn adds.

Mind the clock on the big day. Being late on your interview gives a really bad impression—nobody wants to hire a tardy person. Genalyn recommends that an applicant must be at least 30 minutes early before the scheduled interview. "That way, you will be able to survey the place and your co-interviewees. Talk and befriend the other applicants. Talking to your co-interviewees will give you a way to channel your nervousness,” says Genalyn. So go ahead and talk. It's a good way to calm your nerves and meet new friends.

After the interview's over, don't forget to thank the interviewer for their time. It's also a good idea to look back on what happened. "Take note of the interviewer's comments and learn from it. You may ask the interviewer if they think you are fit for the job or you may ask what their expectations are for the person who will occupy the post," suggests Rose. This will help you improve on certain points and more importantly, right any wrongs.

Lastly, no matter how tempted you are, don't call the company to follow-up on the result of your application. Always wait for them to contact you. Rose's word to the wise regarding follow-ups? If within two (2) weeks there are no calls, it means you may not fit their requirements. It's time to apply again.


No Degree? No Worries!

Not all jobs require college degrees. Sometimes, skills and and experiences have even more weight for employers. However, just to be on the safe side, don't be shy to ask. Rose suggests that an applicant must give the company a call and ask if they entertain undergrads for specific positions.

Just as long as you're willing to work your way up to the top, nothing's stopping you to reaching your dreams. Don't be afraid to start small. This will only raise the number of your skills and experiences, giving way to a better job in the future. "Don't build castles in the air," Genalyn advises.

Whatever you do, you must always arm yourself with confidence. Confidence streams forth from knowing the requirements by heart, being aware of the time, and more importantly, from uttering a small prayer to God for help and guidance. "God is the God of Knowledge. There are things you forget when you are nervous, but the confidence in knowing that God is with you is enough for you to go on with the drills of the interview," Genalyn sums up. Words by Pauline C. Arellano