Ever wonder why you’re not getting hired, even though you’re qualified? Sometimes, the problem isn’t your skills, but your attitude. In the competitive job market of the Philippines, a positive and proactive attitude can be the key that unlocks doors, even more so than a perfect resume.
Why Attitude Matters, Especially in the Philippines
Alright, let’s get real. Job hunting here in the Philippines can be tough. It’s a market where having the right skills is essential, but so is having the right “pakikisama” or getting along with others. Companies aren’t just looking for someone who can do the job; they’re looking for someone who will fit into the company culture, be a team player, and contribute to a positive working environment. According to studies, companies are increasingly prioritizing soft skills (like communication and teamwork) over purely technical abilities because they are easier to teach.
Think about it this way: imagine two candidates. One has amazing skills but is arrogant and difficult to work with. The other has good skills and is eager to learn, enthusiastic, and a problem solver. Which one would you hire? Most employers would choose the second. Filipinos are known for their hospitality and strong values. A negative attitude can create friction and disrupt the harmony of the workplace.
What Does a Good Attitude Look Like? (And What Doesn’t)
Having a good attitude isn’t just about smiling all the time. It’s about how you approach challenges, handle setbacks, and interact with others. Let’s break down what this actually means when you’re job hunting:
Enthusiasm: Show that you’re genuinely excited about the company and the position. Do your research and express your interest during the interview.
Positive Outlook: Frame your experiences, even negative ones, in a positive light. Focus on what you learned and how you grew from them.
Proactiveness: Don’t just wait to be told what to do. Take initiative, ask questions, and show that you’re willing to go the extra mile.
Resilience: Job hunting can be frustrating. Acknowledge setbacks, but don’t let them defeat you. Learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.
Teamwork: Emphasize your ability to collaborate and contribute to a team. Share examples of successful teamwork experiences.
Respect: Treat everyone you encounter during the job search process with respect, from the receptionist to the hiring manager. This includes being punctual, polite, and professional.
Adaptability: The ability to quickly learn new things and adapt to changing situations is a huge asset in today’s workplace. Highlight times when you successfully adapted to a new role, project, or technology.
On the flip side, here are some attitude red flags that can sink your job prospects faster than you can say “applicant”:
Arrogance: Overconfidence and a sense of entitlement.
Negativity: Complaining, criticizing, and focusing on the negatives.
Apathy: Showing a lack of interest or enthusiasm.
Blaming: Shifting responsibility and blaming others for your failures.
Disrespect: Being rude, dismissive, or unprofessional.
Entitlement: Expecting special treatment or advantages.
How Your Attitude Shows Up in Your Job Search
Your attitude isn’t just something you feel; it’s something you project. It seeps into every aspect of your job search, from your resume to your interview performance.
Your Resume and Cover Letter: Even in writing, negativity can creep in. Instead of saying “I was laid off due to company restructuring”, try “I sought new opportunities after a company restructuring led to my departure.” Focus on your accomplishments and quantify your achievements whenever possible. Your cover letter is an excellent place to display your enthusiasm for the role and demonstrate that you understand the company’s mission and values.
Your Online Presence: In the age of social media, employers are likely to check your online profiles. Make sure your social media reflects a professional and positive image. Avoid posting controversial or offensive content. LinkedIn is your professional digital footprint, so ensure it’s polished, up-to-date, and aligned with your career goals. It’s also a space to showcase your genuine interest in the industry by sharing articles or contributing to relevant discussions.
Your Body Language: During an interview, your body language speaks volumes. Maintain eye contact, smile, and sit up straight. Avoid fidgeting, slouching, or crossing your arms, as these can convey disinterest or defensiveness. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology shows how nonverbal cues influence recruiters’ perception of the candidate.
Your Communication: From emails to phone calls to in-person conversations, always be professional and courteous. Respond promptly to emails and thank people for their time. Carefully proofread every email or message before sending. Even in Filipino culture where familiarity can be common, maintaining a level of professionalism with formal language (e.g., “po” and “opo”) in initial interactions can make a positive impact.
Your Interview Performance: This is where your attitude shines (or doesn’t). Be enthusiastic, engaged, and genuinely interested in the conversation. Ask thoughtful questions and show that you’ve done your research on the company. Prepare for common interview questions, but also be ready to think on your feet. Most importantly, be yourself and let your personality shine through.
Real-Life Examples: Attitude Wins (and Loses)
Let’s look at some specific examples of how attitude can make or break your chances of landing a job in the Philippines:
Scenario 1: The “Overqualified” Candidate. Imagine a candidate with years of experience applying for a junior position. If they come across as arrogant or condescending, the hiring manager will likely be turned off, even if they technically have the skills. A better approach is to frame your experience as a strength and explain why you’re genuinely interested in the role and the opportunities it presents. Discuss the mentorship potential of your extensive experience to help further develop the company’s workforce.
Scenario 2: The Fresh Graduate. A fresh graduate with limited experience might feel intimidated applying for a job. However, if they demonstrate enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude, they can make a strong impression. Take ownership of projects done in school. Emphasize that your fresh perspective and willingness to learn new trends can benefit the company.
Scenario 3: The Career Changer. Someone switching careers might lack specific industry experience. But if they can articulate their transferable skills, their passion for the new field, and their eagerness to learn, they can overcome this obstacle. Consider further training that will help the career shift transition.
Scenario 4: The Interview Mishap. During an interview, a candidate accidentally spills coffee on the table. Instead of panicking or getting flustered, they apologize sincerely, help clean it up, and maintain a positive attitude. This shows grace under pressure and the ability to handle unexpected situations. This can actually boost the impression employers have of a job seeker.
Actionable Tips to Improve Your Attitude
So, you realize your attitude could use a little boost? Don’t worry, it’s something you can work on! Here are some actionable tips to cultivate a more positive and proactive attitude:
Practice Gratitude: Start each day by listing things you’re grateful for. This helps shift your focus from the negative to the positive.
Surround Yourself with Positive People: Limit your exposure to negativity and spend time with supportive and encouraging individuals.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: When you catch yourself thinking negatively, ask yourself if there’s another way to look at the situation. Acknowledge that job hunting is difficult and you must accept it as part of the journey.
Set Realistic Goals: Don’t set yourself up for disappointment by setting unrealistic expectations. Break down your job search into smaller, manageable steps.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. Whether it’s updating your resume, sending out applications, or landing an interview, take time to appreciate your progress. Remember that small wins accumulate, therefore consistent effort in job applications will eventually get you an interview.
Practice Self-Care: Make time for activities that you enjoy and that help you relax and de-stress. This could be anything from exercise to reading to spending time with loved ones.
Seek Feedback: Ask trusted friends, family members, or mentors for honest feedback on your attitude and communication style. Ask trusted friends and family to conduct a mock interview with you to prepare you for the real deal.
Visualize Success: Spend time visualizing yourself succeeding in your job search and in your new role. This can help boost your confidence and motivation.
Learn from Rejection: Don’t take rejection personally. View it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Ask for feedback to improve your approach.
Consider Professional Help: If you’re struggling with persistent negativity or self-doubt, consider seeking help from a career coach or therapist.
Specific Advice for the Philippine Job Market
Here are some extra tips specifically tailored to the job market in the Philippines:
Embrace “Pakikisama”: As mentioned earlier, “pakikisama” (getting along with others) is crucial. Show respect, be polite, and be mindful of your interactions with others. Build strong relationships with your colleagues by being supportive, collaborative, and respectful. Understand the importance of maintaining harmony in the team and contribute positively to the work environment.
Network, Network, Network: Networking is essential in the Philippines. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with people on LinkedIn. Filipinos tend to trust people they know or who are recommended by someone they trust. Leverage your personal and professional networks to uncover job opportunities and gain valuable insights. Filipino job seekers often rely on personal connections, attending industry events to network, and actively participating in alumni associations of their universities.
Highlight Your Values: Filipino employers often value traits like hard work, loyalty, and a strong work ethic. Make sure to highlight these qualities in your resume and during your interview.
Be Patient: The job search process in the Philippines can sometimes be lengthy. Be patient, persistent, and don’t get discouraged. Research conducted by JobStreet Philippines indicates that Filipino job seekers spend an average of 2-3 months searching for a job.
Addressing Common Attitude-Related Challenges
Let’s tackle some common challenges that Filipino job seekers face when it comes to their attitude:
The “Culture of Complacency.” Some people might feel discouraged by the challenges of the job market and develop a complacent attitude. Combat this by focusing on your goals, celebrating your progress, and reminding yourself of your potential.
Dealing with “Crab Mentality.” Unfortunately, “crab mentality” (pulling others down) can exist in some workplaces. Don’t let this discourage you. Focus on your own growth and success, and find supportive mentors and colleagues.
Overcoming Fear of Failure. Fear of failure can paralyze you and prevent you from pursuing your goals. Remember that failure is a part of the learning process. Embrace it, learn from it, and keep moving forward.
Balancing Humility and Confidence. Filipinos are often taught to be humble, but it’s important to also be confident in your abilities. Find a balance between humility and confidence, and let your skills and achievements speak for themselves.
Managing Expectations. It’s important to have realistic expectations about the job market and the roles you’re applying for. Research salary ranges, understand the company culture, and be prepared to negotiate your salary and benefits fairly.
Example of a Positive Attitude Transformation
Meet Maria, a recent college graduate with a degree in marketing. She spent months applying for jobs but received only a few interview invitations. Frustrated and discouraged, Maria started to feel like she wasn’t good enough. After receiving feedback from a career counselor, Maria realized that her negativity was seeping into her resume, her cover letters, and her interview performance. She started working on her attitude, practicing gratitude, visualizing success, and focusing on her strengths. She revamped her resume to highlight her accomplishments, crafted personalized cover letters that showcased her enthusiasm, and prepared thoroughly for interviews. She started networking and attending industry events. Slowly but surely, her efforts paid off. She landed several interviews and eventually received a job offer from her dream company. Maria’s story shows that a positive attitude, combined with the willingness to learn and grow, can transform your job search and help you achieve your career goals.
FAQ
Q: What if I’m naturally introverted and not very outgoing? Can I still have a good attitude?
Absolutely! A good attitude isn’t about being extroverted or a social butterfly. It’s about being positive, respectful, and enthusiastic. You can demonstrate these qualities in your own way, whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert. Focus on actively listening, showing genuine interest in the interviewer and the company, and communicating your strengths and qualifications effectively. You don’t have to be the loudest or most outgoing person in the room to make a positive impression.
Q: How do I handle a difficult interviewer who seems negative or dismissive?
Even if you encounter a difficult interviewer, it’s important to maintain a professional and positive attitude. Don’t take their negativity personally. Instead, focus on answering their questions to the best of your ability, staying calm and composed, and treating them with respect. You could try to subtly redirect the conversation to a more positive topic or ask clarifying questions to understand their concerns. Remember that their behavior might not reflect the company culture as a whole.
Q: Is it okay to be honest about my weaknesses during an interview?
Yes, it’s definitely okay to be honest about your weaknesses, but it’s all about how you frame them. Don’t dwell on your shortcomings. Instead, choose a weakness that you’re actively working to improve. Explain how you’re addressing this weakness and what steps you’re taking to overcome it. This shows self-awareness, a willingness to learn, and a proactive approach to personal development. For example, you could say, “One area I’m working to improve is my public speaking skills. I’ve joined a Toastmasters club and I’m actively seeking opportunities to present in front of groups.”
Q: How important is it to speak Tagalog or other Filipino languages in the workplace?
While English is widely used in many corporate settings in the Philippines, especially in multinational companies and call centers, knowing Tagalog or other Filipino languages can be a significant advantage, especially in smaller businesses or when interacting with clients or colleagues from different backgrounds. It demonstrates your cultural sensitivity and ability to connect with a wider range of people. Even if English is the primary language used in meetings and presentations, speaking in Tagalog or other local languages can help build rapport and create a more inclusive work environment.
Q: What if I have a gap in my resume due to unemployment? Will a negative attitude affect me more then?
Rather than trying to hide or downplay the unemployment gap, address it head-on with confidence. Explain the circumstances of your career break and what you did during that time. Highlight any skills you developed, courses you took, or volunteer work you completed. Emphasize that you used your time productively and that you’re eager to return to the workforce. A positive attitude can show hiring managers that you didn’t let the unemployment gap define you. Instead, you used the time to invest in yourself and prepare for your return to work.
References
Journal of Applied Psychology.
JobStreet Philippines.
Ready to land your dream job? Don’t let a negative attitude stand in your way. Start working on cultivating a more positive and proactive approach today. Revamp your resume, practice your interview skills, and focus on your strengths. Believe in yourself, and don’t give up on your dreams. The perfect job is out there waiting for you! Go get it!
