Assert your unique woman qualities in job-hunting!
By Immanuel Jay Avelino

Gone are the days when men dominated almost everything in the world, from being the head of the family all the way to being the head honchos of big corporations. Over the past few decades, gender inequality issues have enjoyed great exposure, leading to positive changes and the empowerment of women. Nowadays, it is no longer surprising to see executives and bosses who are females. Women are more empowered and capable of a lot of the things that men can do.

Empowered women can be seen not just at street rallies protesting for women’s rights. They are now prevalent in the corporate world providing evidence that the stereotypes of women are just a distant memory. Women nowadays know what they need and want and they know how to get it. Just a few women who excel in the workforce include TLC Beatrice International Holdings, Inc. CEO Ms. Loida Nicolas-Lewis and Cecilia Pagkalinawan, the founding president and CEO of Boutique Y3K, an online fashion retail and marketing company. Even the highest office in the country is occupied by Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

These empowered women who are executives and bosses for big companies prove that there is indeed a future for all women. But how these women rose to the top is a completely different story.

These success stories prove that women are exposed to the same opportunities as men. Reaching the pinnacle of success, however, lies on how hard one works to realize one’s goals. Even if you’re just starting, you have to plot your pattern for success as early as when you get your diploma from school.

Women on the verge of graduating and job-hunting need to keep in mind a number of things in order to reach their goal. Here are tips on how to make the first few steps toward success:

1. Know yourself and identify your capabilities and skills to edge out other applicants.
2. Go beyond what is expected. Be ready to fail on the first few attempts but never become discouraged. Failures are just trials that will mold you to become better. Avoid and not treat yourself as a precious diamond that only shares its “bling” to people who appreciate its beauty.
3. When you receive your first call from an employer, be excited but set realistic expectations, it’ll be easier for you to accept the results, whether these be positive or negative.
4. Set your mind on the interview. Focus on the things that you need to prepare. Know the position you’re applying for. Arrange all the necessary papers such as resumes, certificates and other supporting documents. Better be extra prepared, this will show the interviewer that you’re eager to work in that position.
5. Dress up professionally. The clothes you wear, more often than not, tell other people about your personality. Impress your interviewer by dressing up professionally. Remember that the usual get-up for job interviews is the corporate attire and not party outfits!
6. On the “big day,” prepare yourself to answer questions about your skills. Know your long-term goals.
7. The interviewer can tell if you’re just fabricating stories about yourself. Focus on your qualifications for the position and be upfront about your weaknesses.
8. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the job and the company. Chances are the interviewer will be impressed at your desire to learn more.
9. Be sure to use your qualities as a woman to your advantage, talk about your unique strengths as a woman and be sure to set a good first impression to the interviewer. This will ensure that you will be remembered.

Be a woman of substance by knowing your power as a woman, no matter how hard it is to find a job that will fit your aptitude. Remember that empowered women know who they really are. That is why some of Metrobank Femme Visa’s advantages will benefit you, as a woman of value.

A number of great perks awaits Metrobank Femme Visa cardholders such as automatic access to different job opportunities advertised in JobsDB.com. Your e-mail address and job occupation must be indicated in the Femme Careers form inserted in the Femme Visa application form to avail of the feature.

You also need to be updated on the various concerns of women from fashion and beauty to smart financial management and career strategies. Metrobank Femme Visa card entitles you to free talks held every quarter. This April 22nd, Metrobank Femme Visa card, in coordination with ABS-CBN Publishing Inc., will let you experience the ultimate family bonding with the featured Lifeworks Series seminar entitled Summer Escapades: Boredom Busting Summer Activities for Moms and Kids at the ABS-CBN Training Hall, ELJCC Bldg, Mo. Ignacia St. Quezon City.

Metrobank Femme Visa cardholders are also entitled to a one (1) quarter free subscription of MEGA magazines when they use their Metrobank Femme Visa card for the first time!

With Metrobank Femme Visa, your dream job will always be within your reach. Celebrate your womanhood and jump into a new career with Femme Visa Card.