Glam Jobs: Angel of the Airwaves

She makes work look like play, but Dylan is quick to note that her job as multi-tasking bi-media host is not always as easy at it seems. Still, her job much-coveted, no matter how unglamorous she says it is. Not your typical nine-to-five, her day job can quickly turn into an all-nighter, if demand calls for it, but she’s not complaining. Here’s how she snagged gig after gig, after gig, after gig…

What was your dream job as a kid?
I wanted to be a rock star. Didn’t everybody?

What job title/titles do you hold now?
Radio jock, TV host, events host, sometime writer, full-time dreamer, and frustrated musician. I spent roughly three years in radioland before I got into the mad world of TV.

How did you land your radio gig and how did it lead to you hosting a show on Jack TV?
It was one foggy night in Mayric’s and I was pleasantly tipsy and somehow charmed my way into one of the senior jock’s conciousness with my impressive stories. Mostly untrue, I think but my delivery sealed the deal. He asked me to audition and I got the job. Once I got into radio, I started hosting events mostly gigs and rock concerts. Producers of the show on Jack TV seeked me out, after catching one of the shows I hosted, thinking I had the exact personality they were looking for to host their new show.

Do you think your job is glamorous?
If you call taking the bus-fx-tricycle combo going to the studio in Antipolo glamorous, then I guess so.

What is your typical workday like?
On the busiest of my days: Shoot in Antipolo studio at 10am. Then, run to the NU studios at 3pm to do DJ work until 6pm. Then, head off to a hosting gig that usually lasts until the wee hours of the morning.

What are the most common misconceptions people have about your job?
That it’s all fun and free food. Well, it is mostly fun and free food. Just not all the time.

Looking back, what’s the best thing or decision you’ve ever made, career-wise?
On the day I was hired to be a copywriter for a really big ad agency, NU107 called me up to say I got the job as a jock. I had to choose overnight between the two evils. I went with the DJ job. This is what I’d tell anyone who’d ask: When faced with a difficult choice, always go with what your heart tells you.

What is the best perk of your job?
For radio, it’s being able to come to work in comfy slippers. For TV, it’s the free stuff. I have to admit, it’s always the free stuff.

What are the three biggest challenges of your job that you’ve learned to overcome?
1) Not being able to broadcast your true emotions. I’ve had a friend commit suicide and minutes after I just heard the news, I had to go onboard and carry on with my radio show like nothing happened. Your listeners expect you to always be on top of things no matter what. 2) The getting up and going to work. I used to be really tardy for work and had numerous absences. Only when I started showing up for work everyday and on time did I reap numerous benefits. There’s nothing like going to bed at night knowing you have accomplished another hard day’s work. It’s quite empowering, really. 3) The haters. It took me some time to figure out the old cliché that you can’t please all the people all the time and now I treat praise and criticism the same way – not too seriously.

What is your dream job now?
To host an international show. Maybe Amazing Race although I’m not buff enough for that yet.

What other hobbies would you like to pursue?
Scuba diving has always been a temptation.

What would people find surprising about you?
I hate wearing make up. I take the bus everyday. I’m your average bear.

About your job?
With TV: That sometimes, it would take hundreds of takes to get that one perfect little shot. It’s a lot of hard work. A lot of waiting, sweating, and more waiting, but once the episode comes out and looks great, then you know it’s all worth it.

What’s your advice for those who want a job like yours?
While nothing beats the good ol’ combination of prayer, hard work and a chock full of discipline, I think loving your job, having loads of fun and most importantly, marching to your own beat and staying true to yourself are all precious tidbits of advice, too.

(This article by Chonx Tibajia first appeared in The Philippine STAR's CAREER GUIDE, a weekly jobs section powered by JobStreet.com)

(Picture used with Dylan's permission)

Watch Your Way to Success

Once in awhile there comes a time when a person suddenly lacks motivation in one’s work. This can be due to a myriad of reasons like – a horrible boss, unfair company policies, catty coworkers or just the plain old “stuck in a rut” syndrome, but one should never let such negativity cloud their enthusiasm to work hard and become successful. In case you’re one of those unfortunate few who are stuck in career limbo and are completely clueless on what to do, relax, sit back and check out these movies. Hopefully these will give you ideas on how to make your job seem more enjoyable and worthwhile.

If you feel your resume doesn’t look impressive:
The Pursuit of Happyness – Believing in one’s self can change your whole life for the better. This movie is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a single father and bone density scanner salesman whose incredible determination to succeed against all odds made him the Wall Street legend he is now.

The Story: Chris Gardner (Will Smith) is a simple man, living a very hard life. He chooses to raise his 5-year-old son by himself when his wife suddenly leaves him and desperately tries to make ends meet by selling bone density scanners that he’s invested his life savings in. By and by, Chris is scrambling to get money to pay the bills and he and his son eventually have to rely on homeless shelters just to have a place to stay in for the night. He finds his saving grace in a possible internship at a stock brokerage firm where he does his best to land one of the much coveted slots. As luck would have it, the company is only offering an internship and a job to the best intern of the batch. But in spite of the odds, Chris chooses to stick with the internship and performs to the best of his abilities. Through pure dedication and his incredible skills in sales and marketing, Chris lands the job that he wants in spite of being only a high school graduate.

If you feel your boss doesn’t appreciate your hard work:
The Devil Wears Prada – So the book version wasn’t so good, this movie adaptation starring Anne Hathaway as the extremely overworked Andy Sachs and Merryl Streep as the infamous boss from hell, Miranda Priestly, is actually a fun, feel good movie. Aside from all the fun fashions, this movie inspires greenhorns that dedication and hard work does pay off in the end.

The Story: Fresh out of college, Andy lands an interview at Runway – a hip fashion magazine for women. In spite of her lack of interest in the topic and being completely clueless about the fashion industry, editor in chief Miranda Priestly surprisingly hires her. She then becomes the second assistant to the EIC who works 24/7 with a low salary and zero respect from her boss – until she starts to prove her capabilities. From being able to memorize all the names of the who’s who in New York high society to being able to produce a copy of an unpublished manuscript of the latest Harry Potter book, Andy has gone to great lengths to give anything that Miranda asks for. By and by she gets sucked in the fashion industry and starts to realize that in spite of all the glitz and glamour that it promises, her sense of self and integrity are still way more important. She leaves Runway not just with an expansive experience in the fashion industry but also with Miranda Priestly’s work recommendation – that assures of guaranteed acceptance in any job she applies for in the future.

If you’re still confused on what you really want to do:
The Nanny Diaries – Another chick flick, this is best for those who are still not sure of what career they really want to focus on and extremely pressured by his or her parents to do well. Scarlett Johansson plays Annie Braddock, another fresh graduate with a seemingly bright future until she suddenly gets a nervous breakdown and loses her focus.

The Story: Right after college, Annie is scheduled for an interview with one of the top companies in New York City. As one of the brightest in her class, Annie is confident that the job is in the bag until she gets a nervous breakdown during the interview and ends up working as a nanny for a rich Uptown family. She reassures her best friend, that her nanny gig is just temporary until she finds what she truly wants. Annie eventually finds herself loving her job in spite of the many hardships she encounters and basically just being a big pain in the a**. But before she gets sucked in to being a nanny forever, her experiences with the “X” family helped her realize that what she really wants to do is to go back to school and take up a graduate program in anthropology. It might have took her some time to pursue what she really wants but what’s more important is that she’s now happy with the career path that she’s taking.

If you feel your life’s totally hopeless:
Waitress – This movie inspires people to not let themselves be forever bound to the unpleasant situations that they’re in and to always be nice to others – who knows, your connections might just be your ticket to “salvation”.

The Story: As a waitress in a small town diner, Jenna (Keri Russell) devotes her time to coming up with incredible pie concoctions and being a battered wife to her loser of a husband (Jeremy Sisto). While she gets along with everybody at work, Jenna still desperately wants to leave town just to get away from her husband and start a new life. Unfortunately, being always incredibly suspicious of her, Earl finds out about the money she stashed away as well as her being pregnant. Completely hopeless about her future, Jenna is resigned to continue living her hell of a life until she meets a quirky doctor whom she has an affair with. While he might seem to be the knight in shining armor that she so desperately needs, Jenna realizes that she can leave Earl, raise the baby, and make a living – all on her own. As luck would have it, one the diner’s regular customers whom Jenna has always be patient with, leaves her with a hefty check – more than enough for her to start a new life, and own a diner of her own.

If you slept with your boss – and regret it:
Bridget Jones’s Diary - While there are a lot of office rules that one must be able to adhere to even if it sounds totally silly, there are of course some that are completely out of the question. Having a crush on your boss is one thing but taking it to the next level is tricky, very tricky especially when you break up. So before you start thinking of engaging in a crazy shenanigan with your boss watch how Renee Zellweger’s Bridget Jones dealt with this sticky ordeal.

The Story: Bridget Jones works as an assistant at a publishing house led by the irresistible ladies’ man Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). After flirting through the office IM, Bridget and Daniel end up doing the big nasty – over and over again. While Bridget seems to be in relationship bliss, she’s too much of a lovesick fool to realize that Daniel’s not serious about her. After all hell breaks loose, she decides to quit her job and sets her sights on the broadcasting industry where she lands a job for her candidness. In spite of an awkward and incredibly humiliating start, she finally gets her groove on with the help of her friend Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Realizing that it’s in gaining your confidence back and truly loving your job, you will get rewarded, Bridget finally gets her act together.

(This article by Abby Rebong first appeared in The Philippine STAR's CAREER GUIDE, a weekly jobs section powered by JobStreet.com)

Look Who’s Hiring: Dealing with New Employer Attitudes

The workforce is getting younger – age and attitude-wise. Not only are the new hires of two years ago taking faster to get to managerial and supervisory levels, the “big bosses” are also making an effort to be more in-the-know of the latest trends, gadgets, fashion, etc. All these are making a subtle, but significant impact on the way employers hire. Here’s what you need to know about bosses young and young at heart, and making minor adjustments in various aspects of the job hunt.

Making yourself easy to find.
Self-promotion is still the name of the game. But don’t get stuck in job-hunting past – with so many dynamic avenues left to our disposal – think MySpace, Facebook, Blogger, etc. – it’s easier to share select information about yourself and career objectives.

Create an online portfolio that showcases your previous and current projects, achievements and related interests. You can even blog about your job search and share all the challenges you’ve overcome. It’s an effective, subtle way of promoting your professional aptitude and personality traits.

However, you have to be careful about what you publish on your sites. Keep your professional site formal, presentable, and straightforward.

You can still go the traditional route, thought, and distribute printouts of your résumé. Give it out only to selected companies that you find interesting, even if they don’t seem to have any openings. If you qualify, it’s likely that they’ll keep your résumé for future reference. Don’t forget to enclose a cover letter.

Piquing curiosity.
In the information age, interest can only last so long, so don’t divulge everything about yourself all at once, whether in your cover letter, blog, or professional site. Avoid talking about your personal life in full detail, but it would help to offer some information to give your audience an idea of what you’re all about (e.g. single, master of five languages, amateur photographer – bits of personal trivia that suggest that you are a well-rounded person living a full-life).

Employers today, being effective multi-taskers, are likely to believe in “having it all”. Show them that you, too, have a healthy balance of work and fun in your life.

Looking good on paper.
We all know that résumés carry 2x2 photos, but what needs to be stressed right now is how this image serves as THE first impression. It may sound a little shallow, but employers look at your photos, too. They don’t judge by them, but they certainly consider them.

Taking your headshot: Make sure you look tidy and composed, wearing proper attire and minimal make-up. Look at the camera straight on and smile conservatively. Avoid over accessorizing, awkward poses, and inappropriate backgrounds.

Looking even better in person.
It’s all about walking into a room and owning it. Look and be even more impressive than your, just try not to overdo it. Many employers appreciate fashion, whether or not they’re into it themselves. So come in your best work attire.

Move in the same circle.
It’s true: word of mouth is still the most effective way to advertise. If you’re a designer, think of your skills as products – creativity, resourcefulness, innovation, craftsmanship, and attention to detail are all more talked about by satisfied clients than the finished design itself.

Go out and meet people from the industry, offer to assist or if even ask if you could apprentice. Employers are more likely to trust referrals, or applicants who are friends of friends. The challenge has shifted from getting the attention of employers to getting the attention of their friends.

(This article by Chonx Tibajia first appeared in The Philippine STAR's CAREER GUIDE, a weekly jobs section powered by JobStreet.com)

Soft Skills for the Go-Getter

Talk big in your résumé, because what it says may get you into your favored company. But it’s the little things you do that help employers determine whether or not they should keep you there. On paper, it’s all about making a big, positive first impression. Everyday life however, demands for subtler, seemingly unimportant habits and gestures – those that tell people about who you are, more than about what you do. Here are a few skills that you might want to consider taking up:

The art of small talk
If you’ve ever been at a lunch meeting with a major client – all of whom you are with know each other very well, then you know what it’s like to feel out of place. As a professional, however, it’s your job to always make that you are never so. Small talk will easily get you out of that quiet corner and into the center of talk, but it is not always so simple.

Steer clear of obvious attempts like talking about the weather. Start with a compliment to get your subject interested – but make sure you’re sincere! You can also talk about industry events that you might both have attended, or asking about his or her work. Of course, you already know that religion, politics, and internal gossip, are topics that should be avoided.

Feel free to stay out of personal conversations, those that involve private jokes, or those that do not involve your self. But since it is after all a business meeting, you have every right to interject, in a polite manner, questions that relate to the nature of your meeting in order to keep your contemporaries from digressing further.

Take charge of the conversation and make sure that after every, introduction or meeting, you have accomplished your objective.

Appreciation for the Internet
It is no longer acceptable to know nothing about the Internet – especially for a professional. Even if accessing the Web doesn’t interest you in the least bit, consider it a necessary partner towards an easier life. Not only does the Net, through email, instant messaging, and other connectivity tools like Skype, allow you to multitask and touch base with your contacts without ever leaving your cushy office chair; the Net is also a big help for those who are looking to expand their network of clients, suppliers, resources, etc.

There are individuals, though, who still prefer to go by the old-fashioned way of doing things – faxing, doing daily rounds, sending packages via mail. If you are one of them, try studying the ins and outs of the World Wide Web first, for fun, out of curiosity, or even just for the heck of it. Then, see where your newfound knowledge will take you.

The tactful-aggressive
While being able to assert yourself – that is, express your opinions, whether enthusiasm or objection, is a powerful weapon, knowing how to wield it with finesse can be even more compelling. It’s not always easy to hold back your emotions or keep your voice down when you’re getting excited over something, but it’s worth a try. If you have been tasked to tell a team member that his or her suggestions are no good, try suggesting that he come up with “more ideas to choose from” instead. The truth hurts enough as it is – a little sugar may help make harsh realities a lot easier to swallow.

Primping on-the-go
Go-getters are always running around, meeting people, prospects and deadlines. Primping while running up a flight of stairs, in between meetings, or while stuck in traffic is a valuable skill that one can only master in time, and with a lot of practice. Do not be afraid to check your appearance on reflective surfaces on occasion – everybody does it. Learn the art of applying makeup in moving vehicles. (Tip: Use products that are meant for “smudging” like soufflé foundations, lipgloss, and fat eye crayons. Avoid using products that say “loose” or “liquid” on the label, lest you want any stains on your suit.)

Know your place
Never overestimate or worse, underestimate yourself or your abilities. It’s like dressing up – over time, you get the hang of striking a balance between being overdressed and underdressed by observing your peers. Look at your contemporaries. Examine their skills and what they bring to the table, and take it from there. If caught in a potentially awkward situation, go stag – sit by yourself or mingle with people you are comfortable with until you are invited to approach the top dogs. Keep a low profile, but at the same time remember to make your accomplishments known.

(This article by Chonx Tibajia first appeared in The Philippine STAR's CAREER GUIDE, a weekly jobs section powered by JobStreet.com)

24 Hours to the Perfect Interview

One’s disposition and wellbeing is reflected during conversation as much as intellect and upbringing. During one of the seminars conducted by the American English Skills Development Center at the Career Guide Job Fair 2008, the art of interview was discussed. Jobseekers were taught proper enunciation, response and body language. No amount of practice, however, can hide stress, lack of sleep, and anxiety, which is why it’s important to invest in a period of quiet before any important activity – and what could be more important than an interview that could change your life?

PREPARING THE BODY
You want to be a breath of fresh air when you walk into the office or interview room. Keep in mind that the company wants someone new, someone who can bring something original and creative to the table – that’s why they’re hiring instead of just promoting someone from inside. The best way to present your self in the most refreshing and engaging way possible is to make it seem like it’s coming from within. Here’s what you can do to achieve physical wellbeing 24 hours before your interview:

Eat fiber-enriched foods. As a precautionary measure, steer clear of dishes that may interfere with digestion or make you feel bloated, like too much meat. Refrain from trying food that you’re not used to eating – now is not the time to experiment. Instead, snack on fiber-enriched foods that you know suit you. Try an orange, which doesn’t only aid in digestion but also invigorates the senses.

Get moving. Exercise, but do so just enough to wake your body up and get your energy level going. Stick to your usual routine and avoid overexertion. Exercising improves blood circulation, carrying uplifting oxygen throughout your system. This will give you a healthy glow.

Get a facial. It doesn’t matter if you avail of the basic cleansing facial or a soothing aromatherapy treatment. This will relax your face, clear pores and give you an extra shot of confidence. Avoid invasive treatments, too vigorous scrubbing, or extraction, as these leave the skin red and tender for at least a couple of days.

Groom, groom, groom. Parts that will need extra grooming are the eyebrows, lips, hands and fingernails. Pluck stray brows, but if you’ve never plucked or had them groomed before, a simple swipe of clear mascara should keep your natural brows in place. Chapped lips could distract the interviewer, as would overly plump and glossy ones. Hydrate your lips overnight with a medicated lip balm or simple petroleum jelly. Finally get a professional manicure for clean, professional-looking nails. Go for muted pinks, beiges or plain gloss.

PREPARING THE MIND
Do the 3pm stretch – at 3pm and right before your leave home for the interview. The 3PM stretch is yoga-inspired pose that well help carry oxygen to the brain, invigorate the senses, and make you more alert and receptive to information. Stand with your back flat against the wall. Stretch your arms above your head. Bend down slowly to reach your toes. Hold for 10 deep breaths. Slowly return to upright position. Repeat three times.

Review your notes. Nothing makes us feel more relaxed than knowing that we’ve got it all covered and under control. For the interview, prepare by thinking of answers ahead of time to FAQs, such as tell me about yourself, or what is your weakness? Think and review with bullet points so you don’t sound rehearsed during the interview itself. Research about the company and the position you’re applying for. List some thoughtful questions to ask your interviewer.

Do something fun and productive. The afternoon before the interview, do something fun and familiar to calm your nerves, but make sure it’s productive as well to keep you within the creative frame of mind. Read a lighthearted novel, make a scrapbook, or update your blog. Be inspired and relish the results.

Sleep early. You’re excited and anxious at the same time, but don’t let this get in the way of a good night’s rest. Begin a calming ritual at 8pm. Sip on some chamomile tea or warm milk. Slather on a soothing lotion. Dim the lights and turn off your cell phone and TV.

ON THE BIG DAY
Get up early. Don’t let yourself hit the snooze button or you’ll be rushing through your routine. Have a heavy breakfast and don’t over think it – the interviewer is only human and perhaps just as concerned about asking the saying and doing the right things as you are. The important thing is to be yourself and connect with your interviewer as yourself.

(This article by Chonx Tibajia first appeared in The Philippine STAR's CAREER GUIDE, a weekly jobs section powered by JobStreet.com)