What is a job portal?

Job portals, also known as career portals, are modern versions of job boards. These sites allow job seekers to post their applications online and apply to posts which they deem suitable to their career track. Similarly, it also lets firms review posted resumes and find qualified candidates for the job. Job portals also make it possible for firms to reach as much candidates as possible for their job vacancies.

What is the importance of job portals?

One of the major advantages of applying for a job online is the availability of endless job opportunities. Job seekers can easily access a wide array of job vacancies through job search engines, at their own phase. Aside from that, most job portals today have filters which help users narrow down results. This feature makes it easier for job seekers to choose a definite career.

Likewise, online job search sites can help employers speed up their hiring process. It would be easier for hiring managers to check job applications online than manually scan printed resumes. Hence, job portals help them save time and effort. To help you understand this better, we created an in-depth review of the benefits of job portal websites for job seekers and employers.

Pros of Using Job Portals for Job Seekers

1. Cost-Effective

Does walk-in application take a huge toll on your pockets? Aside from food and transportation, you also have to spend for your professional outfit to look presentable. Worry no more for a job portal lets you search jobs without breaking your wallet. All you have to do is submit your resume online and wait for your future employer’s response.

2. Regular Job Alerts

A good job portal provides regular job alerts whenever there are job openings for you. This way, you won’t miss a chance to apply for your target job and jump-start your career. Likewise, you can explore more posts to gain better options.

3. Confidential

Once you register in a job portal, all your skills, achievements, and personal details will be kept completely private. This will be kept safe unless you allow them to share your details to your future employers. Also, job portals keep your job search history confidential which allows you to do this task secretly.

4. Efficient

Job portals are the most efficient job search tools. With these portals, can apply for a job effortlessly. According to Zety, firms take 39 days on average to hire a new employee. Instead of going to your target firm, you can simply submit your resume online. After submitting, you can sit back, relax, and wait for your future employers to respond.

5. More Job Opportunities

Career portals provide a full array of job choices from top companies. This means you have a better chance of searching the job you want wherever and however you want it.

Pros of Using Job Portals for Employers

1. Easier Choosing of Candidates

As an employer, your goal is to fill your company with the best people. Using a job portal in your hiring process makes it easier for you to select the best applicant for the job. With this, you’ll have a list of applicants with your required skills, achievements, and experience.

2. Promotes Firm’s Brand

Job portals gives you a chance to promote your firm in a better light. In line with this, SmallBizGenius.net said that 80% of employers agree that branding boosts their ability to attract talent. When a job seeker explores career opportunities, the first thing they’ll check is your firm’s background. They’d want to know what kind of work culture, environment, and career growth opportunities you have. With that, a career portal will give your firm a positive impression.

3. Easy Resume Search

Job portals have easy-to-use search filters. Using these features will make your hiring process faster. These filters will help you shortlist the most fitting candidates for the job. Similarly, they can reach resumes with the right set of skills and experiences. With that, you don’t have to look through hundreds of job seekers’ resumes one by one. These filters will screen out irrelevant resumes for you so you can get the most capable applicant as soon as possible.

All in all, a job portal can help both job seekers and employers alike. These job portals have aided thousands of applicants get a job in the most convenient way. Similarly, career portals have helped firms hire the best of the best candidates for a lower cost and time. Looking for a credible job portal? You’re in the right place! Through years, Filworx has helped hundreds of job seekers get hired at their preferred companies. Looking for a job? Check out our page and browse through our job listings! You can also follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.

It’s your chance to humanize your application. Show your personality through a well-written cover letter to give recruiters an idea about you as an applicant. Doing this sets you apart from the hundreds of applications they receive each day.

Why Write a Cover Letter

First off: What is a cover letter? A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide additional information on your skills and professional experience. This is important because it details why you qualify for the job post. However, don’t repeat what’s in your resume—otherwise, it’ll all be redundant. Instead, include specific details that will further support your credentials.

Fun fact: As of April 2019, the employment rate in the Philippines was estimated at 94.9%. Be a part of this statistic! Though the job market is more competitive now, the right tools and proper preparation will make your job search smooth and easy.

Now, let’s focus on how to write a cover letter. Here’s a step-by-step guide of the cover letter writing tips we’ll talk about:

1. Do your research.
2. Craft a striking cover letter opening.
3. Be yourself—while maintaining the proper tone.
4. Go beyond your resume.
5. Customize your cover letter for the job and company.
6. Format your cover letter properly.
7. End firm and assertive.
8. Proofread and edit your cover letter.
9. Have someone read it before submitting.

Read on!

9 Cover Letter Writing Tips to Follow

On top of researching about tried and tested job application tips, you must craft a strong resume and write a cover letter to help you land a job faster.

To give you an overview, here are the basic parts of a cover letter:

1. Header
2. Salutation
3. Introduction
4. Body
5. Closing
6. Signature

Now, how do you write an effective cover letter? Apply these foolproof steps as you write yours.

1. Do your research.

Nowadays, it’s amazing how convenient and helpful it is to browse the Internet to get valuable information. So, take advantage of this for your job search. Remember, it’s not enough to know the job title only. Your application levels up a notch if you know more about the company and the nature of your target job.

That said, learn the basic details of the company: their mission, their main goals, the owners, and even the work environment. After this, you can mention in your cover letter how interested you are in working with them knowing what their goals are. This adds a personal touch to your application without being too blunt about it.

Further, crafting cover letters varies based on the job level. Thus, look for samples of simple cover letter format for fresh graduates or for no job experience online.

2. Craft a striking cover letter opening.

This is where you start writing an attention-grabbing cover letter. Since your main goal in writing one is to make your application stand out from the rest, get the reader’s attention through your introduction.

But first: Who do you write a cover letter to? Go back to step one. Have you researched about the contact person of the company? Your cover letter begins with the header containing both your personal and the employer’s contact information (name, address, phone number, email) followed by the date. However, if this is an email rather than an actual letter, include your contact details at the end of the letter after your signature.

Your contact information should include:

• First and Last Name
• Street Address
• City, State Zip
• Phone
• Email

Second: Begin your cover letter salutation with “Dr./Mr./Ms. Last Name.” If you’re unsure of your contact’s gender, write out their full name. If you don’t know the employer’s name, simply write, “Dear Hiring Manager.” This is better than the generic and formal, “To Whom It May Concern.”

Lastly: How do you introduce yourself in a cover letter? Keep it short, since your personal details are already in your resume. State your genuine interest in the job by highlighting your passion for the work you do. Keep it concise. Don’t overdo your introduction with flowery words to avoid a fake impression.

3. Be yourself—while maintaining the proper tone.

Writing a professional cover letter doesn’t mean you have to use awkward formal language. Again, your cover letter gives life to your application through the personality in your writing; so, make sure to write a clear and direct one.

Now you may wonder: What tense should cover letters be written in? For the most part, use the present tense. You’re writing about yourself in the now, applying for your target job. However, use the past tense when you’re referring to your accomplishments and achievements.

4. Go beyond your resume.

Why write a cover letter that only repeats what’s stated on your resume? Instead, expand on your work history or even your internship experiences. Focus on two to three points and work on that to paint a fuller picture of your background. Further, consider these as you write your letter:

• Your approach in handling your past responsibilities that led you to your achievements
• Your personality and work ethic which helped you get the job done

These points subtly tell the recruiters how the company would benefit from you. Knowing more about your background lets them assess how you’ll fit for the job.

Bonus tip: Don’t commit the mistake of mentioning or apologizing for the skills or experiences you lack. Just go on highlighting those that qualify you.

5. Customize your cover letter for the job and company.

Put yourself in the shoes of the recruiters. How would you react if you’ll come across a cover letter which seems generic—something that seems to have been written out of a template? Think about that.

It’s okay to recycle certain sentences and phrases from your existing cover letter if you opt to apply for different companies and jobs. However, don’t write and send out a 100% generic letter. Doing this leaves an impression you didn’t put much effort into your writing.

Instead, tailor your letter to the specific position and the company. Mention your specific skills aligned to the job while addressing how the company would benefit from you. This way, the recruiter will see what sets you apart from the other candidates.

6. Format your cover letter properly.

Since you’re applying for a job, it’s safe to write a cover letter as professional as possible. However, it doesn’t stop there. Make sure you format your letter properly.

Use fonts that match what you used on your resume, a simple and a readable one. You can use simple fonts such as Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman, Verdana, and Georgia. A font size of 10 or 12 points is ideal. Also, apply the standard margins of 1” on the top, bottom, and left and right sides of the page.

Further, add a space between the header, salutation, each paragraph, the closing, and your signature. Leaving enough white space makes your letter easier to read.

7. End firm and assertive.

Expert tip: Write a cover letter with a strong closing. End it with assertion and confidence that you’re qualified for the position without overdoing it. Reiterate your sincere interest in working with the company. Some examples of how you can end your cover letter are:

• “I’m passionate about [Company]’s mission and would love to bring my [add your awesome skills here] to this position.”
• “I am excited to learn more about this position and demonstrate why I am a great fit for your company.”

Also, here are some examples of a cover letter closing:

• Sincerely,
• Best,
• Respectfully,

It’s important for you to choose the most appropriate closing statement to use. This further adds to the overall professionalism you aim to show through your letter.

8. Proofread and edit your cover letter.

Yay! You’re now done. Now what?

After writing, it’s now time to recheck your letter. Go beyond spellcheck—and focus on your grammar as well. Once you’re done with your letter, set it aside for a day or even a few hours. Read it through again with fresh eyes, and act like you’re not the one who wrote it. You may also use spellcheckers and online editors such as ProWritingAid, Hemingway, and Grammarly.

9. Have someone read it before submitting.

Don’t stop at editing your own work and settling for it. Find time to ask a friend, relative, or colleague to read your cover letter and provide honest feedback. Tell them to spot errors and help you make your cover letter more readable and understandable. This also helps you assess if your letter conveys your message properly.

Ace Your Job Search Now

Now that your resume and cover letter are ready, what’s next? Are you ready to go on with your job search? Ace your job application through Filworx! Sign up now and get access to hundreds of Filworx jobs!

Need more career advice? Browse through our in-depth blogs for career advice, job application tips, and resume writing tips for more!

Fresh Graduate Resume Writing Tips: How to Make a Resume for First Job

#1 Write with a purpose
Always start with the Whys. In writing your resume, always think about your goal. Think about how you could win the competition through your resume. Highlight your skills to impress your hiring managers. Also, it would be helpful if you will customize your resume depending on the job post. This will make your copy authentic and personal.

#2 Make it relevant
Since you don’t have enough work background, it is best to include your internship and volunteer works. These will help you show your leadership and communication skills. You may also include extracurricular activities from school to display your social skills.

#3 Use proper format
There are different resume formats for various types of job hunters. For resume for fresh graduate, it is advisable to use a functional format. Unlike other formats, this focuses on skills list and experience rather than work history. Using this format will help you present your skills better and de-emphasize your limited work history. If you’re looking for an entry-level resume template, then here’s a guide for you:

#4 Keep it short and simple
Don’t make it too long and complex. Hiring managers don’t have lots of time to review your resume. Thus, make it direct and powerful. If possible, limit it to one page and use simpler yet stronger words.

#5 Prepare a digital copy
Since firms are automating their hiring processes, they will most likely ask you to submit a digital copy of your resume. Thus, always prepare for a PDF file to avoid the hassle. This is also helpful if you want to submit your resume to online job portals like Filworx.

#6 Check it thrice
Hiring managers are particular to grammatical errors and misspelled words. Proofread your resume before hitting that submit button. It will be helpful if you will download online tools for checking or have a friend to read and check your copy.

Moving Forward

Don’t be afraid to approach the new chapter of your life. All you need to do is prepare yourself through these fresh graduate resume writing tips. Make your first job hunting experience count. Filworx is here to help you find your dream job. Looking for more work and resume writing tips? Visit our blogs to find more!