HERCOR COLLEGE

Km.1 Lawaan, Roxas City, Capiz, 5800

ACADEMIC YEAR 2024-2025

Department: College of Hospitality Management (CHM) Course Code: HM 313

Name of Instructor: Maria Samantha Feng
Course Descriptive Title: Professional Development & Applied Ethics Semester: 1st

Professional Development & Applied ethics Module for finals

Course Description: This course describes the skills, knowledge and performance outcomes required to develop
the ability of students to become professionals in their field by understanding the ideas of improving one’s
personality and ways on how they are going to be valued in the business industry by means of presenting their
ideas like company meetings, professional networking, interviews and through proposals of services considering
the proper collaboration to their associates and portraying professional business ethics. It also teaches writing
skills and emphasizes verbal communication and preparation of plans that requires them to research career
options and company potential and stability to develop a strong and effective career pathway.

Course Unit: 3 Units

Grading System: Quizzes: 20% Recitation, Class Participation, Project/Output 40%

Major Examination 40%
Total 100%

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Chapter 10

Searching for Job Opportunities

Career aptitude Assessment
Learning Objectives: At the end of the discussion, you are expected to:
∙ Enumerate the most basic sources of job referral
∙ List down the common Sources and the uncommon Sources of job resources

After school, the next question teenagers ask is what now? Where do we go? Yes, everyone has a
career in mind or a company they wish to be employed in. But how and where will they find and how
to get in touch with them? Where are the job opportunities?
First, one must do a little research to decide the best type of job for you. The usual teenager jobs are
found in the restaurant, fast food business, supermarket or grocery stores and retail like boutiques or
department stores. Since the age of computers and the internet plus social media, it has been easier to
apply for work.
Let’s begin with the most basic source of a job referral:

Common Sources
Internal- Sources within your immediate circle:

1. School- teacher, principal, guidance counsellors

∙ Big companies regularly tie-up with school for possible
employee candidate. Make sure you are able to acquire
recommendation letters as your supporting document to your character and academic
standing.

2. Family and Relatives

∙ Job hunters can approach family members and relatives who are in the workforce.
Those employed will definitely know of any work opportunities in their place of work
and the corresponding requirements.

3. Friends
∙ Your friends have their own circle; it is then beneficial to you to
also tap their source

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External- Sources outside of your immediate circle:

1. Newspaper
 The most accessible source of employment possibilities. Ensure you check the
credibility of companies putting out the ads so you avoid scammers.

2. Job Fairs

Most companies or newspapers hold job fairs to attract applicants. Be sure to

dress appropriately and bring your documents.

3. Company Website

All companies have a website which includes their history, services, way to
contact them and careers or employment opportunities. When you have an idea which establishment
you have an idea which establishment you want to apply with, you can search their website directly on
the internet.

Uncommon Sources
Internal- Sources within your immediate circle

1. Barangay Bulletin Boards

Sometimes companies post openings at the Barangay Center as part of their outreach
programs. These are very good opportunities for teenagers to gain work experience.

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2. Church Bulletin Board
 There are times members of church communities often post job openings at their
companies. Though the posts are not often, they are nevertheless another option to finding
employment.

3. Neighbour

To have their own circle of association. It would be wise to keep a good

relationship with them as they can be a good relationship with them as they can be a good source of job
openings also.

External- Source outside your immediate circle:

1. Internet job Boards

∙ A job board is a website which posts job openings that are supplied by employers. These
companies typically pay a fee to the job board in exchange for the chance to list their
jobs on site, For example, Monster is the largest and best-known job board. It is a
general board with job opportunities from different industries.

2. Search Engines

∙ Job search engines scour the web and collect job listings from job boards and employer
websites. Examples are Indeed and Simply Hired, which are two of the most popular
job search engines.

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Learning activities:
Instructions:
Write 1 for most interested: number 2 for interested number 0 for not interested
Description Rating

1. Maintain, install, or repair computers

2. Try new Food Recipes

3. Help a business or client meet financial goals

4. Teach people new skill

5. Take care of people, even strangers

6. Write books, articles, essays, or plays

7. Interpret data/numbers and problem solve

8. Discover why and how chemicals react to one another

9. Investigate crimes

10 Learn about human relations and psychology

11 Design a costume or stage set

12 Motivate, encourage, and help others to fulfil their goals

13 Animated graphics on a computer

14 Lean computer software programs

15 Learn what fruits and vegetable are in season

16 Learn how to start a business

17 Train employees

18 Learn how the body functions

19 Research and create reports

20 Design airplanes, buildings, bridges, or machinery

21 Study marine life in their habitat

22 Serve your community and keep it safe

23 Understand world events and politics

 24 Critique art, music, or performances

25 Train people to meet fitness goals

26 Design a logo for a business

27 Troubleshoot technology issues

28 Cater a party

29 Ensure a business meets standards

30 Develop lesson plans for classes

31 Help those who are dying, sick, or depressed

32 Prepare a press release

33 Solve math problem

34 Help community during a natural disaster or emergency

25 Study ethics and philosophy

36 Advice people about healthy lifestyle habits

37 Use Technology every day

38 Lead recreational activities

39 Play instrument

40 Help people who are in need

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Chapter 11
Tips for the Job Hunter and for the Job Interview
Is for Appearance, is for Behaviour, is for Communication

Learning Objectives: At the end of the discussion, you are expected to:
∙ Discuss how important is the appearance during interview
∙ Understand why is for appearance, is for Behaviour and is for communication is important

Students entering the workforce usually begin with a positive outlook, thinking that their diploma or
education will be enough to land them the jobs they would be applying for. They are upbeat and
sometimes even conceited.

This is quite a normal scheme of things. A student fresh out of school only remembers their
achievements from school. Though this is understandable, they are not fully aware that searching for
employment is another ball game. This is now another phase in life and a part of the continuing process
of maturity.

When a teenager leaves school. He is supposed to focus on his grades as he is fighting the tool in
applying for work. He should cherish the memories of his extra-curricular achievement as although
these have made who he is today, they are not exactly the criteria companies look for.

Is for Appearance

Many times I see young ladies on a jeep and immediately I can tell they are applying for jobs. What are
the sign of new workplace applicants?

1. They usually carry a clear plastic or folder

2. They are in mismatched outfit

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3. Their hair is wet
4. They put their make-up on the jeep
5. They are in slippers.

There is nothing wrong with all the above observations, but on a day that your future depends on, I
assume you would want to make a BETTER impression.

Companies will initially hire for appearance, or on how well you can best represent the company image
and attitude. Most establishments pride themselves in customer or guest-centeredness and an applicant
that exhibits humility, patience, positivity together with a good appearance will usually more often than
not, get the job!

So where does one start? Let’s talk about SELF-IMAGE. Many descriptions have been written about self
image but for this author, the best description would be your sense of SELF-WORTH. One must have a
strong or good sense of self- worth to go about starting any endeavour. This magnifies when one has to
seek employment.

To help you create a positive self-image or a very good sense of self-worth, there are factors that one
must achieve.

1. Grooming- No one wants to hire someone who does not present

themselves well, If you do not respect the interviewer enough to put on
make-up, dry your hair, shave or take the basic bath, then for sure you will
never get a call-back.

a. Taking a bath- Some say a thorough body cleansing take about

15 minutes at the least. Start with shampoo and conditioner then rinse.
Then use a mesh sponge with body wash as your soap and scrub your
arms, body, thighs, legs and feet. Be careful not to slip, lean on the
bathroom wall or hold onto a grab bar. Then rinse well while still using your mesh sponge to
add the massaging effect. Dry using your towel. Lotion up your body, arms, and legs.

b. Brushing your teeth- Best practice is once when you wake up,
after meals and before going to bed at night. My dentist friend suggests first to use floss on your teeth
to clean out crevices your toothbrush can’t reach. Then brush starting at the top molar at the back in a
clockwise motion moving on to the center teeth and repeat the same to the other side. Move to the
bottom molar at the back and continue the same clockwise motion proceeding to the other side. Brush
the front teeth and behind it as well.

c. Males to shave- When you wake-up, first hydrate skin with warm water. Wash
away dead skins then apply non-drying shave gel. Let the gel soak for a while to get your multi-blade
razor. Use light downward strokes. Pull neck skin down to prevent cuts. Rinse razor frequently in
between and shave upward at the neck. Trim areas that require precision shaving with a single blade
razor
 d. Make-up- Most teenagers usually have an aversion to putting on make-up. I
once asked my students the question Why? and they say they did not like to look cheap, trying hard
or a harlot. I was stunned by their connotation. I had to impress upon them that nicely applied
makeup enhances their facial features and makes them look professional as shown with the before
and after photos above.

Female to put on make-up. Start with a clean face by washing with your favourite soap and towel dry.
Then apply moisturizer. Next, apply concealer or foundation lightly on the eyelid and pat with
translucent powder, Select and apply eyeshadow ( Usually dark brown), eyeliner and mascara. For dark
circles under the eyes, pat on a creamy concealer or foundation a shade lighter than the skin-color. Now
apply foundation. Use a lightweight foundation sparingly with your finger or a sponge. Then powder
with powder brush. Your cheekbones, little on the nose bridge and forehead with a shade brighter that
you need as this will eventually fade to the elements (the wind, the sun, perspiration, etc). You may
choose your powder again to seal in the blush, Lastly, put on your lipstick. Apply a darker shade of pink
first, then blot with a tissue. Apply a lighter pink shade, blot and put on your lip gloss. (not too shiny)

e. Hair- Male hair to be clean cut, with the ears exposed, length should not reach the
collar. Sideburn should be mid-ear level. No facial hair: moustache, goatee, and bead.

f. Hair- Female hair should be short and not touch the shoulders. If hair is beyond the
shoulder, it should be tied up in a bun. Hair should never be wet during the interview or at work.

g. Fingernails for Males- should be short and clean. h.

Fingernails and toenails for females- Should be short to mid-length, clean with clear polish or
conservative colors. Toenails must be groomed as well even if shoes are closed.
 i. Fitness- No matter how clean and well-groomed one is, a
cough, the colds or fever cancels out the professionalism one would like to exhibit.

To do this one must:

1. Exercise/ Take up a sport

2. Eat healthy food
3. Get 8 to 9 hours sleep at night
4. Drink plenty of fluids/water
5. Have quiet time to rest the mind
6. Take Vitamins/Vitamins C

2. Dress- Next to grooming and fitness, what you wear is the next most noticeable thing about you that
the interviewer will see and evaluate you with. As such it is very important for you to follow certain
dress protocols for the interview. To apply with a company with high image requirements, like hotels,
airlines, big corporations the following is your business clothing.

a. Male- Dark blue, dark brown or dark grey suit and pants. White polo with collar,
conservative necktie, no loud colors, small paisley prints is okay. Belt and clean shoes to match the suit.
Conservative watch and wedding ring, if any. No earring, tattoos and body piercing allowed to be seen.
 b. Female- Neat hair, light make-up black, dark blue or dark grey suit, skirt
not to be short than 2 inches above the knee, white or beige blouse with collar, turtle neck or Chinese
collar, nude or natural stocking ( No runs) belt and shoes to match suit color. Shoes for an interview to be
closed-toe and conservative (no beads, design) with 2 to 3-inch heels. (Flat may be used only for walking
to and from the interview building, not in view of the interviewer or company employees). Jewelry
includes conservative pearl or gold stud, necklace hidden, simple conservative watch and wedding ring,
if any. No tattoos and body piercing allowed to be seen.

Is for Behaviour

As a psychology graduate, I was employed as a Human Resources Assistant at a bank and my functions
were to interview, administer examinations and make evaluations and recommendations But in all may
years in the industry, I have narrowed down 4 very important behaviors to be exhibited by an applicant:

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1. EYE-CONTACT- The very first impression that you give importance to a person you are talking to. It
shows you acknowledge their presence and you want to create a rapport.

2. SMILE- Goes together with the eye-contact. First, you establish the link then the warmth of my
smiling. One cannot smile and not look at the person nor look and not smile. It is an automatic
customer service reaction.
3. HANDSHAKE- A firm handshake seals the deal. You make eye-contact, establish a rapport, the
smiles demonstrate your cordiality and the handshake creates the sense of sincerity and confidence.

4. POSTURE- No one wants to hire an applicant who does not stand straight or one who slouches. This
is a sign of no confidence and it is not very appealing.
Some companies list the above 4 factors as part of their interview checklist. During the interview
process, It is a study in human dynamics when I observe applicants waiting prior to the interview.
Since they did not know who I was, it is interesting how they would relate to me.

Below are behavioural examples of what not to do before the interview, while waiting and during
the interview.

1. Be late- This is your work enemy. The moment you are late you lose your leverage. You will be
stressed, rushed, perspiring and will definitely not make a positive first impression.

2. Ask for coffee or newspaper- You are not a guest, you are a prospective employee there and
chances are that people you see around have seniority over you. Even the secretary of your interviewer
is not your equal. Most secretaries are the little bosses. When their bosses are not in the office, they
usually can make decisions to a certain limit. Please show them respect.

3. Inquire about the personality of the interviewer- they do not need a job, you do. It is not
acceptable for you to be asking a personal question about the interviewer: Is he/she Strict? Does
he/she ask hard questions? Understand that the secretary’s loyalty is to the boss and not to you. She
would probably not say good things about you to her boss.

4. Ba a braggart/talk in a loud voice- People waiting there are applicants too. Save your credentials
for your interviewer. It is then that you need to impress not the other applicants.

5. Start a fight or an argument with other applicants- This is such a turn-off. Nobody wants to hire
a trouble-maker.

6. Exhibit negative attitude- The applicant who does not greet a good morning, does not
acknowledge other employee/applicants present with a smile, does not open doors for those behind
them, continually asks when will he/she be interviewed, impatience and speaks in arrogant manner is
sure to not get the job. No company will hire someone who only be a burden in terms of interaction
with co-employees and possibly guests or clients.

7. Eat a sandwich or anything with onions and garlic before the interview- It is not a good idea
to eat prior to the interview: The interviewer may say you are still chewing on your food. Your breath
will

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smell. That is not very impressive. If you decide to rush to the restroom, you will miss your turn for the
interview and that is not a good sign.

8. When you enter the interview’s room, you don't just enter and wait to be greeted by the
interviewer- As an applicant, it is your duty to show respect by knowing on the door, when given
permission to enter and greet the interviewer first and offer a handshake.

9. After introductions you immediately sit down- Traditional companies would require more
respect than others. You are expected to wait to be given permission to sit down.

10. The moment you sit down, you lean on the chair and lean your arm on the back of the
east- You should show humility and attentiveness. You are supposed to sit halfway and not lean on the
back of the seat. Your hands rest on your lap.

11. The ladies put their handbag and folder on the interviewer’s table- This is not your table for
your things. Your handbag must be put on your lap or behind you on the seat while your folder will be
put on the floor next to your chair.

12. Talk about extra-curricular achievements only- Unless you are applying to be a basketball
player or beauty contestant, these achievements are best kept on the side and focus on academic
highlights.

13. Interrupt the interview’s question or statement with your own stories- Yes the interviewer
wants to know you, but he/she has a time limit and there are other applicants to interview. It is rude to
insist on taking more of their time.

14. When asked, would you have any questions? You say How much is my salary?- although
there is a budget for all positions, you as a fresh graduate with no work experience, should not make
salary your priority. You are still on the road to proving your worth as an employee.

15. When asked if you have any questions you say none- Companies now appreciate
applicants who research about their company. It shows interest. One or two questions would suffice.

16- After the interview you just turn your back to leave- Just like the introductions, you stand up,
thank the interviewer and offer you a hand again for a handshake.

17. As you leave the interviewer’s office you rush past and ignore the secretary or assistant-
again, that secretary’s input of your rudeness to her boss may cost you that job. You have to win them
over so that they would like to work with you.

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Is for Communication
 Verbal- 35%

Nonverbal- 65%
Facial Expression
Tone of Voice
Movement
Appearance
Eye Contact
Gestures
Posture

Usually, poor Communication is a source of misunderstandings, For a job interview, that could be fatal

Communications fall into 3 categories:

1. Written- Applicants should be very careful when drafting their resume and cover letters. There is
nothing more annoying to an HR professional than seeing misspelled words in the era of spell-check. It
only shows that the applicant is careless and does not care to present his best foot forward. That would
not be a good quality for an employee.

2. Verbal- Most times, the words we used did not head because as the graph shows, 65%
of communication head, understood and received are non-verbal.

3. Non- verbal

a. Eye Contact- As mentioned earlier in this chapter, this one effort makes another person feel
good or bad. For the interviewer, we would definitely wish for them to get a good feeling about us so
that we have an edge to be given the job we applied for.

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b. Look straight- To the person’s eye, being careful not to stare but enough to show you are
listening to what he is saying.
 c. Facial expression- Most often than not, what we feel comes across in our facial expression.
We may say something but our face betrays what we say. When a teenager is envious of a classmate’s
grade, she will say something encouraging and her eyes will not be happy for that classmate.

d. The tone of voice- Similar to expression, what you truly feel inside your heart will be
expressed through the voice. When a friend you are upset without his knowing asks you a
question, chances are you will answer in a dry monotone voice.

c. Gesture- Hand gesture should be open and not crossed over the chest as this would represent
a defensive stance. Gestures are not offensive or threatening.

f. Movement- Must be relaxed and smooth. A sudden forward move may be a sign of
confrontation. Moving away from a person may be seen as a sigh of disapproval or displeasure.

Is for Documentation

Before any application takes place, a student should get his documentations ready as supporting
evidence of their abilities and character.

You must prepare the following, you have to make copies. Never submit original documents as you will
need these in the future. These document will be placed inside a professional looking clear book:

1. Report card- from school attended or the last school graduated from.

2. Recommendation Letters;
∙ From class adviser
∙ From principal

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∙ Guidance counsellor
3. Seminar certificate from all training attended
 4. Cover Letter and Resume
∙ White bond paper not colored board paper
∙ Unscented
∙ Address the Human Resource. Using the name is preferred (research)
∙ Cover letter- Write a short, simple and sincere letter indicating your interest in applying
for the position.
∙ Resumes.

Learning activities:

1.Take a whole body photo of yourself wearing business attire best suited for you when you are applying
for a job don’t forget to have proper appearance ( your grooming, Make-up and Hair) . Think of a
caption/Quotation that motivates you.

2. Make a video while answering the following question.

∙ Tell Me About Yourself.
∙ What are your goals?
∙ Why Do You Want to Work at This Company?
∙ Why Do You Want This Job?
∙ Why Should We Hire You?
∙ What Are Your Greatest Strengths?
∙ What Do You Consider to Be Your Weaknesses?

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