March 19, 2025
Graduating scholars polish resumé-writing skills in Humanity class
By Joy Rojas
In preparation for life after college, Tzu Chi’s graduating scholars attended “Building Effective Resumés for Career Success,” a Humanity class held on March 15 at the Harmony Hall of Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus, Sta. Mesa, Manila. Sixty-nine scholars from the National Capital Region were present for the activity, while 12 scholars from Davao, four scholars from Palo, Leyte, and eight scholars from Pampanga attended virtually.
Corporate executive Darwin Soriano, who previously led mock job interview workshops for Tzu Chi scholars, delivered an engaging and interactive discussion on how job seekers can write their resumé to achieve three objectives: to be shortlisted, to be found, and to serve as the guide during an interview with a potential employer.
It was a productive morning. Common concerns were addressed: among them, don’t include your photo or your social media links in your resumé, do put unique facts about yourself to be memorable, and if you can’t explain something, don’t put it in your resumé. A short exercise on writing a credentials summary taught them how to be succinct and specific with their words. And an invitation to write (and hopefully manifest) their aspirations on paper was both inspiring and motivating.
Jaqueline Kabigting, a Tzu Chi scholar taking up her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, major in Economics, at the Unibersidad de Manila, is eager to apply the new learnings. “At first, I had a hard time figuring out what to put as I had a lot of information I wanted to include,” she says. “Through this Humanity class, I was able to organize my thoughts and now know where to put my achievements and other important details.”
Aside from academic attainment and work experience, the ideal resumé should reflect company loyalty. “Hoppers”—the term used to describe employees who transfer from job to job—may get a bigger salary, says Soriano, but the benefits of a long-staying employee are far greater. Prospective employers regard a long-staying employee as dependable and an expert in their field—an asset to any company.
Kabigting, a working student for a call center for the past three years, is taking that advice to heart. “When you stay long in a job, your bosses will see your loyalty and take good care of you,” she says.
After conducting the Humanity class “Building Effective Resumés for Career Success,” corporate executives Darwin Soriano and Maridol Siapuatco (second and third from left) receive copies of the Tzu Chi book “The Power of Compassion” from Tzu Chi Education Committee Head Rosa So (first from left) and Tzu Chi OOCEO Director CEO Peggy Sy Jiang (first from right).
Crafting an effective resumé was a subject that interested graduating Tzu Chi scholars from the National Capital Region and provincial chapters. Scholars asked questions and volunteered to read their resumé credential summaries for speaker Darwin Soriano’s feedback.
Participation at this Humanity class was high, as scholars raised common concerns regarding resumé-writing.
Scholars from Tzu Chi’s provincial chapters (on TV screen) join scholars at the Buddhist Tzu Chi Campus in Sta. Mesa, Manila, in writing their professional and personal aspirations on a piece of paper.
Humanity class guest speaker Darwin Soriano reads through the goals and dreams written by Tzu Chi scholars.
Corporate executive Maridol Siapuatco, who co-facilitated the Humanity class, had her own tips to offer when writing a resumé. One piece of advice: Don’t include links to your social media accounts.
With over 30 years of corporate banking experience, Tzu Chi volunteer Joy Gatdula shared her own advice on the benefits of company loyalty.
A Tzu Chi volunteer helps scholars summarize their learnings following resource person Darwin Soriano’s talk.
The Humanity class was helpful to Jaqueline Kabigting, who is taking her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, major in Economics, at the Unibersidad de Manila. She has worked as a call center agent for a business process outsourcing company for the past three years.