If you graduated in the past few years, what was your job-hunting experience like?

Labor Day is coming up, and we want to spotlight the experiences of fresh graduates in the current job market. From AI-driven interviews to "entry-level" roles requiring years of experience, we want to hear your stories.

Yap with us in the this chat room. We might feature your story in an upcoming Yappler episode. @here

Title: Almost There

For two years after graduating with a degree in Hospitality Management and Latin honors, I lived in what I can only describe as the in-between.

I had strong internships—hotel front office, reservations, restaurant work—and on paper, I was ready. But reality didn’t move as quickly as expectations.

I applied to many jobs. I reached final interviews for government and corporate roles, and even passed multiple stages in some applications. There were moments I truly thought I had finally made it—only to receive silence or rejections due to limited slots or unclear reasons.

At one point, I reached contract signing for a call center job. It looked like stability, but I had to walk away because of strict penalties and conditions that didn’t align with my health and limits. Saying no at that stage was difficult, but necessary.

In between applications, I tried to improve myself. I took virtual assistant training, learned admin tools, explored marketing and social media work, and expanded my skills beyond hospitality. I also tried online teaching but realized it wasn’t the right fit.

What was hardest wasn’t rejection—it was uncertainty. Watching others move forward while I stayed in waiting mode made me question myself often. But slowly, I learned that not every opportunity is meant to be taken.

Eventually, I was offered a remote administrative role in an aviation-related organization. It wasn’t what I originally imagined, but it combined everything I had learned—admin work, coordination, communication, and adaptability.

Looking back, those two years weren’t wasted. They were preparation. Not just for employment, but for understanding what kind of work and environment truly fits me.

To anyone still in that in-between stage: progress isn’t always visible, but it is still happening.k

Sometimes, getting there right matters more than getting there fast.

I graduated two years ago with a latin honor in one of the big 4 universities, and honestly, the job market is just bad as it is.

I tried applying for jobs two months after my graduation and everyday is just an endless loop of uncertainty. I've been ghosted and rejected in the phone calls multiple times. I was also given a heads up in an onsite interview multiple times regarding a training for the next week, just to be ghosted a week after. They always question your lack of experience as the dilemma as if you would gain any experience if every employer would look for one. Before the year ends, I was getting desperate to land a job or at least earn money, so I opted to try working in a BPO instead even if I don't see myself lasting in that industry.

Fast forward today, I also worked in events and my contract ended. I've been unemployed since January and the job market is as worse as it is. Same old cycle of multiple job interviews being ghosted or rejected. Although, I landed a new job which is too good to be true as the company goes against DOLE policies, which made me resign again in less than a month. For the nth time, I am unemployed again and facing an existential crisis as job-hunting can be degrading and unemployment is humiliating. The same question goes in my head whether I could even get a job or would I even last in my new job in the future? Up to this day, I still mourn at the fact that I excelled academically but now I can't even stay or land a job that easy these days. I'm just glad that I have a privilege to stay with my parents but how about the less fortunate people who are unemployed and struggling to find a job because of the questionable qualifications needed by employers over a bare minimum wage of a job? We Filipinos truly deserve better even if we don't have connections or above expectations of skills.

Kakagrad ko lang last year August. Currently 4 months into my job nahire this january pero it's not the fantasy na less than 1 month after grad may work na.

I think what hurt me the most wasnt the actual rejections, but the silent failures where I applied, maybe got into an initial interview and weeks fly and indenial na naghost na ako after some time. This burdening feeling na I dont know what went wrong eats away sa confidence like a parasite. Many positions I applied for also are misleading, making u think u have a shot because of the JD they posted. How will I enter when in the interview bubulagain ka nalang na "we're looking for someone with more exp mga 2 years". I was bambooozled. Pero pivot lang palagi mindset ko, to fill in the gap, i entered in high stakes volunteership work na unpaid for a firm who trusts in my ability to take on a high impact project para mapatunayan ba sarili ko na im good to go. And it was really successful. Pero,, kahit may newfound confidence na, it was immediately crushed when I was told by one of the companies I applied for straight to my face "we wont hire you, you have proved nothing". Crushing indeed, but the clear feedback was sobering and constructive, i kept on pushing and applying. I spent december thinking I would enter the year jobless but got a call a week before christmas from my current company and said that they'll take a shot at me. Yeppey.

I equipped myself with everything I can as an IT grad, AI, projects with real companies, certifications, etc. But reality is, a lot of companies still skim right past you just because you're starting fresh. Sad to see that opportunities for one to grow isn't as readily given here in the PH as we all hoped. So moral of the story is, try and try and try lang talaga... gano kadami na applications... Naalala ko umabot ako 400 applications sa application tracker ko and 1 ung nagtake ng chance sakin. Sabi nga ng bini "wag magalala, buhay ay di karera" 💃

Hello @Francko, @Vicente, and @Anna01! Salamat sa inyong sharing~ I wish you all the best sa inyong job hunting journey/ trabaho serye. Padayon! 🙌

AI everywhere. Si AI na basically ang gumagawa ng mga CVs, nagrerecommend ng structure, what skills to highlight, what buzz words to use. It’s what everyone tells everyone to do.

In fairness, gumagamit naman din ng AI ang mga employers to find who to interview, so why not fight fire with fire, right?

One time even I was interviewed by a purely AI agent (tama ba ang term na to?). I prepared so hard for the interview since I received an email that they would call, and I didn’t even end up speaking to a human, just a bot. For efficiency? I guess. But wow.

UP backs CHR probe on Negros Occidental clash

The University of the Philippines says it supports the Commission on Human Rights’ independent investigation into the military operation in Toboso, Negros Occidental, last April 19, that killed 19 people.

Among those killed were UP students Alyssa Alano and Maureen Santuyo.

“While initial reports indicate that both students were engaged in community activities for their respective organizations and not university-sanctioned programs, we stand by the right of all students to lawfully and peacefully exercise their constitutionally protected freedoms, especially im furtherance of raising their social consciousness,” the state university says in a statement on Monday, April 27.

Good morning! We’re here at the Commission on Higher Education central office in Quezon City to cover the signing of two documents:

- IRR of the Republic Act 11551 or the Labor Education Act
- MOA of the Lifelong Learning Education Assistance Program for OFWs.

Heads and representatives from CHED, DOLE, TESDA, and OWWA are here for the ceremonial signing.

‘Long overdue’: Gov’t agencies sign IRR of Labor Education Act

The implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11551 or the “Labor Education Act” was signed on Wednesday, April 29, nearly five years since the enactment of the law.

The law states that labor education should be integrated into the curriculum of all public and private higher education institutions.

Government officials admitted the signing of the IRR was “long overdue,” with Labor Undersecretary Benedicto Bitonio Jr. saying there were challenges in the coordination for the policy and consideration of inputs from stakeholders.

The agencies that signed the IRR were the Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Department of Labor and Employment.

CHED, OWWA ink agreement to expand OFWs’ access for OFWs

The Commission on Higher Education and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration signed a memorandum of agreement to provide financial aid for overseas Filipino workers who seek to earn academic degrees through flexible and lifelong learning pathways.

The initiative came as thousands of OFWs were repatriated due to the Middle East conflict, with many seeking jobs in the country.

The government is offering the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program, where OFWs may get a college degree based on work experience, prior learning, and acquired competencies without attending traditional classes.

Basic education voucher program bill hurdles Senate

The Senate on Monday, May 4, approved on third and final reading the Senate Bill 1981 or the “Basic Education Voucher Program” bill.

The proposed program covers learners from kindergarten to Grade 12, prioritizing students from congested public schools, low-income households, and disadvantaged sectors.

“The aim of this bill is to reduce overcrowding in public schools through private education vouchers,” says Sen. Bam Aquino, the bill’s author and sponsor.

DepEd: Learners’ safety a priority amid Mayon unrest

The Department of Education said it prioritizes the safety of learners in Albay as communities were affected by ashfall from the restive Mayon Volcano.

“Sisikapin natin na hindi maantala ang pag-aaral ng ating mga kabataan dito sa Albay sa kabila ng sitwasyon, lalo na’t magsisimula na ang summer remediation programs at darating na ang pasukan,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a press release on Monday, May 4.

DepEd said there are three schools in Camalig town that are currently serving as evacuation centers for over 1,300 individuals, including 101 displaced learners and nine personnel.

Are you a parent or teacher concerned about Roblox? @here We’re having an Ask Me Anything session with two government agencies involved in guarding against dangers on games like Roblox. This is happening on Wed, May 6, at 4 pm. Watch the live interview and send your questions!

More info here:

https://www.rappler.com/technology/ask-me-anything-cicc-cwc-roblox-child-safety-concerns/

CHED: Proposed reframed GE curriculum not yet final

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) stressed that its proposed reframed general education (GE) curriculum is “not yet final” and will still be finalized amid ongoing consultations with stakeholders.

“CHED said all stakeholder inputs will be carefully examined during the ongoing review to ensure the proposed curriculum is coherent, responsive, and aligned with national priorities and global standards,” read part of its statement on Thursday, May 7.

“The Commission stressed that the process remains deliberate and evidence-based, with stakeholder feedback forming an important part of its deliberations. All position papers and formally submitted comments will be reviewed by the Technical Panel for General Education (TPGE),” it added.

CHED faced criticism from several professors and universities at a public hearing last Tuesday, May 5, for its proposal to trim GE units to 18 units from the current 36. Under the plan, humanities classes would be significantly reduced. @here

Hello @Anna01, @Vicente, @Francko, and @erica! In case you missed it, our latest Yappler episode is live, and we spent it reading and reacting to your experiences! Thank you so much for trusting us with your stories. We know how isolating the job hunt can feel right now, so we really hope this episode brings you a sense of comfort and reminds you that you absolutely aren't in this alone. 🧡

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGneimSu8bc

Good morning! We’re here at the UP Diliman Quezon Hall, where students and educators gather to oppose Commission on Higher Education’s proposed reframed general education curriculum.

They will be marching to CHED’s central office later to file their petition against the proposal.

Teachers, groups ask CHED to junk proposed reframed GE

Teachers, students, and advocacy groups filed their petitions and position papers with the Commission on Higher Education on Tuesday, May 12, opposing the proposed reframed general education curriculum.

Their demands have been summarized to 13 points, including junking the draft proposal and postpone the pilot testing of the new GE curriculum amid its ongoing review.

The heavily criticized plan would reduce GE units to 18 from 36. @here

Fast facts on the proposed reframed GE curriculum

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/things-to-know-ched-proposed-reframed-general-education-curriculum-may-2026/