Cebu Days: A Handful of First Times (II)

So I got out on the ship around 6 in the morning. I forgot what day was it but my classmate was already there to fetch me and go to our rented room.

Before I went there, I made sure that everything is all set like the room I'll stay in and it should be just a 5-10 minutes ride from IT Park, my soon-to-be workplace. They assured me that everything is clear and so there's nothing I should be worried about.

The moment I got out of the ship, the first thing I noticed and felt was the weather. It was way too hot than what we have here in Bukidnon. I just couldn't bear it. It was like the heat sticks to your skin and never subsides. It was always there.

I texted him if where he was located at and there I saw him waving his hand. He was already staying in Cebu for almost a month but he couldn't get a job. He almost lost hope because of the everyday expenses that he couldn't payback. He felt like he was just having a vacation. But when I get there, he was able to get a job. He treated me as his lucky charm.

So we rode a taxi and when we get to the place we stayed, I was kind of shocked and disappointed. The place has steep walkways and is polluted because of the dirty canals, dog sh*ts everywhere so you have to be cautious if you might step into something.

When we finally arrived at the place, it's a house located on the corner of the street. I didn't expect it to be that crowded and noisy. I guess I didn't prepare myself for what life would be like living in a big city. The rent was 3000 PHP ($60) a month since we share the same room so the pay gets divided too but still, it is expensive for us. However, in a city, the rental fees for rooms are really expensive so lucky for us it was hanging under the standards but we have to deal with the noise and the hot environment.

We took our breakfast in a carenderia and rested for the rest of the day. I had a hard time adjusting to the environment because it's almost unbearable to me. I was used to living in a cold weathered place and when it's hot, it's not that much.

The next day was the time to apply for the job. IT Park is where the BPO companies are located. Tall buildings and structures that would amaze you to the bones. Forgive me for this description, I am just a simple girl living in a province and not used to big and tall structures everywhere.

First time applying for a job

We applied first to the company I got the call from, Convergys. In fact, on our way there, many people are handing out flyers telling "same-day hiring process". It means to say that the hiring process will just take you one day to complete everything.

We went there and went through the process. It was nerve-wracking. I mean, this is it. It's finally happening. One step closer to landing my first ever job.

The office was very busy, handing out papers from one person to the other. Other applicants were already signing their contracts which everyone is looking forward to. However, some applicants did not make it. Instead, they were given opportunities and were referred to another job offer which is Chat support.

As we were waiting for our names to be called, we talked to the people who just got hired and asked how was the interview, the practical exam, and the mock call.

If my memory serves me right, the hiring process went like this:

1. Submit documents

We submitted our documents to the desk information person and waited for our names to be called.

2. Group interview

Our names were called and we were interviewed by batch. It was very awkward to be with people whom you just met and you have no choice but to showcase what you've got.

3. Technical exams

After the batch interview, some of us didn't make it. We were told that if our names will be called, we should prepare for a technical exam particularly in speed typing, and English proficiency.

Lucky for both of us, we made it through the exams. We were informed to prepare ourselves for the final interview and the mock call. Oh gosh, mock call. That's when you pretend to be an agent assisting a customer on the other line.

4. Mock call

My classmate and I were interviewed separately. So I had no idea how he was going through his mock call. I was given the script and as I read it, nothing made sense to me. Honestly, I was very nervous that I lost my sense of focus. I was given the time to prepare though for 5 minutes. Eventually, I loosen up and took away my nervousness.

The case to solve is "No internet connection".

I took the call and introduced myself. The customer stated the problem and I asked open-ended questions so the customer would provide me helpful statements upon solving. The call was smooth and upon checking, there was a power outage in their area.

I was so glad that I made it to the last step. Indeed, I got hired and waited for my classmate too for the signing of the contract. We were very happy to get our first jobs. It was the best day so far during my stay in Cebu.

The next part would be my first time going on an island-hopping with my teammates, watching the IMAX Theatre, Ice Skating and more. So that's all for now.

Thanks for reading!

Keep safe everyone ❤