Ina Lontok breaks down what HR really looks for in fresh graduates and how early-career professionals can set themselves up for success.
Related: Gianna Abao Is Proof That Your Voice Is Your Power
Ina Lontok knows what it takes to help careers take off. As a Senior HR Business Partner at Havas Ortega, she spends her days guiding employees, shaping teams, and helping fresh graduates see what their future could look like. At the College of Saint Benilde, the final stop of this year’s MMGI Career Fair, she shared insights students rarely hear in school: how HR really evaluates candidates and why attitude can matter more than experience.
What sets Ina apart is her ability to translate the world of HR into practical guidance for young professionals. From helping fresh graduates visualize their career paths to teaching them how to balance ambition with patience, she makes HR approachable and actionable. Her advice is rooted in real-world experience and highlights the skills, mindset, and adaptability that help Gen Z thrive in today’s workplace.
“When I interview applicants, I can already visualize their growth. Someone starting at the associate level could become a manager or senior manager in three to five years. Helping people find opportunities and grow is what excites me, especially working with fresh grads who have potential,” Ina shares with NYLON Manila.
What HR Wants You to Know
Starting out in the professional world comes with a lot of questions and uncertainty, and Ina has a clear sense of what new hires need to hear. She shares practical tips on how to make a strong first impression, approach feedback, and navigate workplace culture while staying authentic.
Her insights go beyond theory, showing early-career professionals how to develop the right mindset, spot opportunities for growth, and build a foundation for long-term success. Read the full interview below to hear Ina Lontok break down the skills, strategies, and mindset HR wishes every young professional understood before stepping into the workforce.
Can you tell us a little bit about being in HR?
I initially thought I would be a clinical psychologist or a doctor, but during our OJT, I realized clinical work wasn’t for me. In our psychology course, we studied three settings: education, industrial, and clinical. I thought I would go clinical, but when I got into the field, HR felt like the right fit. I enjoy documentation, processes, and policies. More than being a recruiter, HR became a calling because it’s about building careers.
What is the most important thing fresh grads should know about entering the workforce?
You don’t need to be the best. We have zero expectations for fresh grads. What matters is attitude, mindset, and personality. People often stress about interviews, but we focus on behavior, openness to learn, and how they approach work.
What skills or habits are essential for young professionals to develop early on?
Open-mindedness is key. Be ready to learn and work with all kinds of people because everyone is different. You might be hardworking, but you could have a coworker who is slower or has a different learning curve. Being adaptable will make navigating the workplace easier.
How can employees make a strong first impression?
Personality makes the difference. Show who you are and communicate clearly. Strong communicators who can share their college or internship experiences tend to stand out. Being responsible and able to articulate your thoughts goes a long way.
How should someone approach feedback and use it to grow?
Focus on feedback that helps your growth. Work on what aligns with your development and don’t take negative comments to heart. Reflect when needed, but prioritize constructive insights.
How can someone navigate workplace culture while staying authentic?
Start by observing how things work and how people behave. Once you understand the environment, gradually show parts of yourself. When you feel comfortable, you can fully reveal your authentic self.
What are the biggest opportunities and challenges for Gen Z in the workforce?
Gen Z is creative, innovative, and super out-of-the-box. They follow trends and understand authenticity, which resonates across ages and sectors. They are also good at setting boundaries and managing expectations. Watching them prioritize, manage time, and communicate effectively is inspiring. It’s a reminder that quality work matters more than rushing to finish everything in a day.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Photos by Meinard Navato, edited by Gelo Quijencio.
Continue Reading: Kaira Mack Is Taking It All In, One Cool Girl Step At A Time
