Filipino Job Seekers: Here are the Practical Tips on How to Get a (Good) Job in the Philippines – Part 1
Perhaps, the best way to begin this post is to ask you this:
I hope that you’re doing great on your current job. Whether you work on a store, meat shop, shopping mall, restaurant, on the street, on town markets, as a jeepney, bus, tricycle, or taxi driver, inside government offices, on factories, on large companies, whatever your job might be – may you always stay safe, happy, and fulfilled. In this post, I would share random photos of people on the job the purpose of which is to give you inspiration on your job hunting.
I know, if it’s working here in the Philippines, safety, happiness, and fulfilment is not always the case. Like most of you, we have tons of complaints about our job; in fact, it the complaint on how to get a job in the first place. Hight taxes, heavy traffic on the way to work, low wages, etc. – always a headache. But I am here not to add insult to injury or inflict more damages to the sad reality of working here in our homeland. I am here to inspire you on your job or soon-to-be job.
So let me get straightforward on this. How to get a good job and stay longer and fulfilled on that job here in the Philippines? If you’re a Filipino job seeker, this post might have the right answers.
To tell you honestly, I’ve been rejected in so many job applications over the last ten years. There was year when I was like applying for two (2) jobs each month and none of my applications became successful after 12 months. Frustrations, that exactly it was. But allow me to share some tips based on those bad experiences. I come up with this list of reasons on why we find it difficult to be hired on the job we want to be in, then of course, the ways to deal with them.
Your Resume is not about you.
It’s not about long or short resume. It’s about the content of your resume. It can be as short as one page; two pages is enough. If the first interviewer spotted something on your resume that is contradicting with your statements, chances are, you’ll not make it to the second interview. So the key lesson here is: write your resume right. Avoid dishonesty please.
You answer the questions improperly.
If the hiring manager ask you this, “How do you see yourself in this company five years from now?”, how would you answer it? The question wants to test your willingness to help the company over the next five years. It is not just about doing your job right, being on time at work, or following your boss’ orders. No. What they want to hear from you, in most of their questions in fact, is that contribution you can offer for the company to prosper. Can you help increase its sales revenue, improve the customer service, or create an atmosphere of collaboration? Give it - your sensible answers.
Your aura during the interview is low.
I always dressed neatly but I realized that doesn’t count that much, or not at all matter in most cases. It is your face and the expressions coming from it that matters the most, including those words coming out of your mouth of course. Also, your body language, that is something you should keep in mind about. The key is to demonstrate interest, enthusiasm, and intelligence when talking with the hiring officer. Focus on the interview – be there. Do not be lousy or show any lack of confidence for that will cause you rejection.
You applied to the wrong job.
This is the trickiest thing in the job application process. I was fooled by this several times. The Philippine government and even private companies often says there is “job-skills” mismatch reason why positions cannot be filled. No brainer: Needless to state but if you’re an engineer, don’t apply for the nursing position. But let that statement be your ultimate guide whenever hunting for jobs. Evaluate your skills versus the job posted. Can you perform what are needed on that job 100%?
You yourself don’t want the job you’re applying for.
Admit it or not, you’re seeking for another job for some personal reasons. That could be due to personal issues with your co-workers or superiors. In most cases, it could be about that low salary you have or that delayed (or impossible to happen) promotion. No growth, no increase, very stagnant job. Sometimes, it’s the happiness missing on your current job. Whatever the case maybe, don’t apply for a job that is not within your forte or lingo just because you hate your present job. That job should be something you love to do and want to prosper on.
Okay. I got you. It is really difficult to find a job in the country these days. Millions are seeking for jobs and you’re one of them, especially if you’re a fresh graduate. And add to that the reality that you need money to go out and find a job. Allow me to get down into the very root of these realities in the life of a Filipino job seeker. Here are some eye-opening statements for you think seriously about.
The Cost of Looking for a Job in the Philippines
In the Philippines, my experience says, that to look for a job would cost you a minimum of 200 pesos a day, that is considering that you are to find that job only within your city or province. Still excluded is here is the cost of completing a long list of requirements before you start on the job. Roughly, that’s about half of the minimum wage in the country. Where that budget goes? That is 100 for food, 100 for transportation, and that’s it. If you have an extra 100, you can load your mobile phone to send text messages, browse the internet or make phone calls as needed. Or you can also go to the nearby computer shop to print a copy of your resume and browse jobs over the internet. That is more likely the typical scenerio for most Filipino job seekers these days.
The question now is:
Let me share with you some smart actions that could help you find that job on a very tight budget.
Nine out of ten businesses fail; so I came up with a foolproof plan – create ten businesses. - Robert Kiyosaki
Always remember that for this statement can guide you in a lot ways. Apply on ten job openings within a day, chances are high that you can be hired on one. Now here the more specific recommendations.
Use the internet.
To make the most out of your budget, use the technology and resources around you. Go apply for jobs online. Send resumes to different employers or recruitment agencies and within a week or two, they will start to email or call you for that interview. With your 50 pesos spent in just one sitting over the internet café, you can certainly get results.
The old saying “Hitting two birds with one stone” is still a good guide for job seekers. So when hunting for jobs in the city, in industrial zones, or on possible work abroad opportunities, apply to as many as you can. Use the internet. Search jobs on POEA website, job sites like Jobstreet.com or WorkAbroad.ph, and plenty of other job recruitment companies online. By doing this, you can save a lot by avoiding travel expenses as well as pricey food on restaurants.
Tap into the people you know you can help you.
There is nothing wrong with asking for help or assistance. Friends or relatives working in a company can help you pass the resume to the HR department. Simply state, they can assist you in sending the application to the right hands without any cost involve.
Alternatively, you may stay on the house of your relatives or friends nearest to the company you’re applying for. You can also seek guidance from your friends already working in the company you’re applying for. Consult them on how job application process works or ask tips about possible interview questions. There is nothing wrong with that.
Get a temporary job.
This is practically a good move. While applying for your dream job, which could take months, why not get a part-time job nearby. Maybe as a helper to a store or shop, a car washer, a farm helper – there are many options. The goal is to get extra money to support your job application, just like working part-time to support your studies. Simple as that. Earn 200 pesos and your one day budget for that job application is already covered. On what job to take, it should be a job that you can take an immediate leave of absence when the call for interview on that dream job comes in.
Don’t just quit yet on your current job.
Now, while you’re still on your current job, make the most of it. Don’t just quit but only when you’re already hired on the next job. It is best to keep that job application move to yourself or limited only to the people whom you trust. That will avoid issues within the company you’re currently employed, particularly with your boss.
Finally, plan your job applications smartly.
It is not always going out and spend. Go there whenever the interview schedule is confirmed or when there is a legitimate job fair. Try to know how you can save on transportation by getting to know exactly where the company is located. If you can walk, do it. Be early as much as possible so you can be near the company premise at least 15 minutes ahead of the interview schedule. Never ever be late. Bring your own food – sandwiches, snack, water, and some candies to chew on while waiting. In the Philippines, it is always a lot of time waiting, expect that. Eat well, sleep well – that helps a lot.
Applying for a job is an important move you should be prepared about. There will be rejections, declines, and expenses without returns. There will be tons of requirements to complete for sure - medical, SSS, TIN, NBI clearance, etc. Feeling jobless can put you down and it is that stress that could kill you if you’re not ready to manage it. Be ready financially, emotionally, physically. That is how job application goes in the country.
This is just part 1 of this post. On part 2 and part 3, I will share more specific tips on how to get hired in the Philippine job economy including the requirements needed to get a job, the process of working abroad, and the strategies on how to stay good at work.
Hope this post helps you.
Related Posts
Filipino Job Seekers: Here are the Practical Tips on How to Get a (Good) Job in the Philippines – Part 2
Filipino Job Seekers: Here are the Practical Tips on How to Get a (Good) Job in the Philippines – Part 3
About this Post
Finding a job, in the Philippines, is a like finding a needle in the haystack. It is not easy. It takes time, energy and money. The author, Noriel Panganiban, founder of Knowriel.com, wants to share you tips on how to get that dream job and how to stay happy on it. There is a system that Filipino job seekers need to understand and this post is what will explain them about.
Kumusta ang trabaho? (How’s work?)
I hope that you’re doing great on your current job. Whether you work on a store, meat shop, shopping mall, restaurant, on the street, on town markets, as a jeepney, bus, tricycle, or taxi driver, inside government offices, on factories, on large companies, whatever your job might be – may you always stay safe, happy, and fulfilled. In this post, I would share random photos of people on the job the purpose of which is to give you inspiration on your job hunting.
 |
| Cashier |
I know, if it’s working here in the Philippines, safety, happiness, and fulfilment is not always the case. Like most of you, we have tons of complaints about our job; in fact, it the complaint on how to get a job in the first place. Hight taxes, heavy traffic on the way to work, low wages, etc. – always a headache. But I am here not to add insult to injury or inflict more damages to the sad reality of working here in our homeland. I am here to inspire you on your job or soon-to-be job.
So let me get straightforward on this. How to get a good job and stay longer and fulfilled on that job here in the Philippines? If you’re a Filipino job seeker, this post might have the right answers.
To tell you honestly, I’ve been rejected in so many job applications over the last ten years. There was year when I was like applying for two (2) jobs each month and none of my applications became successful after 12 months. Frustrations, that exactly it was. But allow me to share some tips based on those bad experiences. I come up with this list of reasons on why we find it difficult to be hired on the job we want to be in, then of course, the ways to deal with them.
 |
| Security Guard |
Your Resume is not about you.
It’s not about long or short resume. It’s about the content of your resume. It can be as short as one page; two pages is enough. If the first interviewer spotted something on your resume that is contradicting with your statements, chances are, you’ll not make it to the second interview. So the key lesson here is: write your resume right. Avoid dishonesty please.
You answer the questions improperly.
If the hiring manager ask you this, “How do you see yourself in this company five years from now?”, how would you answer it? The question wants to test your willingness to help the company over the next five years. It is not just about doing your job right, being on time at work, or following your boss’ orders. No. What they want to hear from you, in most of their questions in fact, is that contribution you can offer for the company to prosper. Can you help increase its sales revenue, improve the customer service, or create an atmosphere of collaboration? Give it - your sensible answers.
 |
| Security Officer |
Your aura during the interview is low.
I always dressed neatly but I realized that doesn’t count that much, or not at all matter in most cases. It is your face and the expressions coming from it that matters the most, including those words coming out of your mouth of course. Also, your body language, that is something you should keep in mind about. The key is to demonstrate interest, enthusiasm, and intelligence when talking with the hiring officer. Focus on the interview – be there. Do not be lousy or show any lack of confidence for that will cause you rejection.
You applied to the wrong job.
This is the trickiest thing in the job application process. I was fooled by this several times. The Philippine government and even private companies often says there is “job-skills” mismatch reason why positions cannot be filled. No brainer: Needless to state but if you’re an engineer, don’t apply for the nursing position. But let that statement be your ultimate guide whenever hunting for jobs. Evaluate your skills versus the job posted. Can you perform what are needed on that job 100%?
You yourself don’t want the job you’re applying for.
Admit it or not, you’re seeking for another job for some personal reasons. That could be due to personal issues with your co-workers or superiors. In most cases, it could be about that low salary you have or that delayed (or impossible to happen) promotion. No growth, no increase, very stagnant job. Sometimes, it’s the happiness missing on your current job. Whatever the case maybe, don’t apply for a job that is not within your forte or lingo just because you hate your present job. That job should be something you love to do and want to prosper on.
 |
| Lemon Stand Vendor |
Okay. I got you. It is really difficult to find a job in the country these days. Millions are seeking for jobs and you’re one of them, especially if you’re a fresh graduate. And add to that the reality that you need money to go out and find a job. Allow me to get down into the very root of these realities in the life of a Filipino job seeker. Here are some eye-opening statements for you think seriously about.
The Cost of Looking for a Job in the Philippines
In the Philippines, my experience says, that to look for a job would cost you a minimum of 200 pesos a day, that is considering that you are to find that job only within your city or province. Still excluded is here is the cost of completing a long list of requirements before you start on the job. Roughly, that’s about half of the minimum wage in the country. Where that budget goes? That is 100 for food, 100 for transportation, and that’s it. If you have an extra 100, you can load your mobile phone to send text messages, browse the internet or make phone calls as needed. Or you can also go to the nearby computer shop to print a copy of your resume and browse jobs over the internet. That is more likely the typical scenerio for most Filipino job seekers these days.
 |
| Gasoline Boy |
The question now is:
How to make the most of your 200 pesos?
Let me share with you some smart actions that could help you find that job on a very tight budget.
Nine out of ten businesses fail; so I came up with a foolproof plan – create ten businesses. - Robert Kiyosaki
Always remember that for this statement can guide you in a lot ways. Apply on ten job openings within a day, chances are high that you can be hired on one. Now here the more specific recommendations.
Use the internet.
To make the most out of your budget, use the technology and resources around you. Go apply for jobs online. Send resumes to different employers or recruitment agencies and within a week or two, they will start to email or call you for that interview. With your 50 pesos spent in just one sitting over the internet café, you can certainly get results.
 |
| Jobstreet Ad |
The old saying “Hitting two birds with one stone” is still a good guide for job seekers. So when hunting for jobs in the city, in industrial zones, or on possible work abroad opportunities, apply to as many as you can. Use the internet. Search jobs on POEA website, job sites like Jobstreet.com or WorkAbroad.ph, and plenty of other job recruitment companies online. By doing this, you can save a lot by avoiding travel expenses as well as pricey food on restaurants.
Tap into the people you know you can help you.
There is nothing wrong with asking for help or assistance. Friends or relatives working in a company can help you pass the resume to the HR department. Simply state, they can assist you in sending the application to the right hands without any cost involve.
Alternatively, you may stay on the house of your relatives or friends nearest to the company you’re applying for. You can also seek guidance from your friends already working in the company you’re applying for. Consult them on how job application process works or ask tips about possible interview questions. There is nothing wrong with that.
Get a temporary job.
This is practically a good move. While applying for your dream job, which could take months, why not get a part-time job nearby. Maybe as a helper to a store or shop, a car washer, a farm helper – there are many options. The goal is to get extra money to support your job application, just like working part-time to support your studies. Simple as that. Earn 200 pesos and your one day budget for that job application is already covered. On what job to take, it should be a job that you can take an immediate leave of absence when the call for interview on that dream job comes in.
 |
| Taho Vendor |
 |
| Taxi Driver |
Don’t just quit yet on your current job.
Now, while you’re still on your current job, make the most of it. Don’t just quit but only when you’re already hired on the next job. It is best to keep that job application move to yourself or limited only to the people whom you trust. That will avoid issues within the company you’re currently employed, particularly with your boss.
 |
| Sales Staff |
Finally, plan your job applications smartly.
It is not always going out and spend. Go there whenever the interview schedule is confirmed or when there is a legitimate job fair. Try to know how you can save on transportation by getting to know exactly where the company is located. If you can walk, do it. Be early as much as possible so you can be near the company premise at least 15 minutes ahead of the interview schedule. Never ever be late. Bring your own food – sandwiches, snack, water, and some candies to chew on while waiting. In the Philippines, it is always a lot of time waiting, expect that. Eat well, sleep well – that helps a lot.
Applying for a job is an important move you should be prepared about. There will be rejections, declines, and expenses without returns. There will be tons of requirements to complete for sure - medical, SSS, TIN, NBI clearance, etc. Feeling jobless can put you down and it is that stress that could kill you if you’re not ready to manage it. Be ready financially, emotionally, physically. That is how job application goes in the country.
 |
| Government Offices |
This is just part 1 of this post. On part 2 and part 3, I will share more specific tips on how to get hired in the Philippine job economy including the requirements needed to get a job, the process of working abroad, and the strategies on how to stay good at work.
Hope this post helps you.
Related Posts
Filipino Job Seekers: Here are the Practical Tips on How to Get a (Good) Job in the Philippines – Part 2
Filipino Job Seekers: Here are the Practical Tips on How to Get a (Good) Job in the Philippines – Part 3
About this Post
Finding a job, in the Philippines, is a like finding a needle in the haystack. It is not easy. It takes time, energy and money. The author, Noriel Panganiban, founder of Knowriel.com, wants to share you tips on how to get that dream job and how to stay happy on it. There is a system that Filipino job seekers need to understand and this post is what will explain them about.
Comments
Post a Comment