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Philippine Job Market

The Philippines offers various career opportunities. It has a flexible labor market with contractual and permanent positions. Skilled labor is competitive and English language ability is a requirement for many positions.

Industries offering the most opportunities for expats include tourism and business process outsourcing. Expats can also consider teaching a foreign language.

Resume / CV

• Resume - Brief overview of work and educational experience. Prominent in the US when applying for employment. Typically one page.
• CV (curriculum vitae) - More in-depth look at work and educational experience. Prominent in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Typically two or more pages.

Layout

The CV should contain:

• Contact Information: Relevant personal contact information at the top of the page including: name, phone number, address, and email address.
• Professional Experience: Usually this information is listed chronologically. Each work experience in your list should include: your position, the name of the company you worked for, the dates of your employment, and a brief description of your roles and responsibilities
• Education: This section should come before work experience if you are a recent graduate or have been out of school for one to three years, depending on your level of work experience and how relevant your education is to your career. Note if you received any special honors.
• Trainings and Certificates: Courses, seminars or conferences relevant to the position.
• Skills: Programs, applications and any other skills relevant to the position.
• Interests: You may include personal interests such as hobbies and sports.

Tips

• Style should be straightforward. Use standard paper and a simple font, such as Times New Roman (12 font) or Arial (10) font.
• Print original copies on high quality paper - don't send photocopies.
• Ensure your CV does not contain any typographical, spelling or grammatical errors.
• Make sure your CV is as organized as possible so information can be found easily.
• You do not need to date or sign your resume.
• Have a base CV that you can adjust to each job you are applying for.

Cover Letter

A cover letter usually accompanies a CV in a job application. It is a letter that establishes your intent and motivation.

Format

• Header - Standard business letter style with the recipient's contact information and the date sent. The final part of the header is a salutation (e.g., "Dear Hiring Managers").
• Introduction - The introduction briefly states the specific position desired and should be designed to catch the employer's immediate interest.
• Body - Highlights material in the resume or job application and explains why the job seeker is interested in the job and would be of value to the employer. Matters discussed typically include skills, qualifications, and past experience. Any special things to note such as availability date may be included as well.
• Closing - Sums up the letter and indicates the applicant will look forward to hearing from or speaking with the employer. After the closing is a valediction ("Sincerely") then a signature line.

Job Search

Here is a checklist of what you need to start your career:

• Write a CV
• Research potential employers
• Find job opportunities
• Write cover letters
• Complete job applications
• Interview
• Follow up
• Get hired!

Search Engines

Search engines allow you to scan a variety of jobs and narrow down your search on certain criteria. It is also a good idea to post your CV online so hiring managers can find you. They may also allow you to sign-up for e-mail alerts of when new jobs become available.

• Post your CV on EasyExpat.com
• Job offers in Philippines on EasyExpat.com
• JobStreet
• JobsDB
• Monster
• Indeed
• CareerJet

Forums

Expat and social forums are another resource for job seekers. EasyExpat's Philippines forum is a great resource. Search by industry and browse the latest jobs.

Newspaper

Several papers have a helpful classifieds section. There are job offers for executives and professionals, as well as sections dedicated to specific professions like teaching, computers, and media.

These include:

• Inquirer
• Manila Bulletin
• Philippine Star

Recruitment Agencies

Most agencies specialize in a particular field such as IT, nursing, engineering, accounting, catering, or construction. There are also "Head hunting" agencies hired by large companies to recruit executives, managers or professionals. To find an appropriate agency, look for "employment agencies" online or in the yellow pages.

Career Fairs

Career fairs are an excellent way to find out about available jobs and opportunities. There are usually a large variety of employers you can visit in one day and apply. Entrance is usually free, but registering online might be encouraged. Bring your resume and dress to impress as there may be interviews on the spot. Job search engines such as JobStreet and JobsDB organize career fairs. Some newspapers also conduct career fairs.

You can also try going to career fairs in your home country that specialize in jobs abroad.

Networking

Sometimes getting a job is about knowing the right people. Talk to friends, family and business contacts to see if they have connections in the area you would like to work in. Expat events can also be a great way to find out how other expats found work and see if their company has any openings. Use social media such as Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedln.

Interview

Interviews are a chance for a company to get to know you before hiring you. Research the company before the interview to discover their mission and direction. It is common to have a series of interviews, with the first lasting 30-60 min and further meetings possibly taking an entire day.

• Dress neatly and conservatively.
• Arrive on time.
• Bring your CV, business card and copies of certificates.
• Ask questions. Demonstrate your knowledge and interest.
• Thank the interviewer for their time.

It is also common in the Philippines to go through exams before an interview.

Contract

Most jobs rely on an employment contract. The contract must be in writing and can include details of the type of work to be done, duration, salary, and benefits.

It is common to have a probationary period at a new job. The length and requirements of this period should be detailed within the contract, including what should happen if either side wishes to terminate the contract.

Temporary Agencies

If you are in need of short term work of any kind, there are agencies that will find you employment with another company. Jobs may consist of office work, babysitting, gardening, security or any other type of work. They will try to find occupations that match your skill set. As an added bonus, sometimes short term work can lead to longer contract.

• Kelly Services

Work Visas & Permits

Refer to "Departure/Passport & Visa" section of the guide for full details on work visas.

Aside from an employee visa, you will be required to secure an Alien Employment Permit (AEP). The Department of Labor and Employment is responsible for issuing this permit. For more details on the requirements and process of applying for an AEP, you can refer here.