What You Need to Know About DOLE Job Fair

Image credit: DOLE NCR

I have been posting DOLE job fair schedules since last month and will continue to do so until the end of the year and onward. 

If you're interested or planning to attend one, this article will tell you what you need to know about a DOLE job fair. Let's start by defining what a job fair is. 

What is a Job Fair?

According to the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), which is a branch under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that aims to "promote full employment" for Filipinos, a job fair is:

"[A]n employment facilitation strategy aimed to fast-track the meeting of jobseekers and employers/overseas recruitment agencies in one venue at a specific date to reduce cost, time and effort particularly on the part of the applicants"  

In other words, a job fair is a way for jobseekers and employers or recruiters to meet. A job fair fast-tracks the employment or recruitment process by providing a venue for these two parties to find out if they suit each others needs: applicants decide if they are qualified for a job and if they are amenable to the pay and benefits, while employers and recruiters receive multiple applications, screen and hire applicants faster.

Who Can Join a DOLE Job Fair?

DOLE job fairs are open to all unemployed Filipinos, skilled and unskilled workers, fresh college graduates, graduates of training institutions, displaced workers and employees seeking advancement.

What Should You Bring to a DOLE Job Fair?

If you plan on going to a DOLE job fair, you need to prepare the following:

- Biodata

- 2 x 2 ID picture

- Certificate of employment

- Diploma or transcript of records

- Authenticated birth certificate (preferably, the one you get from NSO).

Tip: Prepare several copies in case you want to apply to several companies.  

Do You Need to Pay a Fee to Join a DOLE Job Fair?

Here's what BLE/DOLE says about fees:

"No fees whatsoever shall be collected from the job seekers or applicants in the Jobs Fair."

However, in case of placement fees: 

"Collection of placement fees from applicants and service fees from principals shall be in accordance with the existing Rules and Regulations Governing Private Recruitment and Placement Agencies for Local Employment or the existing POEA Rules and Regulations on collection of placement fees for overseas employment."

What To Do When in a DOLE Job Fair?

The DOLE has set procedures every applicant must go through in its job fair. These are the general procedures copied verbatim from BLE's website: 

"1. For new applicants, go to the registration Area and fill-up the necessary information on the CNMRS Form (You can download the pdf format or a MS Word.

2. For previously registered applicants in the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), proceed to the Selection Area for vacancies.

3. Choose the position that best fits your qualification. Take note of the Company's name then proceed to the agency's booth.

4. Listen carefully to the instructions of the Interviewer. If the applicant is not qualified, he can look for other vacancies at the Selection area.

5. For pre-selected applicants for overseas employment, follow-up your application at the PESO in your areas or wait for telegram/notice from the recruitment agency. Before proceeding to Manila, present telegram/notice to DOLE-RO/EPD for proper clearance.

6. For those seeking training assistance, please proceed to TESDA booth for interview and scheduling.

7. For those seeking self-employment assistance, proceed to self-employment booth.

8. For overseas Filipino workers and their dependents seeking welfare services, please proceed to OWWA booth interview."

Tip: Familiarize yourself with the procedure so you know what to prepare and expect at each step. You can take note of these steps or print a copy that you can bring along during the job fair. 

How Can You Benefit From a DOLE Job Fair?

1. By joining a DOLE job fair, you have access to many different employers and/or recruiters, one or more of which needs to fill a position you could be qualified for. 

2. Because potential employers and/or recruiters are all in the same place, you can save on transportation cost and other expenses related to job hunting from one place to another. 

3. Because the job fair is organized and sponsored by DOLE, you can be sure you are applying to a legitimate employer or recruitment agency and avoid illegal recruiters. 

4. If you qualify for a job, you can be interviewed and hired on the spot!

Image credit: DOLE Central Luzon/Region 3

Where to Ask for Help or Assistance During a DOLE Job Fair?

The DOLE is the overall in charge of the job fair, but the following agencies, if present, can help or assist you, too: 

- Bureau of Local Employment (BLE)
- DOLE Regional Office - Technical Service and Support Division (DOLE-TSSD)
- Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
- Public Employment service Office (PESO)
- Private Companies and Recruitment Agencies.

If you need more info regarding DOLE job fairs, you can visit the nearest PESO office or any DOLE regional, provincial or district offices. You may also call the BLE through phone numbers 528-0108 or 527-2539. 

Sources:
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