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:
1, 2

20 Philippine Government Agencies Criminology Graduates Can Apply for

A blog reader recently commented if he could apply for jobs in Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).  He is a Criminology graduate who would like to work in the Philippine government.

According to Dr. Ruben A. Sta Teresa, a Criminology graduate would most often look for jobs in the following Philippine government agencies:

1. Philippine National Police (PNP)

2. Bureau of Jail Management & Penology (BJMP)
3. Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
4. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

If we talk about what Philippine government agencies, Criminology graduates can also work for:

5. Parole & Probation office (PPO)

6. Bureau of Corrections (BUCOR)
7. Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
8. Bureau of Customs (as customs police)
9. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)
10. National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
11. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) (as document examiners and investigators)
12. Department of Finance Investigation Division (DOF)
13. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) (as security and investigation department)
14. Immigration and Deportation Bureau
15. National penitentiary across the country like provincial jails under the provincial governments
16. Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) (as investigators or maritime police)
17. Land Transportation Office (LTO) (as investigators and field inspectors or officers)
18. Department of Labor and Employment (as sheriff)
19. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) (as forest officers or guards)
20. Philippine Coast Guard

Your career choices, too, are actually not limited to being a police officer. Here are the other positions your course is best suited for:
1. Professor, instructor or teacher in Criminology in any state university, college or school duly recognized by the government. You can teach the following subjects:
     - Law Enforcement Administration
     - Criminalists
     - Correctional Administration
     - Criminal Sociology and allied subjects, and
     - Other technical and specialized subjects in the Criminology curriculum provided by the Department of Education.
2. Law enforcement administrator, executive, adviser, consultant or agent in any government agency
3. Dactylographer
4. Ballistician
5. Questioned document examiner
6. Law enforcement photographer
7. Lie detection examiner
8. Probation officer
9. Security officer
10. Criminal investigator
11. Police laboratory technician
12. As correctional officer or administrator, executive supervisor, worker or officer in any correctional and penal institution.
13. Counselor, expert, adviser, researcher in any government agency on any aspects of criminal research or project involving the causes of crime, juvenile delinquency, treatment of offenders, police operations, law enforcement administration, scientific criminal investigation or public welfare administration.

Meanwhile, in the private sector, Criminology graduates usually apply for positions in the security industry such as:

1. Security officers,
2. Security guards and
3. Private detectives or investigators.

But the reality is you can also apply for the following positions:

4. In-house mall investigators

5. International air lines ground officers and investigators

6. International airport security officers and plain clothes investigators

7. Private commercial bank credit and loan investigators

8. General managers and directors of private security industry

9. Security chiefs and supervisors in international industry

10. Commercial airlines ground investigators

11. Forensic ballistics expert

12. Asset Protection Associate

13. Security Manager

14. Loss Prevention Supervisors

15. Inspectors

In other words, Criminology graduates are not limited to the security industry when talking about jobs in the private sector. In general, you will also be able to find a job in financial fraud investigation and prevention, retail investigation, forensics, and insurance fraud investigation and prevention.

Current Trends and Opportunities for Criminology Graduates

More PowerPoint presentations from Melcon

Sources: 

1. Employability of Criminology Graduates - Peace Philippines by Dr. Ruben A. Sta. Teresa

2. http://www.finduniversity.ph/testimonials.aspx?maj=294

3. http://ph.jobsdb.com/ph/job-list/public-civil/military-defense/1
4. http://hubpages.com/hub/Careers-in-Criminology

Will Your Course Help You Land the Top In-Demand Jobs Until 2018?

Is your course in demand? Will it be in-demand a few years from now?

According to a report by Jing Castañeda of ABS-CBN, the top in-demand courses until 2018 are the following:

- Engineering 

- Agriculture

- Sciences and Math

- Information Technology

- Health Sciences

- Teacher/Education

- Business Administration

- Architecture

- Arts and Humanities

- Social and Behavioral Sciences

- Maritime 

- Communication.

But if you are residing in or near Metro Manila or you are open to working in the capital, there are courses and jobs that are prioritized here. These include aviation, criminology and physical therapy.

The list was jointly released by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Labor (DOLE), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and different associations of colleges and universities. The list is updated every 5 years.  

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Pre-Employment Exam Pointers

This post will give you Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) hopefuls a few pointers regarding the bureau's pre-employment exam coverage.

Math
The BIR is mandated by law to assess and collect taxes, fees and charges as well as penalties and fines. As such, math should be a subject you are proficient in. This includes basic computations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Below are sample tax computations to help refresh your memory. As you will see, tax computations involve the 4 basic mathematical operations mentioned above.

Computation of income tax from Marvin Morales

Here's a great presentation about taxation in the Philippines:

Taxation 101 basic rules and principles in philippine taxation 

by jr lopez gonzales for msu iit political science seminar 

 from JR Lopez Gonzales

Excel
Like any other business or organisation, the BIR also creates reports. For example, its Accounting Division "prepares and consolidates trial balances, supporting schedules and other financial reports."

These reports will most probably be created using software like Microsoft Excel. The use of these tools makes creating reports easier. For example, Excel makes adding, subtracting, dividing and multiplying a wide range of numbers easier. It also has features to help users create graphs to include in their reports.

Here's a video on how to use Microsoft Excel:

Personality Test
A personality test may also be administered during the BIR pre-employment examination. The test is a way to screen job applicants.

The bureau would most probably use the self-report inventory type of personality test where you will rate questions or statements on how much it applies to you.

In this test, there is no right of wrong answer. But your answers will be used to determine whether or not you will be suitable for the position or role you are applying for.

There is no need to review or prepare for this exam. But to give you an idea how the test might look like, here is a free personality test sample from Institute of Psychometric Coaching which you can browse or practice on.

That's all for this post. I hope those BIR pre-employment exam pointers will help you in your quest to become an employee at the bureau.

Good luck! :)

Image credit: "Participantes do Enem" by Wilson Dias/ABr http://www.agenciabrasil.gov.br/media/imagens/2007/08/26/1425WD9825.jpg/view. Licensed under CC-BY-3.0-br via Wikimedia Commons.

Malacañang Palace: Then and Now in Photos

Malacañang Palace serves as both the official residence and workplace of the President of the Philippines.

The name Malacañang comes from "May lakan diyan", which translates to "there is a nobleman there". The Palace was originally the summer home of a wealthy Spaniard named Don Luis Rocha.

Below are photos of the Malacañang Palace then and now:

The Malacanang Palace on the Pasig River in 1910. It is the official residence of the President of the Philippines. (Credit: Philippine Government Website)

Malacanang Palace and River Pasig, Manila 1898 (Credit: skyscrappercity.com)

President Marcos presiding over a meeting during the Manila Conference of SEATO nations on the Vietnam War, at the Malacanang Palace, Manile, Philippines. Various leaders of SEATO nations are seated at the conference table, including Lyndon B. Johnson of the United States. (Credit: Yoichi R. Okamoto, White House Photo Office)

The riverfront view of Malacanang Palace in 1940 as seen from Malacanang Park across Pasig River, south of the palace. (Credit: Philippine government)

Malacanang Palace, the residence of the Philippine president, from the other side of the Pasig River (Credit: Wikimedia Commons/LordAntagonist)

The Reception Hall of the Malacanang Palace where the paintings of past presidents are. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Noynoyabnoy)

Watch a guided tour inside the Malacañang Palace:

How to Apply in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

(Credit: Ramon FVelasquez)

You have decided to work for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). In fact, you already have your eyes set on a particular position.

You're ready to apply. That's what you think. 

Before sending in that curriculum vitae, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Are you a Filipino citizen?
2. Do meet, or exceed, the minimum requirements of the position you are applying for? 
3. Did you answer properly and completely the BSP application forms?
4. Did you specify what position you are applying for, the name of the department/office of the job vacancy and the position key? 
5. Will you be able to send in your application on or before the deadline (10 calendar days from publication date)? 

You should be able to answer all the questions above with a resounding "Yes". Otherwise, the BSP will not entertain your application (there goes all your effort).

Where should you send your application?

The BSP accepts applications via mail or you can choose to apply online (more in the next section). If you choose to send in your applications via mail, make sure to address it the following:

Recruitment and Examination Division

Human Resource Management Department

Room 104, Ground Floor, 5-Storey Building

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

1004 Malate, Manila

Don't forget to include your curriculum vitae (CV)! 

Can you apply online?

For tech savvy job applicants, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas now accepts applications via their online recruitment portal (click here). Applicants need to register to be able to apply to BSP vacant positions listed on the site. To register, simply fill up the required details, enter the right captcha code and agree to the terms.

Useful Activities to Do While You Wait

Your application went through smoothly. Congratulations!

But now what do you do? Wait. 

Waiting can be tough. You'd feel anxious and  probably have long, sleepless nights. 

So to help you weather through the oftentimes long wait for a response from the BSP, here are a couple of activities you can do:

• Prepare the following documents: 
• Original and 2 photocopies of your (a) Transcript of Records, (b) diploma and (c) Civil Service Eligibility and/or Board Rating Certificate
• Copies of Updated Resume
• Pictures (Passport-size with white background)
• Certificate/s of Employment with Duties & Responsibilities
• Certificate/s of Trainings/Seminars taken
• NSO copy of Birth Certificate
• Marriage Contract (if applicable)
• NBI, Police and Barangay clearances.

These documents should be on hand and ready once the BSP requests for them.

• Continue your job hunting. 

There's no rule that says you can't, right? This will give you a cushion in case your application in the BSP gets rejected. In addition, it will also help you measure how in demand your educational background, skill sets and training are in the current job market. 

• Participate in seminars or trainings relevant to your career or industry.

Did you recently saw a seminar regarding updates or new trends in your industry? Why don't you attend? Or what about that training on a new skill you believe would be useful in your career? Why don't you participate?

Attending seminars and participating in trainings is a very good way to use your time. You can update your existing knowledge and/or brush up on skills or learn new ones. 

• Volunteer

Has a calamity struck residents of a municipality nearby? Why don't you volunteer to help them? There are a number of organizations you can join to contribute money, goods, time and effort to.

• Have a new hobby

Have you always wanted to read that new book? Or watch that new movie? Why don't you go for it?

A Piece of Advice

Before applying in the BSP, or in any position elsewhere, ask yourself if it is in line with your career path. Does the job fit in with your short-term, as well as long-term, road to career success?

If so, then by all means send in that application immediately.

But if you're doubtful about the opportunity, take a step back and examine the vacant position against your chosen career path. The following questions will help you decide if it is the right opportunity for you to take:

• Does the position challenge me?
• Does the position offer opportunities for growth and development?
• Will the position help me achieve my short-term and long-term career goals?