Playbook 1

Zero to Hired: The Local Job

This is step-by-step, not just tips. Follow it in order. If you're a fresh grad or you've been jobless a while, start here.

1. First, get your FREE documents

   If you're a first-time job seeker, there's a law saying these are FREE (RA 11261): NBI clearance, police clearance, barangay clearance, medical certificate (at government facilities), birth certificate, TOR/diploma copies, and TIN.

   How: Go to your barangay hall and ask for a Barangay Certification na first-time job seeker ka. Bring that to every agency. You can only use it once, so get everything you need in one round. Libre

2. Make your resume ATS-proof

   Before your resume reaches HR, it first passes through an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) — filtering software. Those pretty Canva resumes with design, icons, and tables? Bagsak agad, because the ATS can't read them.

   The rules:

   • .docx format (or a simple searchable PDF, not scanned)
   • Arial / Calibri / Times New Roman, 10–12pt
   • No tables, graphics, photos, or text in the header/footer
   • Section order: Contact info (with LinkedIn URL) → Summary (3–4 sentences) → Work experience (most recent first, with numbers/results) → Education → Skills
   • Copy the exact words of the job posting. If it says "stakeholder management," use that — not "coordination." Write both the spelled-out and abbreviated form: "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)"
   • Customize per application. Test it on a free ATS checker (e.g. Jobscan) — aim for 60–70%+ match

   A tip they don't tell you Recruiters don't only look at resumes — they also search the JobStreet profile database. Complete your JobStreet profile, add keywords to your headline, and put your expected salary. They see your profile even if you never applied to them.

3. Use the right timing

   January–March: peak hiring (companies' fresh budgets)
   May–June: fresh grad hiring window
   September–October: a second surge before the year-end freeze
   BPO "ber months": mass hiring for the holiday season
   July–August and November–December are slow — pero mas kaunti rin ang kalaban mo. Apply the moment a job is posted — early applicants have a big edge.

4. Try walk-in / one-day hiring (especially in BPO)

   If you need a job NOW: many BPOs (Concentrix, Teleperformance, Alorica, TTEC, iQor, TaskUs) have one-day hiring — you show up, take the exam, interview, and can walk out with a job offer. It's faster than online applications that take weeks.

   Bring: several printed resumes, a valid ID, and come interview-ready. Diskarte: do both — online applications to other companies + a walk-in at 1–2 near you.

   Don't snub the BPO Even if it's not your dream job, it's the fastest legit salary + experience you can use for your next role — including remote customer support that pays more.

5. Use the referral trick

   Did you know BPO and big-company employees get a referral bonus of ₱5,000–₱20,000 when their referral gets hired? Meaning: when you ask a friend on the inside for a referral, you're doing them a favor, hindi ka nakikiusap. Referred applicants get pulled from the pile and sometimes even skip steps.

   Script"Uy, I'm applying as [specific role]. May referral program ba kayo? Baka pwede mo 'kong i-refer — you'd get a bonus pag pumasa ako. I'll send my resume."

6. Follow up the right way

   Following up isn't bad — as long as the timing is right: 5–7 business days after applying, or 48 hours after an interview. One short message, one follow-up lang.

   Script"Hi [Name], I applied for [role] last [date]. I'm very interested — [one line on why you fit]. Happy to provide anything else you need. Thank you!"

7. In the interview: avoid the classic mistakes

   • Research the company first (5 minutes on Google, malaking bagay)
   • Don't be late, don't no-show (na-blacklist ka na agad)
   • Don't badmouth your previous employer
   • Be ready for "Expected salary?" — give a range with a reason

8. Salary talk: don't be scared, but stay realistic

   Reality check: many fresh-grad roles in Metro Manila sit at ₱13k–16k (generalist/admin), ₱18k–25k (specialist), ₱25k–40k+ (in-demand/technical). You can negotiate — but with basis: mention your skills, certifications (there's a free cert here), and what you can contribute. If the offer is low but comes with training and growth — minsan sulit na stepping stone 'yan.

9. List and track your applications

   Make a simple spreadsheet: company, role, date applied, where (JobStreet/walk-in/referral), status, follow-up date. Those who remember when to follow up get more interviews. Simple pero halos walang gumagawa.

Last verified: July 2026