Google has answers to everything, but are they always reliable?
 
Fret not, first-time job seekers (FTJs), for the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shared some tips.
 
Before heading to your target employment to seek jobs, be well-prepared with your documents.
 
The DOLE constantly reminds us of the existence of the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act (FTJAA) or the Republic Act 11261 enacted in 2019.
 
This is to aid first-time jobseekers in obtaining pre-employment documents from various national government agencies and further increase their chances for employment.
 
The following documents are free of charge for the FTJs: barangay clearance as first-time jobseeker and certificate; police clearance; National Bureau of Investigation clearance; medical certificates (except laboratory tests and other medical procedures); birth and marriage certificates from the Philippine Statistics Authority; a transcript of records, certificate of graduation/completion, and diploma; Taxpayer Identification Number and ID; Civil Service Certificate of Eligibility; PhilHealth ID; Overseas Employment certificates; Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) cards from the Social Security Service and the Government Service Insurance System; Mayor’s clearance; Maritime Industry Authority certificates; TESDA National Certificates and Certificates of Competencies; and other government issued documents that may be required by employers.

Once done with submitting applications, the DOLE also has tips for the next stage – the interview.
 
To make sure job seekers arrive before the appointment, they suggest utilizing the alarm clock and sleeping early the night before to have proper rest ready for the interview.
 
They also advise wearing proper attire and getting a haircut or styling the hair to give a good and lasting impression.
 
Preparing answers through aptly rehearsing and researching about the company always proves to be beneficial.
 
Jobseekers must also review their qualifications and connect their skills with what the employers are looking for.
 
Also, it is wise to prepare the documents such as a resume, portfolio and other needs, and to plan the route to reach the venue in a serene condition.

After the interview, DOLE reminds that jobseekers should offer to shake hands with their interviewers, send a letter of thanks, and humbly follow up on the results after a few days.
 
Going out into the workforce is in no way an easy task, but with the continued implementation of the FTJAA, jobseekers already have at least one worry off their mind — the burden of paying for pre-employment documents.(JCR/AMB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)