Home Fresh Graduates’ Ultimate Guide to Entering the Workforce in the Philippines

Fresh Graduates’ Ultimate Guide to Entering the Workforce in the Philippines

fresh graduates ultimate guide to entering the workforce in the philippines

One step closer to your dream job. Unfortunately, adulthood requires a lot of paperwork, records, and other procedures. Don’t worry—this article will cover everything you need before applying for your job!

If you’re among many Filipinos getting ready to enter the workforce soon. This guide will give you a head start on the preparations for pre-employment requirements.

Birth Certificate

This is the certified copy of your birth certificate. It contains details on your parents, including your basic information, birthplace, date and time, and complete name.

Why it’s important

Your PSA birth certificate verifies your identity, nationality, and ancestry. This is often required for legal transactions and contracts, passport applications, marriage licenses, loan applications, benefit claims, and applications for jobs and schools.



How to get it

PSA CRS and PSA Serbilis stores in Metro Manila and nationwide offer this. Before visiting the outlet, You must make an appointment through the online Civil Registration Service Appointment System. Order a PSA birth certificate online at PSAHelpline.ph for contactless service.

Note: Fill out your information and pay online or in-person to receive your document in Metro Manila within three to four business days. If you live outside the metro, wait three to eight business days.

Pro Tip: If your company needs a marriage certificate, follow the same steps. Online ordering costs 100–200 pesos more than visiting the PSA store.

Social Security System (SSS) Number 

All employees are required by law to be a member of SSS. Social security helps society prepare for “hardships caused by life’s contingencies such as sickness, maternity, disability, old age, and death,” according to the agency’s website.



Why it’s important 

SSS provides emergency cash, pensions, or loans. However, you and your employer must consistently contribute to receive full benefits. The law requires employers to pay 70% and employees 30%.

How to get it

To get your SSS number, visit sss.gov.ph to register an account. After submitting the form online, you must see an SSS branch to submit further requirements. Complete this paperwork to become a permanent SSS member.

Pro Tip: If you already have an SSS number and are switching companies, prepare the SSS E4 document. If you don’t have one, apply for a UMID at your next SSS branch.



Tax Identification Number (TIN) 

When you begin working, your salary will be taxed, and your taxes must be remitted to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). You need a Tax Identification Number (TIN) to post your taxes correctly.

Why it’s important 

The government funds public services and infrastructure with your taxes. Tax evasion is a criminal punishable by jail time.

How to get it

BIR Form 1902, the Application for Registration for Individuals Earning Purely Compensation Income, may be provided by your employer. Download this form at bir.gov.ph. IDs and marriage certificates are required. You or your employer should submit these to the Revenue District Office (RDO), which has jurisdiction over your workplace.

Pro Tip: Changes in employers don’t require new Tax Identification Numbers. Only your BIR Form 2316 or Certificate of Compensation Payment/Tax Withheld from your previous employer is needed. You also require a Transfer of RDO if you work elsewhere.

Also Read:Guide: How to Verify your BIR TIN

NBI Clearance

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) provides this document to verify that you don’t have a criminal record in the country.

Why it’s important

Your clearance shows your company you’re honest and trustworthy. This document can also be used as proof of identification, to travel abroad, and to correct legal document problems.

How to get it

  • Visit clearance.nbi.gov.ph to register, log in, and complete the application form.
  • Select an appointment at your selected NBI branch after submitting the form and ID.
  • Pay the online handling fee using the available options.

NBI gives you a reference number and QR code to print or photograph. Please bring it to your appointment.

Pro Tip: First-time job seekers can get a free NBI clearance by bringing valid IDs and a barangay certificate.

Police Clearance

The Philippine National Police (PNP) clearance proves that you have no records or complaints received in the police department.

Why it’s important

Similar to the NBI clearance, this document verifies your law-abiding status. Use this clearance to get a National ID or credit card.

How to get it

  • Go to pnpclearance.ph and register for an account.
  • Set an appointment at the nearest police station after entering your information.
  • Pay the online cost after receiving a reference number.
  • Attend your appointment with the official receipt and reference number.

Pro Tip: PNP clearance lasts six months. It cannot be renewed; you must apply for a new one.

Transcript of Records

This confirms your attained level of education and the school you mentioned in your resume.

Why it’s important

Your transcript of records (TOR) tells employers your academic performance. Companies may ask for your diploma instead of this proof to validate your tertiary education.

How to get it

Contact your college or university to get your diploma and transcript of records.

Pro Tip: Because original copies of your TOR and diploma cost money, make several copies. Submit the photocopied documents to employers instead of the original ones.

Physical or Medical Exam

Ideally, the employer should cover the pre-employment medical exam. They may charge you for the medical exam if you’re a candidate without a contract.

Why it’s important 

This defines your physical ability to perform company obligations. This can reveal hidden health difficulties.

How to get it

Companies may have a preferred health provider for examinations. Your employer can make an appointment. Your medical facility may also be your choice.

Pro Tip: When the doctor asks about your health, be honest. This lets them know if they need more tests or if they should advise their employer.

List of Valid IDs

A government-issued ID or two is needed to secure these documents. Government and private agencies accept these IDs:

  • Philippine Passport issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
  • Philippine National ID issued by the PSA
  • UMID Card issued by SSS
  • Driver’s License issued by Land Transportation Office (LTO)
  • PhilHealth ID
  • Postal ID (issued by the postal office)

Also Read:National ID Registration (Link, Steps, Requirements and more!)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the requirements when applying for a job in the Philippines?

New Hire Requirements

  • Birth Certificate.
  • Government Issued ID with Photo.
  • Valid and Updated NBI Clearance.
  • Pre-employment Medical Exam.
  • School Document.

What are pre-employment requirements?

8 Pre-Employment Requirements for Your New Job

  • Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate. This is the official document that verifies your birth. 
  • Social Security System (SSS) Form E-1. 
  • NBI Clearance. 
  • Police Clearance.
  • Pag-IBIG Membership. 
  • PhilHealth Membership. 
  • BIR Tax Forms. 
  • Transcript of Records.

What is the proof of eligibility to work in the Philippines?

A valid passport, a work contract, an Alien work Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE), and further supporting documentation are need to be eligible for a Philippines Pre-Arranged Employment Visa.

How do I get my first time job seeker certificate?

  • Visit the Barangay Center or the office that issues the certificate. 
  • Tell the designated official that, as a first-time job applicant, you plan to get the certificate.
  • Give any further documentation needed to demonstrate your Filipino nationality.

Final Thoughts

Job applications might be intimidating. A stress-free job application requires preparation and a portfolio with all your documentation. Researching the company and job requirements will help. Enjoy your first job interview, and be honest and friendly. Philippine graduates must complete pre-employment prerequisites before working. This guide covers getting birth certificates, SSS numbers, TINs, NBI and Police clearances, transcripts of records, and physical or medical exams. It also stresses the importance of ID cards. 

Sources:(1),(2),(3),(4),(5)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *