Use DOLE employment guide, Baldoz advices first-time jobseekers
"Job search is a process. It may be tiring, frustrating, and disappointing. But it need not be traumatic. For those who are ready, it can be a fulfilling and life-changing experience, particularly if one approaches the task with adequate knowledge and confidence that springs from self-worth and skills to position the jobseeker in a fiercely competitive marketplace."
These are the words of advice of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz to first-time jobseekers who will find themselves gunning for their first job.
Yesterday, the labor and employment chief said fresh graduates—whether of four- or five-year college or of technical-vocational courses, and even those who have graduated years ago but who are still looking for their first job, should consult the DOLE's "Minute Guide for Young Jobseekers", a "one-stop-shop" or "one-glance" employment guidance manual, before embarking on a job search.
"Obtain a copy of this guide from the DOLE's Bureau of Local Employment at the 6th floor, First Intramuros BF Condominium Corporation, Solana Street corner Andres Soriano Avenue (formerly Aduana Street), Intramuros, Manila. You may call first 528-0084; 528-0184; or fax an enquiry at 527-2421," said Baldoz.
Pocket-sized (it measures 101 cm by 150 cm), the "Minute Guide for Young Jobseekers", first published in 2007, is a collaborative project between the BLE and the International Labor Organization (ILO). It is a self-help manual intended to assist young jobseekers, especially new graduates, school leavers, and out-of-school, and unemployed youth in seeking for work and landing a job that suits their skills and qualifications.
The guide has four parts, uniquely organized in manner that will encourage a first time job seeker to examine him/herself and understand how their personal characteristics relate to personal choices.
Among the built-in self-discovery processes included in the manual book are as follows:
• identifying specific personality type and interests;
• determining the type of work and environment to thrive in;
• confirming belief on the rightness of choice linked to job satisfaction;
• productivity and fulfillment of life intentions; and
• a challenge to consider changing a current career path into something more fitting and fulfilling work experience.
"The guide contains a discussion on how to write a resume; prepare for interview; and accepting or negotiating a job offer. It also informs the reader of the basic course of action after closing a job deal," said Baldoz.
In addition, the manual is enriched with inspiring articles and success stories from which job seekers can gain much. It has tips on how to enhance entrepreneurial skills, and offers information on business development as a career option. The "Minute Guide for Young Jobseekers" includes a comprehensive list of job search venues and employment and entrepreneurial websites that readers can use accordingly.
"For first time jobseekers, the guide can be very useful in planning the start of their careers as it contains a comprehensive step-by-step direction—from self-assessment to self-discovery," Baldoz said, adding:
"There are many talented young people whose abilities have not been fully exploited because they are unable to land appropriate jobs, much less satisfying careers. My advice to graduates is to read the manual to avoid pitfalls throughout their job search," Baldoz said.
Any question on this release? Email phil-jobnet@ble.dole.gov.ph, or visit www.ble.dole.gov.ph.
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