There is an infinite way to spend your money in school – from expensive academic projects to bulky photocopies to barkada lunch-outs. Many times you are left with enough moolahs to last you a few days until your parents give you the much-awaited weekly allowance.
That is why seeing put-together working professionals lead you to the belief that getting employed equates to earning lots of money. You are pumped up to finish your schooling so you can experience the bliss of receiving your paycheck. Unfortunately, it is not the case and it is not as luxurious as it seems.
Being in the corporate world does not only give you the opportunity to earn money but also a way for you to spend it. As you go to the job hunting phase, you will realize that it requires a hefty amount to get started and finished.
See also: A Fresh Graduate’s Job Application Starter Pack
To avoid the shock in your journey, here is a breakdown of all the possible expenses in your job search.
Please note that it is only an estimation (according to recent experience, informal interviews, and additional researches) and may vary considering many factors like budget, location, and inflation.
| 1. Preparation of Documents Print – resume (2 pages), cover letter Photocopy – TOR (2 pages), diploma Scan (soft copy for online applications) | P10 x 6 pages P3 x 4 pages P10 x 4 pages | P60 P12 P40 |
| 2. Corporate Wear1 Women Sheath dress from Zalora Nose Heel Pumps Men Well Suited Trousers Well Suited Formal Tshirt Mendrez Formal Shoes | P1,250 P1,950 P1,500 P1,380 P1,670 | P3,200 P4,550 |
| 3. Food Lunch Snacks | P150 P50 | P200 |
| 4. Transportation UV Express MRT Jeep | P60 x 2 trips P28 x 2 trips P9 x 2 trips | P120 P56 P18 |
| Total: | W: P3,706 M: P5,056 |
1.These are only used for sample purposes only. It is in no way trying to dictate your choice of work wear. The links contained within the article are NOT affiliate links. See more here.
See also: Activities To Do After Graduation Aside From Getting a Real Job
There is no hard figure on the average number of assessments you have to go through before you secure a job. It all boils down to demand, availability, economic state or plain luck. Let’s assume you have to go to 2 assessments before your first offer.
| 1. Preparation of Documents Print – resume (2 pages), cover letter Photocopy – TOR (2 pages), diploma | P10 x 6 pages P3 x 4 pages | P60 P12 |
| 2.Food Lunch Snacks | P150 P50 | P200 |
| 3. Transportation UV Express MRT Jeep | P60 x 2 trips P28 x 2 trips P9 x 2 trips | P120 P56 P18 |
| Total: | P466 |
W: P3,706 + P466 = P4,172
M: P5,056 + P466 = P5,522
Approximately, you may spend P4,000 – P5,000 on two job assessments.
See also: Companies That Offer Management Trainee Programs in the Philippines
After an excruciating week (or maybe even month) of waiting, you received an e-mail from the HR department. Heart beating fast, you opened it. “Please see attached list of requirements,” it says. You thought that draining the content of your wallets ends during your series of exams and interviews. It is not. You have to complete a set of requirements to make your hiring official. To give you an idea of how much it cost to complete the set of requirements, below is a sample breakdown.
| PSA-certified Birth Certificate | P155 |
| SSS (initial contribution) | P200 |
| Philhealth (initial contribution) | P200 |
| PAG-IBIG (initial contribution) | P100 |
| Medical Exam/Physical Exam (urinalysis, fecalysis, chest PA, drug test) | P550 P250 |
| NBI clearance | P130 |
| Total: | P1,585 |
Update:
President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Republic Act 11261 or the “First Time Job Seekers Assistance Act” on April 10, 2019. Government agencies are barred from collecting fees from first-time job seekers provided that the fee is in connection with the application of documents required for looking for employment. The said benefit may only be availed once.
Application for the following documents will be free of charge under the new law:
First-time job seekers availing of the benefits under the new law are required to present a barangay certification that he or she is seeking employment for the first time.
But it does not cover fees in connection to the application for professional licensure examination and Career Service Examination, application for a Philippine passport, authentication of documents from the Department of Foreign Affairs, and driver’s license application.
It is good news for fresh graduates since completing your requirements can get expensive as indicated on the previous table. The money saved from the application can be utilized during your first few weeks at work.
That’s it! Seeking employment is not only time-consuming and nerve-wracking. It is also money-draining. The article may not provide you with the finances you need but I hope it helps have an idea on possible expenses. Good luck and may the odds be in your favor.
Featured image by Brian Wilson on Reshot.