Hiring the right talent is crucial for the success of any organization, and the Philippines is no exception. In this article, we will explore the standard hiring practices in the Philippines, starting from the job posting process to the onboarding of newly hired employees.

Job Posting Process

The job posting process in the Philippines typically begins with employers drafting comprehensive job descriptions and qualifications. These listings are often posted and shared on various platforms, including company websites, job boards, and social media channels. It is essential to include key details such as job responsibilities, qualifications, and salary range to attract potential candidates.

Applicant Screening Process

Once applications start pouring in, recruiters in the Philippines meticulously review resumes and cover letters to identify qualified candidates. They assess applicants based on their education, work experience, and skills relevant to the job position. It’s common for Filipino employers to use applicant tracking systems to manage and streamline this process.

Applicant Shortlist Process

After the initial screening, a shortlist of potentially qualified candidates is created for follow-up. These candidates are contacted for further evaluation, including skills assessments, technical tests, or preliminary interviews. The goal is to narrow the pool of applicants to a select few who will move on to the interview stage.

Interview Process

The interview process in the Philippines is a critical step in determining the suitability of candidates. This stage may involve multiple rounds of interviews, including initial phone or video interviews, face-to-face interviews, and panel interviews. Behavioral and situational questions are commonly asked to gauge a candidate’s problem-solving abilities and cultural fit within the organization.

Hiring and Onboarding Process

Once a candidate is selected, the hiring and onboarding process begins. In the Philippines, employees are required to provide specific documents to ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations. These documents include:

1. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Birth Certificate: A certified copy of an employee’s birth certificate issued by the PSA, Filipinos’ primary birth identification document.
2. Social Security System (SSS) Form E-1: This form records an employee’s membership in the SSS, a social insurance program providing retirement, disability, and maternity benefits.
3. NBI Clearance: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance certifies that an employee has no criminal record or pending cases.
4. Police Clearance: Similar to the NBI clearance, a police clearance certifies an individual’s criminal record.
5. Pag-IBIG Membership: The Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) membership ensures employees’ access to housing loans and other benefits.
6. PhilHealth Membership: PhilHealth membership is necessary for health insurance coverage providing medical benefits to employees.
7. BIR Tax Forms: Employees must submit tax forms to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to ensure proper taxation.
8. Transcript of Records: A transcript of records from the employee’s educational institution confirms their academic qualifications.
9. Physical or Medical Exam: A medical examination ensures that employees are fit for work and can identify any underlying health conditions.
10. List of Valid IDs: Various valid identification cards are required for verification.

Before the First Day of Work

Before the employee’s first day of work, the company must complete several tasks, including:

1. Ensure Legal Eligibility: Verify that the employee can legally work in the Philippines, including checking their visa status for foreign hires.
2. Complete Background Check: Conduct a thorough background check to confirm the accuracy of the candidate’s provided information.
3. Send Offer Letter: Officially offer the position to the candidate through a formal offer letter outlining terms and conditions of employment.
4. File Necessary Paperwork: Complete all necessary paperwork, including employment contracts and government-mandated forms.
5. Prepare for Tax Withholdings: Set up the necessary tax withholdings as per government regulations.
6. Enroll in Benefits: Enroll the employee in company benefits, such as any 3rd party health insurance and retirement plans.
7. Add to Payroll: Add the employee to the company’s payroll system.
8. Order and Configure Equipment: Ensure the employee’s workspace is ready, including ordering and configuring computers, phones, and other necessary devices.
9. Prepare Resources: Provide the employee access to essential resources, including training materials, company policies, and contact information.

Best Onboarding Practices

Effective onboarding is crucial for integrating new employees smoothly into the organization. Some of the best onboarding practices in the Philippines include:

1. Orientation: Conduct a comprehensive orientation to introduce new hires to the company culture, policies, and procedures.
2. Training: Provide job-specific training to help employees understand their roles and responsibilities.
3. Mentorship: Assign a mentor or buddy to guide new employees during their initial days.
4. Feedback: Encourage open communication and regular feedback to address concerns or questions.
5. Employee Engagement: Involve new hires in team activities and company events to foster a sense of belonging.
6. Performance Expectations: Clearly communicate performance expectations and goals.

Navigating the hiring and onboarding process in the Philippines involves several crucial steps, from job posting to integrating new employees into the organization. Adhering to these standard practices ensures a smooth transition for both employers and employees and helps set the stage for a successful working relationship.

If you are looking for assistance registering a business in the Philippines or would like assistance with our professional HR consultancy services, please contact us through any of the following channels:

• Contact Us Here
• Fill out the form below
• Call us at: +63 (02) 8540-9623
• Send an email to: info@tripleiconsulting.com