Are you qualified for that government job?
Anyone who intends to have a career in government usually thinks that in order to achieve that goal, he or she needs to have a "backer," someone who is already working in public service to pull strings and open opportunities from the inside. Thus, it seems that it's more of who you know than what you know to get a career break in government. Yet, others think that jobs in the pubic sector are nowhere to be found, as government agencies always seem to implement austerity measures that aim to cut costs, which although may be savings to the government, also lessens career opportunities for those who want to work in civil service.
But there is good news! One, the government has taken drastic measures to ensure the public that joining the ranks of public servants is now based on meritocracy and qualifications. Moreover, several government agencies are actually on the lookout for talent. In fact, JobStreet.com has a dedicated webpage for jobs in the government.
So, now, the remaining question is, are you qualified to work for the government? Check on your eligibility with these two reminders:
1) The most popular way to get civil service eligibility is through passing the Civil Service Examination.
2) Do you know that there are people who are not required to take the Civil Service Exam? They are automatically eligible to to serve the government because of their employment history or their achievements. Take note that you do NOT have to take the Civil Service Exam if you:
- are an honor student in a local college or university (summa cum laude,magna cum laude,cum laude) ;
- are an honor student in a foreign university (summa cum laude,magna cum laude,cum laude) ;
- you have qualifications that cannot be measured by written tests (e.g., electrician, heavy equipment mechanic, carpenter, to name a few) ;
- are a Science and Technology specialist ;
- are a member of aSanggunian(Bayan,Panglungsod, orPanlalawigan) ;
- are an Electronic Data Processing Specialist ;
- are abarangayofficial ;
- are a Barangay Nutrition Scholar ;
- are a Barangay Health Worker ;
- are a passer of a Board or Bar Exam.
Yes, you read that right. If you are have any of the qualifications listed above, you are automatically Civil Service eligible. There is no need for you to take the Civil Service Examination. However, please take note that those eligible through these qualifications will also need to submit documents and requirements for the Civil Service Commission to officially declare their Civil Service eligibility. If you are one of those mentioned above, please click on the appropriate link to be informed the process of getting your Civil Service Certificate of Eligibility.
A sidenote: Although not an outright exemption, veterans, veterans' spouses, and their children are qualified for VPRE, or Veterans Preference Rating Eligibility. This special item allows them to receive automatic 10 points in their exam results, but only for those who failed the exams up to a grade of 70. So, for example, a veteran's son took the Civil Service Examination and got a 78, which is 2 points off the 80 passing rate. He can apply for VPRE and get the 10 points bonus, allowing him to pass the exam. But to reiterate, since only 10 points are given for VPRE, those who scored below 70 will still not pass.
So, with your Civil Service eligibility in tow and after seeing public service jobs on JobStreet.com, how do you let government hirers know that you are already eligible? Simple:
- Scan or take a picture of your Civil Service Certificate of Eligibility;
- Include your scan, screen capture, or picture in your resumé;
- Attach your resumé in your JobStreet.com profile.
- Mention your Civil Service eligibility in the Other Information space, located in the Additional Information section of your profile.
- Voilà ! You're on the right track to a career in public service.
About JobStreet.com
JobStreet.com is a leading online job board presently covering the employment markets in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. JobStreet.com currently services over 230,000 corporate hirers and over 15 million jobseekers in its database.
About SEEK Asia
JobStreet.com and jobsDB are part of SEEK Asia, which is the leading online employment market place in Asia. SEEK Asia covers 7 countries namely Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
SEEK Asia is the extension of the Australian Securities Exchange listed company called SEEK. The company's purpose is to help improve people's lives through a better career. SEEK Asia's database consist of over 500,000 corporate hirers and over 24 million candidates.
For more information about this article, or to schedule an interview with JobStreet.com Philippines, please call Mark Nichol Turija, Content Marketing Specialist, at 286-6222.
