Ultimate First-Time Jobseeker Guide in Philippines: All Documents You Need

Starting your first job in the Philippines? This quick, practical guide lists the exact documents employers usually ask for, how to get them, estimated time and tips to avoid delays. Keep this handy checklist so you're ready for job applications, onboarding, and government benefits enrollment.

What employers usually require

Most private employers in the Philippines expect a first-time applicant to present:

• Proof of identity and civil status
• Educational credentials (diploma, TOR, or certificate)
• Clearances for background check (NBI/barangay, sometimes police)
• Tax ID (TIN) and benefit IDs (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG) for payroll and benefits enrollment

Public sector or overseas employers may require extra items (e.g., clearance/verification, POEA documents for OFWs).

Core civil IDs and proof of identity

• PSA Birth Certificate (official copy) - primary proof of identity and age for HR and government forms.
• Government-issued ID (any one or two): Passport, UMID, Driver's License, PRC ID, Voter's ID, Postal ID, or School ID (if accepted).
• Barangay Clearance - sometimes required for local background checks or initial hiring.
• Marriage Certificate (PSA) - if name changed or for updating records.

Tip: Always present at least one government photo ID and one supporting document (PSA birth cert or passport).

Education and training documents

• Diploma / Certificate of Graduation - if you completed a degree or TESDA course.
• Transcript of Records (TOR) - many employers ask for TOR especially for fresh graduates.
• NC certificate (TESDA) - for technical/vocational roles.
• Training certificates, awards, or relevant online course certificates (keep PDFs ready).

If you don't have a diploma yet (graduating soon), bring a certificate of enrollment or graduation notice.

Background checks and clearances

• NBI Clearance - commonly requested for national-level background check.
• Police Clearance - used by some employers instead of or in addition to NBI.
• Barangay Clearance - local character clearance; required by many small businesses.
• Medical or drug test results - some employers require pre-employment medical exams.

Note: Employers will tell you which clearances they need. For government jobs and OFW positions, expect stricter screening.

Tax & government benefits IDs you'll need

These are needed when you start employment (for payroll deductions and benefits):

• TIN (Tax Identification Number) - required for tax withholding; first-time employees can apply at BIR.
• SSS Number - Social Security System for employee benefits.
• PhilHealth Number - health insurance enrollment.
• Pag-IBIG MID or number - for housing fund contributions.

You can apply for TIN/SSS/PhilHealth/Pag-IBIG even before starting work so onboarding is faster.

How to obtain each document - quick steps, time & cost (typical)

Note: Processing times and fees change by location-use local online services where available.

• PSA Birth Certificate
  • How: Order online via PSA Serbilis or PSAHelpline, or get a copy from PSA office.
  • Time: 2–10 business days (varies); express options available.
  • Fee: Varies (standard and express).
• Valid Government ID (Passport)
  • How: Schedule DFA appointment, bring PSA birth certificate, IDs.
  • Time: 10–45 business days depending on processing and appointment type.
• NBI Clearance
  • How: Register on NBI e-Clearance, schedule appointment, pay online, appear for biometrics.
  • Time: Same-day to a few days.
  • Fee: Minor processing fee.
• Police Clearance
  • How: Contact local police station or use national PNP clearance services if available.
  • Time: Same-day to a few days.
• Barangay Clearance
  • How: Visit barangay hall; bring valid ID and proof of address.
  • Time: Same-day.
  • Fee: Small administrative fee (varies).
• Transcript of Records / Diploma
  • How: Request from your school/university registrar (some offer online request).
  • Time: From same-day pickup to several weeks for paper processing.
  • Fee: School-specific copy fees.
• TESDA NC Certificates
  • How: Apply/test at TESDA accredited centers; request certificate from TESDA portal.
  • Time: Depends on course and assessment schedule.
• TIN (BIR)
  • How: Register at BIR eReg or local revenue office; new employees can get TIN through employer in some cases.
  • Time: Same-day to a few days.
• SSS
  • How: Register online at SSS My.SSS or visit an SSS branch to get a number.
  • Time: Immediate online confirmation; card issuance may take longer.
• PhilHealth
  • How: Register online or at PhilHealth office.
  • Time: Same-day registration; ID card issuance may take time.
• Pag-IBIG
  • How: Register online or at Pag-IBIG branch.
  • Time: Same-day registration; number issued immediately.

Smart tips to speed up onboarding

• Prepare digital PDFs and good-quality scans of all documents-many employers accept e-copies first.
• Bring originals on your first day; employers will verify.
• Apply for TIN, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG ahead of your start date to avoid payroll delays.
• Use official online portals (PSA, NBI, DFA, SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, BIR) to skip long queues.
• Keep a folder with soft and hard copies: 1) personal IDs, 2) civil documents (PSA), 3) education, 4) clearances, 5) benefits IDs.

Checklist: Documents to prepare now (first-time jobseeker)

• PSA Birth Certificate (original or certified true copy)
• Government-issued photo ID (Passport, UMID, Driver's License, Voter's ID, Postal ID)
• Recent 2x2 or 1x1 ID photos (as required by employer)
• Transcript of Records (TOR) or School Certificate
• Diploma or certificate of graduation (if available)
• NBI Clearance
• Barangay Clearance (or Police Clearance if requested)
• TIN (BIR)
• SSS number or application proof
• PhilHealth number or application proof
• Pag-IBIG number or application proof
• Medical examination / drug test results (if required)
• Certificates of training or TESDA NC (if applicable)
• Resume and filled job application form

Check out https://stepbystepph.com for more articles.