Trabaho Philippines Blog

The ultimate resource for jobs, resumes and job applications in the Philippines

Budgeting Tips for the Filipino Working Class – What Employees Can Do To Save Money

Let’s face it, we’re all affected by the rise in prices. With the taxes you have to pay, how will you be able to save for your future? Thankfully, Filipinos are experts in improvising. Here are some budgeting tips to save a few pesos every day.

Budget Tips For Food

Recall the days when you were a student. For sure, your limited allowance kept you from indulging in food. When you’re working, that changes. There are more opportunities to eat because you have your own money. However, there are times when this can get a bit tiring, financially speaking. You can eat at fancy restaurants but control. As for your everyday meals, you can:

  1. Go to a ‘Carinderia – Some have meals starting at P30. Save at least P50 every day.
  2. Bring your own food – Save at least P100 every day.
  3. Do #2 and Have a Fellowship – Save money and bond with your colleagues.
  4. Bring a Tumbler – Use the water dispenser in your office. If you want something different, buy a sachet (instead of bottled or canned drinks). You’ll save at least P20.

Budget Tips for Transportation

Bringing a car to the office is quite an ordeal. Besides having your patience tested in traffic, gas won’t make life easier. Make sure to find good parking places. For all we know, the rates will drain your money away. So, try calling some parking garages and canvass for the cheapest. If you’re lucky, you might find some with quarterly deals that will help you save at least P20 every day.

If you decide to take the public transportation system, here are ways to save:

  1. Take the Bus instead of the FX – Although buses might take longer, it’s cheaper (at least P15 lower) than riding FXs.
  2. Take the MRT – It might get crowded especially during rush hour, but it’s quick and inexpensive! Imagine, if you’re coming from Taft going to Quezon City, you only have to wait less than 30 minutes and spend less than P15!
  3. Walk – If you’re going to a certain place within the vicinity, don’t ride a jeep. Just walk! This will help you exercise too!

Other Budgeting Tips You Can Use

  1. Bargain Shopping – If you want affordable buys (which have good quality), check out ‘tiangge‘ or ‘ukay-ukay‘ outlets. They may not be designer labels, but products from these places are up-to-date!
  2. Exercise – If you’re watching your weight, forget the gym! Doing sit-ups and stretching exercises in the morning are cheaper alternatives. Also, as mentioned before, walking can do you a lot of good.
  3. A Second Home – When your place of residence is an hour or two away from work, then it’s not practical for you to commute everyday. Look for a boarding house (not a condo) or an apartment. You can actually ask friends to join you if you want to save further.
  4. Allot Money – Estimate your expenses in advance and only bring money that will be enough for the day. This will help you avoid unnecessary spending!

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Helpful Links:

1. Tips to Handle Philippine Economic Crisis

2. Tips On How To Impress Your Boss And How To Do A Wonderful Job

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Summer Jobs in the Philippines for 2010

Don’t Want To Be A Bum? Engage in a Summer Job this 2010 in the Philippines

Summer Jobs

Nowadays, it’s no longer practical to just go to the beach during summer vacation. For students, they would rather take up a certain summer job and earn some money. Thankfully, the working industry’s companies comply with their new found desires. This summer 2010, instead of being a ‘bum’ at home while waiting for the next school year to start, why not engage in summer jobs? Not only will you earn cash but you’ll also gain experience and new friends.

1. Tutorials – One of the most basic summer jobs you can take is becoming a tutor. But not just any! There are small English schools which are looking for instructors, both in-class or online. If you have a knack for teaching, you can try your skills here.
2. Fast Food / Coffee Shops – Every summer, fast food joints, as well as coffee shops look for part timers who wish to join their team during the vacation. Establishments such as McDonalds, Jollibee, KFC, Starbucks, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Seattle’s Best and many others are open to college students or hopefuls who wish to earn some extra cash during their free time.
3. BPOs/Call Centers – If you think that call centers are only limited to graduates and experienced individuals then think again. Even these BPOs have openings for part time. Companies such as Convergy’s and Accenture are looking for people to hire.
4. Government Agencies – Just in case you’re interested, some government agencies look for interns as encoders and assistants. You’re not really required to do any heavy stuff but for sure, you’ll be able to gain special training and also, a salary.
5. On The Job Training – Just in case you want something different, you can browse employment sites such as OJTCareers.com to find part time openings to different companies. Instead of just going for BPOs or restaurants, you can find other firms such as Automobile Dealers (such as Isuzu Automotive Dealership Inc.), Banks (such as Metrobank, Unionbank), telecommunications corporations such as (Smart Communications, etc.). Although you can get the experience you’re aiming for, there are no assurances that these OJTs have salaries.

When you’re unsure of what to engage in, you can always find seminars and symposiums you can participate in. Although these may require you to pay a certain price, you’ll truly be enlightened about the field you wish to participate in. This might not be a summer job but this will give you the opportunity to build up your network.

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Other Helpful Articles

1. Other Part Time Work in the Philippines – Earn Some Extra Money

2. Home Based Jobs in the Philippines – 6 Things You Should Be Concerned About

3. Summer Jobs for Students – Where Can You Apply At?

Job Interview Attire – What Your Image Can Do For You

How a Good Image Can Get Raise Your Chances of Getting Hired

Job Interview Image

Just a quick reminder when it comes to job interviews. The night before the big day, you should always take time to prepare what you’re going to wear. You should do research on the company. There’s an issue concerning being under or overdressed when it comes to these situations. Doing a background check will always help you determine the best attire—smart casual, corporate, and so on.

Basically, good appearance can also exhibit great respect to the interviewer. Because of the fact that you took time to dress up, that goes to show that you’re complimenting the person that will accommodate you. In addition to this, it will also show that you place high regard to yourself. Dressing up and being conscious of your appearance just goes to show that you respect yourself and are demanding for it, as well.

Your image during the interview isn’t only for first impression. It is actually a criteria for some firms, especially those who face numerous clients everyday. For the latter, bad appearance can exemplify lack of seriousness and determination. Since, this is the first thing they see, the image can be the basis of credibility for some clients and customers. This is why some companies spend thousands of pesos just to build up their image to the public. Hence, always remember that even though you’re only just an interviewee, employers already expect much from your look.

As a final note, remember that you should always dress up for a job interview, even if it’s out of character. It is common sense that when you apply for a job, you’re there to impress and market yourself. As mentioned before, take the time to pick the perfect attire. If you do it right, you may score big points with the interviewee even before the job interview starts.

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Other Articles You May Find Useful:

1. What Fresh Grads Should Know About Employers – Learn How They Determine Who To Hire

2. 6 Job Hunting Rumors – What Not To Believe

3. Job Hunting Guide for First Timers – Know What You’re Up Against

6 Job Hunting Rumors You Shouldn’t Believe

When you’re a first time applicant, it cannot be helped that hear rumors. However, don’t let these discourage you because chances are, most of them are not real. To help you relieve yourself of the questions, here’s a list of things that you shouldn’t believe.

Rumor # 1 – The Top 4 University Prestige

For sure, you’ve heard the rumor that employers only focus their attention on the 4 top universities in the Philippines, which they say are: Univesity of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas. This is NOT TRUE. Although it’s true that the standard of education in these universities are the best in the Philippines, talent and skill cannot be limited to the school alone—employers know that. So, don’t be shy! Be proud of your school!

Rumor # 2 – The Entry Level Job Rule

It’s not true that when you’re a fresh graduate, the only jobs for you are entry level jobs. If you work hard in college and gain experience, you may actually get scheduled for an interview (and get hired) for jobs that required experienced individuals. So, don’t hesitate! Apply for jobs that require 1-2 years of experience. There’s no harm in trying!

Rumor # 3 – Top Companies = High Compensation

When you’re a fresh graduate, working in top companies may not mean that you’ll get a high salary. If you’re applying for a job in places such as networks, publishing (newspapers, etc.), events and many others, these may require you to work longer hours. You will surely get the training you want but as a fresh graduate, there’s a possibility that you won’t get the salary you’re hoping for. Don’t worry, once you’ve established yourself with a (minimum) year’s worth of experience, you can definitely try to negotiate your compensation.

Rumor # 4 – Makati City is the Only Place to Get A Great Job

Makati City—it’s a certainty that when you hear this place, you think of nothing but a sophisticated city. Unfortunately, it’s not all that. This city may be one of the most beautiful and upscale places in the Philippines, but this doesn’t mean that all the good jobs are found there. In fact, there are also top companies found in Pasig, Quezon City, Mandaluyong and many others. Don’t limit yourself by thinking that you’ll only prosper in Makati. There are other places to check out too!

Rumor # 5 – Stick to a Job Related to Your Major

NOT TRUE. Just in case you’re interested in applying for work that’s not related to your major, don’t panic! There are people who land jobs in fields such as Marketing even though they’re graduates of Education or Accounting courses. It’s not about the major; it’s actually about the skills you have to offer. Of course, you will really have to prove yourself to your employer.

Rumor # 6 – Humility Can Get You Hired

When you’re in a job interview, that doesn’t mean that when you speak about the truckloads of things you’ve done in college, you’re self-centered. In fact, employers like that. They are expecting you to market yourself in order for you to prove that you’re worthy of being hired. So, speak up and tell them what you’ve accomplished. They’re looking for talented individuals who can contribute to their company; not some shy fresh graduate!

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1. Job Hunting Myths – Learn more about Job Hunting Myths!

2. TrabahoPhilippines.com Facebook – Get updates on Job Openings and other helpful Job Hunting Details!

3. Employer Preferences – What Fresh Graduates Should Know About Employers!