How To Apply For A Government Job? Here Are 5 Things To Remember

A career in government is not only a good path to take but a noble one. Choosing to serve your fellow countrymen is a selfless choice in itself "“ indeed, you work for the people, as they say. 

Not only that, they say that some of the happiest professionals come from this faction. After all, they were (and still are) one of the most stable industries in the country today. Our survey even confirms that 77% out of over 16,000 participants wish to work for the government. 

As you go through the motions of applying for government jobs, you may find yourself asking this. "Is it worth all the trouble?" Just how great are the rewards of working for public service?

Is working for the government worth it in the Philippines?

Every sector has its advantages and disadvantages. But when working for the government, fulfillment and monetary benefits are only the cherries on top. Qe break down some of the advantages:

• Job Security. Unless the world is ending, the government does not stop working. While some of the working world may go out of business, new opportunities sprout everyday for this sector. 

• Pension Benefits. This may be the biggest perk yet, since the pension directly comes from the governing bodies anyway. Unlike private employees who can only get on the SSS program, government employees can avail of both GSIS and SSS which can increase the benefits that they can receive. 
• Competitive Salary. Along with public school teachers, President Duterte signed on to increase the wages of public service officials and workers. Thanks to the Salary Standardization Law, you can enjoy a raise from what the salary was then.

• Flexible Working Schedule. While some workplaces do not follow a conventional timeframe, government offices usually begin in the morning and end early to late afternoon at the most. There may be the occasional overtime, but those happen once in a blue moon anyway.
• Kickstart your career in public office. Looking to serve the country? While most of our executive leaders did not come from public service at first, a career in government can help pave the way for a long-term career. And if you intend to shift to a specialized job in the private sector, relevant government experience can help you become more employable,

Are you ready to take on your dream job? Before you take on the task of serving the Filipino people, here are five things to remember to have a successful job application process:

How do I get hired for a government job?

Like any workplace, there are standards that you must meet in order to pass their test. In this case, you have the following:

Basic qualifications:

• Filipino Citizen
• At least 18 years of age on the date of application
• Never been convicted of a crime
• No dismissal with just cause from any government position or assignment
• Declaration of breaches in relation to the Civil Service Exam is nonexistent

Once you have checkmarked through these, you can move on and take the Civil Service Exam. 

How do I take the Civil Service Exam? 

The Civil Service Exam "“ or the Career Service Exam "“ is an aptitude test that determines whether you are fit for public service or not. The exam can either be handwritten or computer-based. 

Applicants who wish to take the exam must also not have taken the CSE within 3 months from date of re-application to take. Whether you are a first timer or a retest taker who wishes to have a memory refresh, here are the steps to take it:

1. Download application form from the CSC website (http://csc.gov.ph)
2. Make sure you fill-up the form legibly and accurately. 
3. Affix your signature and thumbprint on the document in front of the Action Officer
4. Pay the exam fee
5. Show up to your test date on time and with the complete materials shared beforehand

The results usually take 45 days after the exam date to come out. You can check them at the center or online.

What are the requirements for a government job application?

Some government positions may require specific documents for you to pass, so be sure to take note of that. Otherwise, here are examples of the usual papers they may ask:

• A filled up CSC Form 212 (Personal Data Sheet)
• Your recently updated resume, containing three core portions: education, work experience, and training sessions attended
• Cover Letter stating your intent to apply for the position
• Photocopies of diploma, transcript of records, certificate of employment, and other pertinent documents where applicable
• A copy of your most recent performance evaluation
• Certificate of Eligibility or License/ID issued by the PRC

It is best to have two (2) copies of each at the minimum just in case.

How do you apply for a government position?

Now that you have a sense of the qualifications and the hurdles you need to cross, you can get right to the process. Here are the five steps you need to take:

1. Check for available positions.
2. Submit the application requirements. 
3. Take the Civil Service Exam and undergo an interview.
4. Once you pass Step 3, move on to the final interview.
5. Submit your pre-employment requirements. 

Meanwhile, get ready for that job interview by using the Interview feature in our Career Tools.

The desire to serve is a great passion to have and to nurture. Luckily, working in the government can fuel both your passion and career paths simultaneously. If you are wondering if your dream job is within reach, it is. Look westward to the future and see if you belong in public office. 

Take that first step and move forward. A great sea of opportunities await. Good luck! 

Find the #JobsThatMatter on JobStreet and update your profile then search jobs on our website or download the JobStreet app on the App Store or Google Play. Search for available government positions to kickstart your journey there.

The more you search, the more JobStreet understands your needs, so you can find the perfect match to fulfill you professionally and personally.

Visit our Career Resources Hub for more expert advice on developing a rewarding career.