PESO: K-12 readiness, public career counseling yield 93% boost in on-the-spot hires

By Mizpah Grace G. Castro

PESO: K-12 readiness, public career counseling yield 93% boost in on-the-spot hires

Out of 2,600 job fair applicants in 2018, a total of 1,178 were successfully hired on-the-spot, show records from the Ilocos Norte Public Employment Services Office (PESO).

In 2017, only 256 applicants out of 1,090 (23.49%) were hired immediately during job fairs. A 93% increase in applicants instantly hired was seen in 2018.

These are based on figures from the different job-matching activities held simultaneously during the Bicentennial Celebration in February and the Marcos Fiesta in September, as well as the annual Summer Job Fair, Millennial Job Fair (catering to senior high school graduates), and the Year-End Job Fair.

Mrs. Anne Marie Lizette Bitancor-Atuan, PESO head, pointed out, “Lumaki ang mga na-hire last 2018 kasi marami talagang gustong magtrabaho after senior high school (SHS)… May mga job opening tayo na talagang para sa undergraduate at SHS.”

Atuan added, “Natulungan din natin sila through career counseling.”

The PESO’s career counseling programs were conducted in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the different secondary schools around the province.

A total of 26,794 students and job aspirants underwent career counseling in 2017. According to Atuan, this may have contributed to the employment increase the following year.

Facilitators discussed the top-paying jobs locally and nationwide. Participants were then instructed regarding proper applications procedures and etiquette, including resume- and cover letter-writing, how to present themselves, and how to handle interview questions.

“We also shared tips and advice on how to jumpstart a successful career,” said Atuan. – Mizpah Grace G. Castro, PGIN-CMO