Preparing Documents for Your First Job

The standard requirements

Almost every employer in the Philippines asks for the same set of documents. Having these ready before you even start applying puts you ahead of 90% of fresh graduates.

• •Resume/CV (updated, 1-2 pages max)
• •PSA Birth Certificate (not the local civil registrar copy — must be PSA-issued)
• •Transcript of Records (TOR) or diploma
• •NBI Clearance
• •Police Clearance or Barangay Clearance
• •TIN (Tax Identification Number) from BIR
• •SSS number (E-1 form or printout)
• •PhilHealth number (PMRF or printout)
• •Pag-IBIG MID number
• •2x2 and 1x1 ID photos (white background, at least 4 copies each)
• •Valid government-issued ID
• •First Time Jobseeker Certificate from your Barangay (saves you money on fees)

Get your First Time Jobseeker Certificate first

Before applying for NBI clearance, police clearance, or any other document — go to your Barangay Hall and get a First Time Jobseeker Certificate under RA 11261. This exempts you from paying fees on most employment requirements. It typically saves ₱500–₱1,500.

NBI Clearance — step by step

The NBI Clearance is the most commonly required pre-employment document. Here's how to get it:

• •Go to clearance.nbi.gov.ph and create an account
• •Fill out the online application form
• •Select your preferred NBI branch and appointment date
• •Pay the fee online (₱155) or present your First Time Jobseeker Certificate for exemption
• •On your appointment date, bring: valid ID, printed reference number, and First Time Jobseeker Certificate (if applicable)
• •Biometrics capture (fingerprints and photo) takes about 10-15 minutes
• •If no 'hit' (name match in records): clearance is released same day
• •If there's a 'hit': you'll need to return after 7-14 business days for verification

BIR Form 1902 — for new employees

When you get hired, your employer will ask you to fill out BIR Form 1902. This registers you as a new employee with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and generates your TIN if you don't already have one.

• •Your employer's HR department provides the form — don't go to BIR yourself
• •Fill it out completely: personal info, employer details, and tax status
• •Tax status: 'S' for single with no dependents, 'S1' for single with 1 dependent, 'ME' for married
• •If you already have a TIN from a previous registration (e.g., freelancing), inform HR immediately — do NOT get a second TIN
• •Your employer submits this to BIR within 10 days of your start date

Pro tips for first-time applicants

Save time and avoid common mistakes:

• •Process all documents in one week: Day 1 — Barangay (FTJC), Day 2 — NBI, Day 3 — SSS/PhilHealth/Pag-IBIG, Day 4 — PSA birth cert, Day 5 — photos
• •Bring at least 5 photocopies of every document — employers, banks, and government offices all ask for copies
• •Wear a collared shirt for your ID photos — some companies require this for their employee IDs
• •Save digital copies (photos/scans) of all documents on your phone and cloud storage
• •Create a folder (physical and digital) labeled 'Employment Documents' — you'll need these for your entire career