E-Recruitment: 
Option for the Jobseekers and Employers  
(An Exploratory Study on Recruitment Using the Electronic Medium)

The study was conducted to explore the new dimension of e-recruitment.  Specifically, the study aimed to determine the extent of recruitment done through the electronic medium; to identify the services and operation of major internet jobsites and to determine policy issues presented by recruitment done through the electronic medium as it impact on the present recruitment regulatory framework.

The study identified local and international-based job sites.  Locally, there were nine (9) local job sites offering hundreds of jobs and have applicant resumes by the thousands.  These are (1) Jobsdb.com.ph, (2) Jobstreet.com.ph, (3) Trabaho.com, (4) Hanap-buhay.com, (5) Jobphilippines.net, (6) Jobsaa.com.ph, (7) Jobsonline.com.ph, (8) Philippinejobs.ph, and (9) Philippines-jobs.com.  The study also tried to establish which job sites pioneered in the Philippines, though the DOLE Phil-JobNet was launched ahead of Jobstreet and Jobsdb, an application for its patent was filed with the Department of Trade and Industry in April 1998.

The DOLE Phil-JobNet is an internet based job matching facility which is designed to provide access for mass-based job seekers who do not have access to internet use.  It is a non-fee charging facility for both the employers and the jobseekers.  Walk-in job seekers ca also avail of other services like, employment guidance and counseling aimed at improving the likelihood of placement.

Compared to the local-based job sites, international or foreign-based job sites totaled to 154.  The services offered by these job sites varies from basic facility of resume database and employer profiles, to the more sophisticated online interview or on-line counseling.

The study also discussed the recruitment regulation framework in the Philippines.  The basic policy or framework of the recruitment regulation is based on the Labor Code of the Philippines.  As such, it is the responsibility of the Department of Labor and Employment to oversee all employment promotion, employment standards enforcement, regulation and similar concerns.

A test case involving one job site, Trabaho.com, was presented.  In August 199, the DOLE Cordillera Administrative Region requested the assistance of the Bureau of Local Employment to “conduct a check on the credibility and operational status of Trabaho.com” in relation to an IT Exposition held in Baguio.  The exposition was managed by Trabaho.com.  The DOLE Legal Service and the BLE were one in saying that Trabaho.com is regarded as an entity engaged in recruitment and placement and therefore, within the recruitment rules and regulations.

Based on the emerging trends and the various means and terms by which job sites operates, the study identify some issues that impact on recruitment and placement in the Philippines.  Further, consultation and presentation to the various stakeholders to explore possible options are recommended.  The study posed a question that should be resolved first, whether or not recruitment using the electronic medium should be regulated at all, anywhere within its spectrum-from registration, accreditation to licensing.