How long have you been with RareJob Philippines, Inc.?

I have been with RareJob for 3 years and 3 months.

Can you tell us what position you are currently holding, and what major tasks you handle?

Currently, I am part of the acquisition team that is responsible for sourcing, screening, and hiring office-based employees for RareJob Philippines, Inc. I am handling most of the technical positions of RareJob, which focus on IT, ESL, and Operations. I am also responsible for processing secondment documents of employees to and from the Philippines and Japan.

At present, which task do you think is the most challenging for you?

Well, for me, there is no hierarchy in terms of challenging tasks—all tasks start as challenging. But how do I define “challenging”? Specific tasks wherein I have no prior background or knowledge about and I have to conduct a bit of research before I execute it. That’s where my colleagues come into play. I have very supportive and approachable officemates whom I work hand in hand with in accomplishing my tasks.

We have been under quarantine for about two months now; how has this affected your tasks in recruitment?

It has greatly affected our tasks in general. Human interaction is crucial in screening our applicants and thoroughly assessing them. To make up for this during the current work-at-home arrangement, applicants can expect to have longer and more comprehensive interviews. This is so we can provide reliable feedback to our client departments.

With the company allowing employees to work from home, how different is the current recruitment process in place compared to when work was done in the office?

It is way different from what we used to do, and I can’t say it is a walk in the park not only for me, but also for my clients, my applicants, and the entire team. We are now doing screening and interviews online, which is not the norm in terms of RareJob’s hiring process for office-based staff. However, online screening and interviews are somehow more efficient for applicants, as they don’t need to be physically present in the office. This takes away the burden presented by commuting, the applicants being assessed at the comfort of their own homes.

In this current set up, what do you think is your greatest challenge?

The first month was hard because we had to convert our current processes in order to fit the online setup. The succeeding months drove most of us crazy, as our position required us to coordinate with applicants and clients face-to-face. We are striving to be more creative and innovative virtually in order to make sure that our stakeholders are engaged and involved in the screening process, just as they were prior to the change.

With all the uncertainties brought about by the current situation, employment is undoubtedly viewed as a saving grace. As someone involved in sourcing and placement of talents, can you cite one of your most rewarding experiences?

Well, as a recruiter, one of my achievements during these trying times is to successfully hire applicants for our technical positions, which are usually difficult to fill in. Now, technical positions require specific competencies that should be keenly checked to make sure that applicants are qualified. Simultaneously, we also need to assure that our applicants are given the opportunity we promised. As a RareJob employee, we are always striving to live by our vision: chances for everyone everywhere.

Being a RareJob employee for more than three years, why do you think should job seekers see RareJob Philippines, Inc. as an employer of choice?

RareJob cares for its employees. It always tries to take care of us, not only by making sure that we have work-life balance, but also by being compassionate and sensitive to our needs, whether it is emotionally, physically, and mentally. With that, we have created an environment wherein an employee of any age, gender preference, or culture can still feel welcome. Of course, these are apart from our tangible benefits, such as free food, lodging, shuttle services, and monetary incentives.

From recruiter to job seeker, what advice can you give them in these uncertain times?

Be resilient. Opportunities for work, good health, and sufficient living are being challenged in these trying times. So, if you’re offered a window or chance to make the most out of this pandemic, grab it. We can now feel the importance of being there for each other, and now is the best time to practice it. And as a recruiter, I am always thankful that RareJob gave me the chance to give countless opportunities to our fellow Filipinos not only to have jobs to able to feed their families, but also to belong in a company that will always care compassionately for their well-being.