Lesson 3: Simulating the Philippine workplace

What is Simulating the Philippine Workplace?

Simulating the Philippine workplace involves creating a realistic and immersive environment that mimics the
cultural, social, and professional norms of a typical office setting in the Philippines. This can be done through
various methods, such as role-playing, case studies, or virtual simulations.

Why Simulate the Philippine Workplace?

- Cultural Immersion: It allows individuals to experience and understand the unique cultural nuances and business
practices of the Philippines.

- Professional Development: It provides a safe and controlled environment for individuals to practice and develop
their professional skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

- Career Preparation: It can help individuals prepare for a career in the Philippines or with Filipino companies, by
exposing them to the local business culture and practices.

Key Aspects of the Philippine Workplace

- Communication Styles: Filipinos tend to be polite, respectful, and indirect in their communication, with a strong
emphasis on building relationships and avoiding conflict.

- Workplace Hierarchy: The Philippine workplace tends to be hierarchical, with a strong respect for authority and
seniority.

- Teamwork and Collaboration: Filipinos value teamwork and collaboration, with a strong emphasis on building
strong relationships with colleagues and working together to achieve common goals.

- Time Management and Punctuality: Filipinos tend to be flexible and adaptable when it comes to time
management, with a focus on building relationships and completing tasks rather than strict punctuality.

Benefits of Simulation:

- Improved Cultural Understanding: It can help individuals develop a deeper understanding of the Philippine
culture and business practices.
- Enhanced Professional Skills: It can help individuals develop their professional skills, such as communication,
teamwork, and problem-solving.

- Increased Confidence: It can help individuals build confidence in their ability to navigate the Philippine
workplace and interact with Filipino colleagues and clients.

Simulating the Philippine workplace involves understanding the cultural, social, and professional norms that
govern interactions and behaviors in a typical Philippine office/workplace setting. In the Philippines, professional
correspondence is crucial for effective communication. Because, professional correspondence is a communication
between two or more parties through professional writing of letters and emails.

We have four key aspect to consider in writing a professional correspondence:

1.
Formal Language: Use formal language in business emails, letters, and other written communication. Avoid
using slang, jargon, or overly casual tone.
2. Proper Salutations: Use proper salutations such as "Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs./Dr." followed by the recipient's
surname.
3. Clear and Concise: Keep your message clear and concise, avoiding unnecessary details or tangents.
4. Proofreading: Proofread your correspondence for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors to ensure
professionalism.

There are several types or form of professional correspondence, but in the Philippines there are three common
type or form of professional correspondence and this are the following:

1. Memo
2. Business letter
3. Emails

1.Memo

A Memo or a Memorandum, also known as a briefing note, is a written message that is typically used in a
professional setting. Derived from the latin word “Memorandus” which means “to be remembered”. these
messages are usually brief and are designed to be easily and quickly understood. Memos can thus communicate
important information efficiently in order to make dynamic and effective changes.

Parts of Memo:

The header-gives basic information about the recipient, sender, subject, and date.
The introduction- explains the context. Since memos are straightforward and direct, the introduction informs
recipients about the purpose of the memo.
The body- explains and elaborates on the purpose of the memo by giving details and clarifications.
The conclusion- wraps up the memo with a call to action or a final reminder or a rationale.
Necessary attachments- accompany the memo, particularly documents that support, clarify, or require
action on the part of the recipient, such as a signature.
2.Business Letter

Is a letter from one company to another, or such organizations and their customers, clients, or other external
parties. The overall style of letter depends on the relationship between the parties concerned. Business letters can
have many types of content. A business letter is sometimes useful because it produces a permanent written
record, and may be taken more seriously by the recipient than other forms of communication. It is written in
formal language.

A business letter is used primarily to request or provide information, to relate a deal, to bring or continue
conversation, and/or to discuss prior negotiations.

Seven parts of a business letter:

1. The Heading- The heading contains the return address with the date on the last line. Sometimes it is
necessary to include a line before the date with a phone number, fax number, or e-mail address. Often there
is a line skipped between the address and the date. It is not necessary to type a return address if you are
using stationery with the return address already imprinted, but you should always use a date. Make sure the
heading is on the left margin.
2. Recipient’s Address- This is the address you are sending your letter to. Be sure to make it as complete as
possible so it gets to its destination. Always include title names (such as Dr.) if you know them. Be sure to
skip a line after the heading and before the recipient’s address, then skip another line after the inside address
before the greeting. For an example, see the end of this sheet for a sample letter.
3. The Salutation-The salutation (or greeting) in a business letter is always formal. It often begins with “Dear
{Person’s name}.” Once again, be sure to include the person’s title if you know it (such as Ms., Mrs., Mr., or
Dr). If you’re unsure about the person’s title or gender then just use their first name. For example, you would
use only the person’s first name if the person you are writing to is “Jordan” and you do not know whether
they identify as male, female, or non-binary.
The salutation always ends with a colon.
4. The Body- The body is the meat of your letter. For block and modified block letter formats, single space and
left justify each paragraph. Be sure to leave a blank line between each paragraph, however, no matter the
format. Be sure to also skip a line between the salutation and the body, as well as the body and the close.
5. The Complimentary Close- The complimentary close is a short and polite remark that ends your letter. The
close begins at the same justification as your date and one line after the last body paragraph. Capitalize the
first word of your closing (Thank you) and leave four lines for a signature between the close and the sender’s
name. A comma should follow the closing.
6. The Signature Line- Skip at least four lines after the close for your signature, and then type out the name to
be signed. If you are printing this letter out and sending it by mail, you will sign your name in pen. This line
will include your first and last name, and often includes a middle initial, although it is not required. You may
put your title beforehand to show how you wish to be addressed (Ms., Mrs., Dr.).
The signature should be in blue or black ink.
7. Enclosures- If you have any enclosed documents, such as a resume, you can indicate this by typing
“Enclosures” one line below the listing. You also may include the name of each document.

Three most common business format:

 1. Block- The most common layout for a business letter is called a block format. In this format, the entire letter
is justified to the left and single spaced except for a double space between paragraphs.
2. Modified Block- Modified block is another popular type of business letter. The body of the letter and the
sender’s and recipient’s addresses are left justified and single spaced. However, in this format, the date and
closing are tabbed to the center point.
3. Semi-Block- The least used style is called a semi-block. In it each paragraph is indented instead of left
justified.

3.Emails

Electronic mail, commonly shortened to “email,” is a communication method that uses electronic devices to
deliver messages across computer networks. "Email" refers to both the delivery system and individual messages
that are sent and received.

Five parts of emails:

1. Sender (From)- The “from” tag shows the sender’s email address. Everyone notices this part of an email
since it’s usually the first thing they see when they go through their email inbox. Because the “from” tag is
such a valuable space in your recipient’s inbox, you should make sure it matches your company name.
2. Subject line- The subject line is perhaps the most vital part of an email. It’s usually the main factor
determining whether your message gets read. If you use a spammy tagline, the receiver’s Email Service
Provider (ESP) could send your email directly to the spam folder. Using a string of characters like currency
signs will also have the same effect. Your subject line should be accurate and informative, and it should
entice the reader to want to learn more about what your email is saying.
3. Pre-header- Another part of the email that comes with the subject line is the pre-header. It acts as a
companion to the subject line and is your email’s initial line of text. The pre-header is usually included after
the subject line in certain email providers, such as Gmail or mobile phones, so the reader may gather some
additional information before reading the main email.
4. Salutations- The tone of your email body is established at the opening. The reader is forming an opinion
about you and what you need from them based on the first few lines. These first lines will also determine
whether or not they will continue reading. They might get a negative impression if you appear overly formal
or impersonal. On the other hand, you also won’t want to appear unprofessional, as that might turn people
off too.
5. Email body- Now it’s time to get down to the business end of your email: the body. First off, it is important
to ensure that your message always provides value to your reader. Educate them about your brand, give them
a discount, or keep them up to date on new goods and services. Ensure that the information is clear, precise,
and relevant to your readers, whatever your purpose is. You should also dedicate yourself to maintaining a
quality standard in your emails. This will set your emails apart from countless others swimming in your
readers’ inboxes. Your email body should have content your subscribers will want to read consistently.

The hiring or the job application process in the Philippines typically follows a structured approach that adheres to
labor laws and business norms. The process may vary slightly depending on the industry, company size, and
specific requirements, but the following provides a general overview:

1. Job Analysis and Position Description:

 Employers start by conducting a thorough analysis of the job requirements.
A detailed position description is created, outlining responsibilities, qualifications, and other relevant details.

2. Job Posting:

Vacancies are typically advertised through various channels, including online job portals, company websites,
social media, and sometimes traditional print media.
The job posting includes key details such as job responsibilities, qualifications, and application instructions.

3. Application and Resume Screening:

Applicants submit their resumes and application forms.

HR professionals or hiring managers screen applications to shortlist candidates based on their qualifications
and experience.

4. Initial Interview:

Shortlisted candidates are invited for an initial interview, which may be conducted by HR or a recruiter.
This interview aims to assess the candidate’s basic qualifications, communication skills, and general fit with
the company culture.

5. Technical Assessment or Second Interview:

Depending on the position, candidates may be required to undergo a technical assessment or a second
interview with department heads or team members.
This phase assesses the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and expertise relevant to the job.

6. Background Check:

A background check is often conducted to verify the candidate’s educational and professional background, as
well as to check for any legal issues.

7. Job Offer:

Successful candidates receive a formal job offer, which includes details such as compensation, benefits, and other
terms and conditions of employment.

8. Contract Signing:

Once the candidate accepts the job offer, a formal employment contract is signed by both parties.

9. Pre-Employment Requirements:

New hires are typically required to submit necessary pre-employment requirements, such as medical certificates
and government-mandated documents.

10. Orientation and Onboarding:

New employees undergo an orientation process to familiarize them with the company policies, culture, and
their specific roles.
Onboarding activities help integrate the new hires into the organization.
11. Probationary Period:

Many companies in the Philippines have a probationary period during which the employee’s performance is
closely monitored.

Overview of Job Interviews in the Philippines

Job interviews in the Philippines are a crucial step in the hiring or application process. They provide an
opportunity for employers to assess a candidate's skills, experience, and fit for the role, and for candidates to
showcase their qualifications and personality.

Types of Job Interviews:

There are several types of job interviews that are commonly used in the Philippines, including:

- One-on-One Interviews: These are the most common type of interview, where a candidate meets with a single
interviewer.

- Panel Interviews: These involve a candidate meeting with a panel of interviewers, often from different
departments or levels of the organization.

- Group Interviews: These involve multiple candidates meeting with one or more interviewers, often used for
entry-level or mass hiring positions.

- Virtual Interviews: These are conducted online, often using video conferencing software, and are becoming
increasingly popular.

What to Expect in a job interview?

- Introduction and Icebreaker: The interviewer will usually start with a brief introduction and icebreaker to help
you feel more comfortable.

- Questions about Your Background: The interviewer will ask questions about your education, work experience,
and skills to assess your qualifications for the role.

- Behavioral Questions: The interviewer may ask behavioral questions to assess your past experiences and
behaviors as a way to predict your future performance.

- Closing and Next Steps: The interviewer will usually close the interview by thanking you for your time and
outlining the next steps in the process.

Tips for Success

- Research the Company: Research the company and the role to show your interest and knowledge.

- Prepare Your Answers: Prepare answers to common interview questions to showcase your skills and experience.

- Dress Professionally: Dress professionally and make a good impression.

- Be Confident and Enthusiastic: Show confidence and enthusiasm during the interview to demonstrate your
passion for the role.

Simulating the Philippine workplace provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the cultural, social, and
professional norms of the Philippines. By replicating the workplace environment, individuals can gain a deeper
understanding of the values, customs, and business practices that shape the Philippine workplace.

Moreover, simulating the Philippine workplace is a valuable tool for anyone looking to gain a deeper
understanding of the Philippine culture and business practices. By immersing oneself in this unique environment,
individuals can develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in a Philippine business setting.