The Philippine job market has its own document conventions. While multinational companies increasingly ask for a “CV” or “resume,” the vast majority of local employers — from SMEs and cooperatives to government agencies and large corporations — still ask for a biodata as part of the job application requirements. This guide gives you the exact format, section by section, along with a free downloadable sample.
Biodata vs. Resume vs. CV: What Filipino Employers Actually Want
| Document | Used by | Typical length | Key difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biodata | SMEs, traditional PH companies, government, factories | 1–2 pages | Includes personal data (civil status, etc.) |
| Resume | Multinationals, BPO, banking, tech | 1–2 pages | Skills/experience focused; less personal data |
| CV (Curriculum Vitae) | Academia, research, international orgs | 3+ pages | Full academic and professional history |
When a Philippine employer says “please send your biodata,” they typically want a one- or two-page document that combines personal information with your educational background, work history, and references. The format below is what most Philippine companies expect.
Complete Biodata Sample Format for Job Application in the Philippines
Header: Your Name and Contact Information
Your full name should be in the largest font on the page. Directly below, include:
- Complete address (barangay, city, province) — or just city and province for privacy
- Mobile number (always include +63 prefix if sending internationally)
- Email address — must look professional (firstname.lastname@gmail.com is the standard)
- LinkedIn profile URL — increasingly expected by office-based employers
If the employer specifically asks for a photo (common in manufacturing, hospitality, retail, and traditional Philippine companies), attach a formal 2x2 photo in the upper right corner. Use a white or light-colored background with business attire.
Section 1: Personal Information
For traditional Philippine job applications, this section follows your header. Arrange it cleanly in a two-column layout or as a labeled list:
- Date of Birth: Month Day, Year (write in full, e.g., March 5, 2000)
- Age: [current age]
- Place of Birth: City, Province
- Civil Status: Single / Married / Widowed / Separated
- Citizenship: Filipino (always include this; some forms require it)
- Religion: Optional — include only if the job posting or employer explicitly requires it
- Height / Weight: Optional — required by some industries (hotel, airline, retail) but not most office roles
The Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) protects you from being compelled to provide irrelevant personal data. You are legally allowed to decline religion, height, and weight on applications where these are not job requirements. In practice, many applicants still include them to avoid being screened out by traditional HR processes.
Section 2: Career Objective
Two to three sentences. Customize this for every application. Mention the role you are applying for and the value you offer. Avoid starting with “I am seeking a position where I can utilize my skills” — this says nothing and is recognized immediately as a template phrase.
Example for an accounting applicant: “BS Accountancy graduate with 2 years of experience in accounts payable and general ledger reconciliation at a mid-sized trading company. Seeking to contribute accurate financial reporting and process efficiency as a Junior Accountant at [Company Name].”
Section 3: Educational Background
List in reverse chronological order:
- Tertiary: Degree, Major, School Name, Year Graduated, GWA (if above 85%)
- Secondary: School Name, Year Graduated (Senior High and Junior High, or just Secondary if pre-K12)
- Elementary: School Name, Year Graduated (omit for experienced professionals)
Include your Latin honor (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude) if applicable. Academic awards such as Dean’s List or scholarship programs are also listed here.
Section 4: Work Experience
For each position, list:
- Company name and location (city, province or country for OFW)
- Job title / position
- Inclusive dates (January 2023 – June 2025)
- 2–4 bullet points of responsibilities and accomplishments
Keep job descriptions specific. Use action verbs: managed, coordinated, prepared, handled, supervised, achieved, reduced, improved.
If you have no formal work experience, include your OJT / internship here. If you have freelance or part-time experience, include it with the same format using the client or agency name.
Section 5: Trainings and Seminars Attended
Philippine employers — especially in government and manufacturing — value this section highly. List in reverse chronological order:
- Title of training or seminar
- Organizing institution
- Date and place
Even one-day seminars, webinars from TESDA, and Google Career Certificates count. List up to 10 relevant ones; omit generic freebie webinars unless they are directly relevant.
Section 6: Special Skills
Hard skills only — software, tools, equipment, languages, typing speed, specialized knowledge. Soft skills like “hardworking” and “leadership” should be demonstrated in your experience section, not listed as skills.
Examples of well-received skills in Philippine job applications:
- Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) — specify if above basic level
- QuickBooks / SAP / Oracle ERP (for finance roles)
- Adobe Photoshop / Illustrator / Canva (for creative roles)
- AutoCAD / ArchiCAD (for engineering and architecture)
- Filipino and English (note proficiency level); regional language if applicable
- Typing speed: X WPM (for data entry and administrative roles)
Section 7: Character References
Three references is the Philippine standard. The correct format:
- Full name, Position, Company/Institution
- Contact number (verified, reachable)
Always get permission from your references before listing them. Do not list family members. Former supervisors, professors, or respected community leaders are ideal.
How to Submit Your Biodata in 2026
Email applications: Save your biodata as a PDF file named Firstname-Lastname-Biodata.pdf. In the email body, write a brief cover paragraph (not a full cover letter) mentioning the position you are applying for and where you found the job posting.
Online job portals (JobStreet, Kalibrr, LinkedIn): Upload your biodata PDF as an attachment. Fill in all required fields in the platform’s form separately — do not rely on the auto-parse of your PDF.
Walk-in applications: Print on 8.5x11 or A4 bond paper. Bring at least three copies.
Free Biodata Template for Job Application Philippines
BioData PH offers free, professionally designed biodata templates made specifically for Filipino job seekers. The biodata builder walks you through each section, then generates a downloadable PDF — no account needed, no fees.
There are also dedicated templates for fresh graduates, OFW applicants, nurses, and BPO workers if you need a format tailored to your specific industry.