If you could work anywhere, where would you go? Overseas work is attractive not just for the change in scenery it offers but for the financial rewards that come with it as well. Who wouldn’t want to earn a six- to seven-figure salary every year? That kind of income is a challenge to acquire in the Philippines, especially if your profession is classified as a low-paying job.
About 10 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) would agree that there are better job opportunities outside of the Philippines. So much so that many OFWs would endure hardship and risk their lives rather than come home. But many hiring abroad opportunities do provide a path to better lives; you just need to know how to prepare for and find them.
How Can I Get Overseas Employment?
Filipinos are in demand as workers abroad because of the work ethic they demonstrate. Many of these jobs are in healthcare, engineering, and hospitality, among others. Whether you’ve been building your career here to work overseas, it’s important to have a strategy before sending an application or talking with an agency about work abroad hiring.
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Find the best fit for your skills
Are you a teacher? Improve your qualifications for teaching abroad by getting certifications in special education, early childhood education, or teaching English as a second language. Some international schools open up job hiring abroad to teachers with extensive experience or specific certifications.
Some OFWs have changed careers to fit the open opportunities abroad, with many downgrading to different jobs. You have that option if the compensation is desirable, but wouldn’t it be better to continue practicing what you trained for here than to train for a whole other job?
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Learn about the countries you’ll want to work in
A new country always means excitement and adventure. Maybe you want to see snow in Japan or dream of living in Italy. Nothing wrong with these dreams, but first get to know these countries outside of their tourist attractions. Learn the culture and ways of life — even better, speak the language. To live in a different country will seem romantic if you’ve just based your ideas from TV or the internet. To learn more would help you transition easier into a new life abroad.
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Look up the cost of living to evaluate the salary
Bermuda, Switzerland, Australia — these are just some of the most expensive countries to live in, per month and on a global scale. These countries may also be included in your list for job hiring abroad opportunities. Before you say yes to those job offers, consider the cost of living versus the salary you’ll be getting.
You may be persuaded by the Peso conversion of your salary, but consider how much of that will go toward your everyday expenses in the country where you’ll work. Consider also how much of your salary will have to be sent back here to your family. It’s not noble to have more than half of your salary go to expenses and remittance when you have to cut your meals down to one and live like a hermit in a new country.
You’ve chosen to work in another country to improve your life — not just your family’s. So weigh the cost of living versus the offered salary before signing an offer.
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Determine your willingness to learn a new language
Are you willing to learn Arabic, Nihongo, or French? Language translation apps are useful if you’re an OFW, but it’s better to speak the foreign language than simply rely on an app. Although a job in the United Arab Emirates may sound lucrative, consider first your willingness to learn the complex language.
If you want to go the extra mile, you might even try to learn the language of the other foreign workers, like Pakistanis and Indians. It could help you understand and engage with others better.
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Stay updated with in-demand jobs abroad
The employment landscape globally continues to evolve; new roles are being introduced with the advancement in technology. So expect certain jobs abroad to have more opportunities than others. For instance, a lot more companies are seeking workers who have artificial intelligence or data science backgrounds. If you’re in information technology, look into work abroad hiring with these roles in mind.
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Upskill
The competition for jobs abroad is fierce. One of the best ways to stand out is to have better skills than the other applicants. Your years of experience may help nudge you closer to getting a job offer overseas, but so will certifications for certain skills. Certifications secured mean expertise in your field, which may also mean a premium salary.
Look for the job requirements and pay attention to the certifications. And prepare for these certifications to land better work abroad.
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Find a reputable recruiter
An ethical recruitment agency is your best partner for finding legitimate jobs abroad. Consider an established work abroad hiring agency, one that doesn’t demand placement fees from recruited workers. Look for reviews and government certifications. A recruitment firm that promotes fair labor practices is also a good choice to help you find overseas opportunities.
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Have a plan B
Finally, life sometimes never goes according to plan. You may have followed a good strategy to finding work abroad. You may have prepared well for this job. And you may have worked with the right agency, but sometimes a crisis will disrupt your best laid plans.
It’s crucial to have a plan when things don’t work out. It could be a political conflict or a global health emergency. Whatever the disruption, your plan B must cover contingencies for daily expenses and keep you safe.
Work Abroad Hiring: Make the Most of Opportunities
Life abroad will seem better, but idealizing it obliterates the reality of overseas work. For many OFWs, loneliness and hardship are the sacrifices that must be made to provide a better life for families in the Philippines. So have a plan in place before seeking jobs abroad. In doing so, you prepare for the difficulties ahead while envisioning a better life for the future.
Find overseas work opportunities on EDI Staffbuilders today.
