Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get a Job Abroad

Have you ever considered working abroad? Thinking about the greener pastures to improve your standard of living or to push yourself out of your comfort zone?

Becoming an OFW is more than just hopping on a plane and getting a few job interviews abroad. It takes a lot of time and careful planning and understanding of the lengthy process can help ease the stress that can affect your decision-making.

In this article, we lay out a step-by-step guide on how to get a job abroad and the things you need to be aware of during the process:

1. Register and attend the Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar at www.peos.dmw.gov.ph

Before you even start looking for a job vacancy abroad, it’s best that you attend the Department of Migrant Workers Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS). This will be really helpful as you start your OFW journey because this can help you prepare for the realities of working abroad.

The PEOS will equip you with the necessary information you need such as application procedures, all the requirements you need to complete the application, all the expenses involved, and how to protect yourself against illegal recruiters.

2. Look for job opening announcements from reliable sources.

Nowadays, it’s easy to find job openings and vacancy announcements. With just a few clicks from your phone, you’re surrounded by a couple of job opportunities! They’re all over Facebook pages, various OFW Job Websites like OFWJobsPinoy.com, and Online Employment Marketplace Sites like JobStreet.com, WorkAbroad.ph, etc. Google search is a really helpful tool too! Just type the specific job you’re looking for, or search by specific location.

3. Visit http://dmw.gov.ph to check the license status of your chosen agencies.

Before you proceed with any application, it’s always good to conduct a background check on your employers and their recruiters. Working abroad will be a big decision for your career, thus you have to make sure that you are dealing with a duly registered, POEA-licensed recruitment agency.

To know more about your prospective recruitment agency, visit the Department of Migrant Workers’ website, and enter the agency name on the search bar. This website contains the official database of all licensed agencies to recruit Filipino workers for overseas jobs. It will also tell you if the agencies have been closed down, banned, or if their licenses were canceled or suspended.

By making sure that the agency has a valid license, you’re securing yourself that every step you will go through will be assisted legally, and every single peso you will shed out for payment is approved and governed by the Philippine regulations.

4. Connect with a Registered Recruitment Agency by submitting your Resume.

If the details and licenses of your chosen agencies are valid, then you’re ready to connect with them by submitting your resume. You can either do this by getting in touch with them through their contact numbers, official email, and website, or by clicking the “Apply Now” button from the Employment Marketplace Sites.

5. Prepare the necessary documents.

Job requirements vary per country and employer, but the most common are the following documents:

• • Updated Resume
  • Passport valid for 2 years.
  • 2×2 ID picture with white background
  • Birth Certificate (issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority)
  • Diploma or Short Course Certificate
  • Transcript of Records (TOR)
  • Certificate of Employment (from your previous employer)
  • NBI Clearance
  • Marriage Contract (if applicable)(from the local civil registrar)
  • Professional License (if applicable)
  • Voter’s ID and Unified ID (Multi-purpose ID)
  • PEOS Certificate
  • Vaccine Card / Booster Card / Vaccine Certificate

6. Go through the Agency Screenings and Interviews

After submitting all the requirements, the agency will conduct a series of screening and interviews to assess if you’re qualified for the job. This will also be the basis of the employers when choosing which candidate is the best fit for the position. Make sure to highlight your strengths, expertise, achievements, and the reason why you are the best choice among the other applicants.

7. Additional Pre-Employment Requirement: Medical Exams

Medical exams are commonly requested to applicants once they passed the job interview. This is an additional requirement to ensure that applicants are deemed fit to work and able to handle the responsibilities required for the role.

When you are ready to take this step, your agency will inform you and will give you an endorsement to an accredited medical facility. Agencies will usually provide a referral letter, containing the details of the required tests for your employment. Medical tests vary per country, and some require preparations (ie: a few hours of fasting). So it’s always best to confirm with the clinic the preparatory measures you need before your appointment.

Click here for the list of POEA Accredited Clinics authorized to ensure that overseas applicants undergo intensive medical exams, as required by our government and the country of destination.

You may also read: Frequently Asked Questions for OFW Medical Examinations and How to Prepare for a Pre-Employment Medical Exam.

8. Placement Fees

Cost often depends on the employer and recruiter, but note that as per POEA regulations, placement fees should only be up to a maximum of one (1) month salary.

Important: It is illegal for any agency to ask for the placement fee if you haven’t signed an employment contract yet. Make sure to sign a POEA-approved employment contract first! Remember that you also have the option to initially pay 50% of the fee during the document processing, then pay the remaining once the recruiter is ready to provide all of your documents, your visa, and your plane ticket.

9. Signing of the Employment Contract

This contract will be provided by your employer and will be verified by POEA. This document contains all the important information regarding your employment –like your job description, salary, amount of your placement fee, and the terms and conditions of your job. Make sure to read it carefully and that all benefits discussed with you prior to the application are included in this contract.

10. Attend the Pre-departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) by OWWA

This seminar is a mandatory orientation conducted by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to equip departing OFWs with the basic information about the laws and the general customs you need to know in your country destination.

That’s it! Make sure to get a copy of all the documents from your recruiter and you’re all set to work abroad! Make sure to stay in touch with your recruiter and familiarize yourself with the government agencies that can help you should you need any assistance in your country destination.

 

Comment down below if you have questions, or are in need of clarifications. Good luck po and hope you find the perfect job opportunity for you! Follow us on our Facebook Page – OFW Jobs Pinoy for other job announcements and opportunities abroad.