Six Practical Ways on Finding a Job Abroad

Date Posted: 11/16/2016

When finding a local job is already difficult, looking for international employment may seem completely impossible. Every year, thousands of Filipinos seek overseas jobs, but only a fraction of them are successful in their search. Needless to say, finding a job abroad requires perseverance, time and effort, and a whole lot of diskarte. Here are some practical tips on how to land that dream overseas job:

1. Find referrals. Or better yet… ask for them. First-hand referrals or recommendations are always the most reliable, especially when they come from people who you know personally such as friends and relatives. Personal referrals would point you to opportunities that you know are credible and can even help you land the job so you only need a licensed recruitment agency to place you in the job. These people can also assist you with other aspects of working overseas, such as adjusting to the environment or applying for the necessary permits and documentation abroad. To this day, the Pinoy concept of bayanihan is still very much alive and will help you in your job search.

2. Look into accredited agencies. While personal referrals may come in handy, lawful, credible and licensed recruitment agencies provide invaluable assistance in applying for overseas jobs. In addition to providing opportunities, they can also help place you in a position that is best suited to your needs and abilities. However, one huge risk in seeking an overseas job is the possibility of being scammed. Countless jobseekers have fallen prey to illegal recruiters and other deceptive schemes, which is why it is extremely important to ensure that any recruitment agency you are applying to is legitimate and is accredited by the POEA. The POEA has a list of such accredited agencies available on their website and Ikon is one recruitment agency you can always rely on. That said, one must also learn to…

3. Utilize POEA offices and services. Government offices such as the POEA are instituted for the very purpose of assisting overseas workers, at sayang naman ang buwis ng taumbayan kung hindi naman gagamitin ang mga serbisyo. Furthermore, several POEA services are now coursed online, which makes application processes convenient and accessible.

4. Take language classes and other relevant training. Some training centers specifically cater to overseas workers and jobseekers and may be able to connect you to a possible employer abroad. Having certifications such as that for TEFL or TESOL also provide significant leverage and increase your chances of being hired. Participating in these training courses increases your network of fellow jobseekers and experienced overseas workers as well.

5. Work for an international organization. Another path you could take is to work at an international organization that has a branch, subsidiary, or offshore facility in the Philippines. Applying for an overseas position when you are already inside the company is easier and more likely to work in your favor than applying to a different employer altogether.

6. Participate in a paid volunteer/internship program. Volunteering or serving as an intern is another means by which to slowly ease your way into international employment. Should you not succeed in gaining full employment after the program, at the very least, the experience will expose you to what it’s like to work and live overseas and maybe even introduce you to other opportunities.

Regardless of the path you choose to take, building reliable networks and relationships is the key to finding a job abroad. Trusted agencies such as Ikon will provide you with such connections and help kickstart your dream overseas career.