For many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), sending money home (remittances) is the primary goal. But what if your time abroad could be more than just that? What if it could be a stepping stone to a bigger, better career – maybe even a global one? This article is for you, the hardworking OFW, to show you how to use your international work experience to unlock opportunities you might not have even considered. We’re going to talk about skills, networking, education, and how to present yourself to future employers in a way that gets you noticed. Let’s get started!
Recognizing Your Hidden Strengths: The OFW Advantage
Think about your daily life as an OFW. You’re not just doing your job; you’re navigating a different culture, learning new customs, and probably communicating in a language that isn’t your native one. These are valuable skills that are highly sought after by global companies. Often, OFWs underestimate the breadth of experiences they’ve amassed. Let’s break down some of the key advantages you’ve likely developed:
Adaptability: Moving to a new country and fitting in is a huge accomplishment. You’ve learned to adapt to different work styles, social norms, and living conditions. This adaptability is a massive asset in today’s rapidly changing global market. Forbes highlights adaptability as one of the key traits that employers are looking for. Think about specific examples. Did you have to quickly learn a new software at work? Did you figure out how to navigate a complex public transportation system? These small victories demonstrate your ability to adapt.
Cross-Cultural Communication: Working with people from diverse backgrounds is a common experience for OFWs. You’ve learned to communicate effectively, even when there are language barriers or cultural differences. Effective cross-cultural communication is now more vital than ever. Have you ever had to explain a complex task to someone who didn’t speak your language fluently? That’s cross-cultural communication in action! This skill is vital for any company with international clients or operations.
Problem-Solving: Life as an OFW often presents unique challenges. From dealing with homesickness to navigating bureaucratic hurdles, you’ve become a skilled problem-solver. This resourcefulness is highly valued by employers. Remember that time you had to figure out how to send money home quickly and affordably when your usual method was temporarily unavailable? That’s problem-solving under pressure! Think about other moments where you had to find creative solutions to unexpected issues.
Resilience: Let’s be honest, being an OFW isn’t always easy. Being away from your family and friends requires a strong sense of resilience. This ability to bounce back from setbacks is a key ingredient for success in any career. The International Labour Organization (ILO) recognizes the sacrifices and resilience of migrant workers. Consider times when you felt discouraged or overwhelmed, but you persevered. That’s a testament to your resilience.
Technical Skills (Depending on Your Industry): Many OFWs work in specific industries, such as healthcare, engineering, construction, or IT. You will have gained valuable technical skills that are in demand worldwide. Remember to keep your skills up-to-date with the latest industry trends. Research the popular software programs required around the globe by similar companies to yours; consider doing your own training or getting certifications.
Turning Your Experience into a Global Resume
Now that you know your strengths, let’s talk about how to present them effectively on your resume and during job interviews. It’s not enough to simply list your job duties. You need to highlight your achievements and quantify your impact whenever possible. Think accomplishment-oriented, not task-oriented. For example, instead of saying “Responsible for customer service,” try “Improved customer satisfaction scores by 15% through proactive problem-solving and effective communication.”
Use Action Verbs: Start your resume bullet points with strong action verbs that showcase your skills and accomplishments. Words like “Managed,” “Implemented,” “Developed,” “Led,” and “Achieved” are all great options. Here are some examples:
- Managed a team of 10 employees to exceed sales targets by 20% in Q3.
- Implemented a new inventory management system that reduced waste by 15%.
- Developed a training program for new hires that improved their performance by 10%.
Quantify Your Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate your impact. How much money did you save the company? How much did you increase sales? How many people did you train? Numbers make your achievements more tangible and impressive.
Tailor Your Resume to Each Job: Don’t use the same generic resume for every job application. Carefully review the job description and highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. Use keywords from the job description throughout your resume and cover letter. This shows the employer that you understand their needs and that you’re a good fit for the role.
Highlight Your Cultural Competence: Make sure to emphasize your ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. This is a major advantage for OFWs. Mention your experience communicating with colleagues or clients from different countries. Describe how you’ve successfully navigated cultural differences in the workplace. Give some examples of projects or teams on which you worked.
Showcase Personal Projects: OFWs who have returned to their homeland often embark on their own small projects, whether it be a small online business, a blog, or a vlog. Be sure to add this because it would show your perseverance, even without constant supervision from an employer.
Investing in Yourself: Education and Training
Continuous learning is essential for career advancement. Take advantage of opportunities to upgrade your skills and knowledge. Even if you’re working full-time, there are many ways to pursue further education and training. Online courses, certifications, and workshops can help you stay competitive in the global job market.
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer a wide range of courses in various fields. You can learn new skills in areas like project management, data analysis, digital marketing, and more. Many of these courses are affordable and can be completed at your own pace. You can also use tools like LinkedIn Learning to find skill-based courses.
Certifications: Obtaining industry-recognized certifications can boost your credibility and demonstrate your expertise. For example, if you work in IT, you could pursue certifications like CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft. If you work in project management, you could get a PMP certification. Check the requirements needed to register so you can prepare ahead of time. Some may call for a minimum number of working hours rendering a certain job function.
Language Skills: Improving your language skills can open up new opportunities, especially if you’re targeting jobs in countries where English isn’t the primary language. Consider taking online language courses or joining a language exchange program. Take advantage of free language learning applications like Duolingo. Another great way to learn is watching foreign films with subtitles.
Bridging Programs: In many cases, OFWs holding degrees from Philippine Universities might need to pursue bridging programs in the countries they want to migrate to. An example is the NCLEX- RN exam for nurses aiming to practice in the United States. If needed, inquire about this possibility.
The Power of Networking: Building Your Global Connections
Networking is crucial for finding job opportunities and advancing your career. Make an effort to connect with people in your industry, both online and offline. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and reach out to people on LinkedIn. Don’t be afraid to ask for informational interviews – a way to get a better understanding of a job or industry directly from someone working in that field.
LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a powerful tool for connecting with professionals around the world. Create a compelling profile that highlights your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Join relevant groups, participate in discussions, and reach out to people who work in your target industry or company. You can also follow companies you’re interested in working for to stay updated on their latest news and job openings.
Professional Organizations: Joining professional organizations can provide you with opportunities to network with other professionals in your industry, attend conferences and workshops, and access job postings. Look for organizations that have a global presence.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to people who work in your target industry or company and ask for an informational interview. This is a chance to learn about their experiences, get advice on your career path, and make a connection. Prepare specific questions to ask during the interview. Be sure to send a thank-you note afterwards.
Online Communities: There are many online communities and forums where OFWs can connect with each other, share experiences, and get advice on career-related issues. These communities can be a valuable source of support and information.
Navigating the Global Job Market: Where to Look for Opportunities
Finding a job in the global market requires a proactive approach. You need to research the job market, identify your target countries and companies, and tailor your job search strategy accordingly. Be prepared to face competition, but don’t give up. With the right skills, experience, and networking, you can find the right opportunity.
Online Job Boards: Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Monster list job openings from companies around the world. Use relevant keywords to search for jobs in your field. Be sure to create a profile on these sites so that recruiters can find you.
Company Websites: Many companies post job openings on their own websites. Identify companies that you’re interested in working for and check their careers pages regularly. You can often find opportunities that aren’t listed on job boards.
Recruitment Agencies: Recruitment agencies specialize in helping job seekers find employment opportunities. Look for agencies that have a global network and experience in your industry. Be prepared to provide them with your resume and a list of your job preferences.
Networking: As mentioned earlier, networking is crucial for finding job opportunities. Let your contacts know that you’re looking for a job and ask them if they know of any openings. Attend industry events and connect with people who work in your target field.
Dealing With Challenges: Overcoming Obstacles to Global Success
The path to a global career isn’t always easy. OFWs may face several challenges, such as language barriers, cultural differences, visa requirements, and discrimination. However, these challenges can be overcome with the right mindset and strategies.
Language Barriers: If you’re not fluent in the language of the country you’re targeting, invest in improving your language skills. Take online courses, join a language exchange program, or immerse yourself in the culture. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – learning a new language takes time and effort.
Cultural Differences: Research the culture of the country you’re targeting and be aware of potential cultural differences. Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Attend cultural sensitivity training if possible. The Hofstede Insights website Hofstede Insights is one prime resource to learn about cultural dimensions.
Visa Requirements: Understand the visa requirements for the country you’re targeting. The visa application process can be complex and time-consuming. Start the process early and be prepared to provide all the necessary documentation. You may benefit from enlisting in the aid of a consultant. Proceed with caution when engaging consultants and only engage ones that provide transparent and legitimate business practices.
Financial Planning: Returning to your home country to pursue a different career can be stressful, especially as OFWs are the breadwinners for their families. Set aside a portion of your salary for an emergency fund. Discuss your plans with your family and be transparent about your plans to return home in order to pursue another career. This can help alleviate miscommunication and stress.
Real-Life Success Stories: OFWs Who Made It
Many OFWs have successfully leveraged their international work experience to build fulfilling careers. Here are a few inspiring stories:
Maria, a former domestic helper in Singapore: Maria worked as a domestic helper for five years. While working there, she continued to take online courses on how to manage a social media page. When she returned to the Philippines, she started her own business as a social media manager for businesses. Now, she has over ten clients from across the world!
Jose, a former construction worker in Saudi Arabia: Jose worked in construction for eight years. He used his savings to enrol in a vocational course, where he was trained to be a certified welder. He has since been hired by a construction company in Canada with a higher salary than he ever thought possible.
These stories demonstrate that with hard work, determination, and a strategic approach, OFWs can achieve their career goals and build a better future for themselves and their families.
FAQ – OFWs Global Career Advancement
Here are some frequently asked questions from OFWs:
Q: How can I determine what skills I have that are valuable in the global market?
A: Start by listing all the tasks you perform in your current job, then identify the skills required to perform those tasks effectively. Consider both technical skills and soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Then, research job descriptions for roles you’re interested in and see which of your skills match the requirements. Don’t forget to ask for feedback from your colleagues and supervisors – they may see strengths in you that you haven’t recognized yourself.
Q: Should I remove any work experience from my resume if it is not directly applicable to the job I am applying for?
A: Not necessarily. Even if a job doesn’t seem directly relevant, it likely taught you valuable transferable skills. For example, even work as a server can display soft skills or time management. Highlight the skills you gained, even when it would seem unrelated. However, if experience from 20 years ago takes up a lot of space, prioritizing your recent experience may be more beneficial.
Q: What if I don’t have a college degree? Can I still pursue a global career?
A: Absolutely! While a college degree can be helpful, it’s not always a requirement. Many companies value skills and experience just as much, if not more. Focus on highlighting your skills, certifications, and achievements. Consider pursuing vocational training or apprenticeships to develop in-demand skills. Network with people in your industry and demonstrate your expertise through your work and your online presence.
Q: How can I stay motivated when facing setbacks in my job search?
A: Job searching can be frustrating, but it’s important to stay positive and persistent. Set realistic goals, celebrate small victories, and take breaks when you need them. Connect with other job seekers for support and encouragement. Focus on developing your skills and networking with people in your field. Remember that every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.”
Q: How do I handle the interview question, “Why do you want to leave your current job?”
A: Be honest but diplomatic. Avoid speaking negatively about your current employer. Instead, focus on your desire for new challenges, growth opportunities, and a better alignment with your career goals. Express your enthusiasm for the new role and how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the company.
References
Hofstede Insights. (n.d.). https://www.hofstede-insights.com/
International Labour Organization (ILO)
Forbes
Ready to take your career to the next level? Don’t let your valuable experience as an OFW go to waste! Start today by updating your resume, investing in your skills, and building your network. The world is full of opportunities waiting for you. So reach out, take a step, and aim high!
