Returning home after working overseas can be exciting, but also a little daunting, especially when it comes to finding a new job. This guide gives you simple steps to help you confidently navigate your job search and land a fulfilling role back in the Philippines.
Re-Evaluating Your Skills and Experience as an OFW
First things first, take a good look at everything you’ve learned and experienced while working abroad. Don’t just think about your official job title. Think about the everyday tasks you did, the problems you solved, and the skills you developed. For example, if you worked as a caregiver, you might have gained skills in communication, patience, problem-solving, and even basic medical care. If you were a construction worker, you may have mastered specific equipment operation or carpentry techniques. Make a list of these skills and think about how they can be useful in different jobs here at home.
It’s easy to underestimate the value of your OFW experience. Many returning workers feel like their skills aren’t relevant, but that’s usually not true. Think about the challenges you overcame – working in a new culture, managing your finances independently, dealing with homesickness. These experiences show resilience, adaptability, and a strong work ethic – qualities that employers value. You can also consider taking a skills assessment test; DOLE often provides these services through their regional offices.
Updating Your Resume for the Philippine Job Market
Your resume is your first impression, so make it count! Make sure it’s clear, easy to read, and highlights the skills and experience that are most relevant to the jobs you’re applying for. Start with your contact information – make sure your phone number and email address are current. Then, write a brief summary or objective statement that describes your career goals and what you have to offer. This will quickly grab the reader’s attention. Instead of a general objective, tailor it to the specific job you’re applying for. For instance, instead of saying “Seeking a challenging position,” say “Seeking a position in customer service where I can utilize my excellent communication skills and experience in handling customer inquiries gathered from 5 years of experience as a Customer Service Representative in the Middle East.”
When listing your work experience, use action verbs to describe your responsibilities. For example, instead of saying “Responsible for handling customer complaints,” say “Successfully resolved customer complaints, resulting in improved customer satisfaction scores.” Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Adding numbers and figures helps employers easily understand the impact that you had on previous roles. Examples include: “Managed a team of 5 employees resulting in a 15% increase in team productivity” or “Reduced customer complaints by 10% after implementing a new service approach.”
Don’t forget to include your education and any relevant certifications or training programs you’ve completed. Even if some trainings were a long time ago, including them can still strengthen your application. Ensure that the certifications and training are still acknowledged by the relevant industry. Proofread your resume carefully before sending it out, and ask a friend or family member to review it for any errors.
Online Job Platforms and Networking Strategies
These days, a lot of job searching happens online. Some popular job platforms in the Philippines include JobStreet, Indeed Philippines, and LinkedIn. Create profiles on these websites and upload your updated resume. Search for jobs that match your skills and experience, and apply for any that seem like a good fit. It’s a good start to set up alerts for jobs that match your criteria. This will ensure you get the latest job posting notifications.
Don’t just rely on online job boards, though. Networking is also crucial. Reach out to your friends, family, and former colleagues and let them know you’re looking for a job. Tell them about the types of jobs you’re interested in and ask if they know of any openings. Attending industry events and job fairs can also be a great way to meet people and learn about new opportunities. Joining online communities and forums related to your profession can also help you to network and find potential employers. It’s advisable to create a LinkedIn profile and to join groups relevant to your expertise.
Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter
A cover letter is your chance to tell the employer why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. It’s more personal than your resume, and it allows you to highlight specific skills and experiences that are relevant to the position. Start by addressing the hiring manager by name, if possible. In the first paragraph, explain why you’re interested in the job and how you found out about it. In the body of the letter, highlight your skills and accomplishments, emphasizing those that align with the job description. Give specific examples of how you’ve used these skills in the past. For example, if the job requires strong communication skills, you could mention how you successfully negotiated a contract with a client while working overseas. Explain how your experience working abroad has made you a valuable asset. Highlight important achievements.
In your closing paragraph, reiterate your interest in the job and thank the employer for their time and consideration. Be enthusiastic and confident, but not arrogant. Proofread your cover letter carefully before sending it out. A well-written cover letter can make a big difference in getting you an interview. Don’t just reuse a generic letter. Customize it for each application. Use the same language used in the job description.
Preparing for Job Interviews: Ace The Interview
Congratulations, you’ve landed an interview! Now it’s time to prepare. Research the company beforehand so you understand its mission, values, and products or services. Review the job description carefully and identify the key skills and qualifications they’re looking for. Practice answering common interview questions, such as “Tell me about yourself,” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Why do you want to work for this company?”. Being prepared for these common questions will reduce a lot of your anxiety.
Think about examples from your past work experience that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. For example, if you’re asked about a time you solved a problem, describe the situation, the task you were assigned, the actions you took, and the positive results you achieved. For example: “I had issues with a team member who was always late with his deliverables (Situation). I was assigned the task of resolving this behavior and improving team output (Task). I spoke with the team member in private and discovered that he was facing challenges in his personal life that affected his work (Action). I listened to his issues and together, we came up with a plan that would enable him to balance his personal issues and work responsibilities. I encouraged him to submit on time and offered him assistance with his work (Action). Ultimately he resolved his issues, and became a valuable member of the team and started submitting deliverables on time (Result).”
During the interview, dress professionally, arrive on time (or even a little early), and be polite and respectful to everyone you meet. Maintain eye contact, speak clearly, and listen carefully to the questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your own. Asking thoughtful questions shows that you’re engaged and interested in the opportunity. After the interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewer, reiterating your interest in the job. It’s a good idea to prepare at least 3 to 5 questions for your interviewer.
Addressing the OFW Factor
Be prepared to talk about your OFW experience in a positive light. Highlight the skills and experiences you gained while working abroad, and explain how they will benefit the company. Some employers may have concerns about your ability to adjust back to life in the Philippines. Address these concerns by emphasizing your commitment to staying in the country and your desire to contribute to the local economy. Be frank, but positive, about the challenges that you anticipate experiencing.
Some employers might inquire why you had to return from your overseas job. Prepare a short, honest answer. It’s okay to be truthful, but avoid being overly negative or blaming others. Focus on positive factors, such as your desire to be closer to family or to pursue new opportunities at home. It is also acceptable to express wanting to contribute your skills after having experienced better workplace practices abroad. Do your research to see if the company values your exposure to international cultures and environments.
Negotiating Salary and Benefits
Before you accept a job offer, make sure you’re comfortable with the salary and benefits package. Research the average salary for similar positions in your area. Websites like SalaryExpert and Payscale can provide useful information. Consider the cost of living in your area when evaluating the offer. Be prepared to negotiate, but be reasonable and professional. Focus on the value you bring to the company and be able to justify your salary expectations based on your skills, experience, and the market rate. Don’t just think about the base salary. Consider the entire package, including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, and other perks like transportation allowances, uniform allowances, and housing allowances.
If the employer is unwilling to meet your salary expectations, try to negotiate other benefits, such as more vacation time or professional development opportunities. Remember that salary negotiation is a two-way street. Be open to compromise and be willing to walk away if the offer isn’t right for you. It is always worthwhile to consider whether the job fulfills your personal values and can help you achieve your long-term career goals.
Avoiding Scams and Illegal Recruiters
Protect yourself from job scams. Be wary of job offers that seem too good to be true. Never pay a fee to a recruiter or employer for a job opportunity. Legitimate employers will not ask you to pay for training, uniforms, or other expenses upfront. Be careful about sharing your personal information online. Research the company thoroughly before applying for a job. If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a job offer, contact the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) or the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for assistance. Report any suspicious activity to the authorities. You can verify if an agency is legitimate by checking the DMW website. Avoid dealing with fixers and stick to official channels.
Managing Your Finances During the Job Search
Searching for a job can take time, so it’s important to manage your finances carefully. Create a budget and track your expenses and adjust where needed to survive each week. Cut back on unnecessary spending and look for ways to save money. Consider starting a small business or freelancing to generate income while you’re looking for a full-time job. Take advantage of government programs and assistance for returning OFWs. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) offers various programs, including livelihood assistance and training. The government has various loan programs that may be suitable for your needs, whether for small businesses or daily expenses. It’s wise to start your application with OWWA and other government bodies as soon as you know you are returning home.
Staying Positive and Persistent
The job search process can be challenging and frustrating, but it’s important to stay positive and persistent. Don’t get discouraged by rejections. View each rejection as an opportunity to learn and improve. Keep applying for jobs and keep networking. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Remember why you decided to work overseas in the first place, and use that motivation to fuel your job search. Celebrate small victories along the way and surround yourself with supportive friends and family. Mental health is important. It is advisable to reach out to friends and professional help if things are getting too overwhelming. Set realistic expectations and maintain a healthy work-life balance while you’re searching for a job. Remember that finding the right job takes time, so be patient and don’t give up!
FAQ
What resources are specifically available to returning OFWs for job searching?
OWWA offers various reintegration programs, including skills trainings, livelihood assistance, and financial counseling. DOLE also provides job matching services and employment facilitation programs specifically tailored for returning OFWs. Many local government units (LGUs) also have their own programs to support returning residents, so check with your local government office. Returning OFWs can also avail loan programs for business ventures.
How do I address gaps in my employment history, especially if I took time off to adjust after returning home?
Be honest and upfront about the gaps in your employment history, but frame them positively. Explain that you took time off to adjust back to life in the Philippines, to spend time with family, or to pursue personal or professional development opportunities. Highlight any skills or experiences you gained during that time, such as volunteering, freelancing, or taking courses. You can also mention that you used the time to reflect on your career goals and to develop a clear plan for the future; this will portray you positively.
What if my skills from my overseas job don’t directly translate to jobs available in the Philippines?
Focus on your transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. Highlight how these skills can be applied to different industries and roles. Consider retraining to acquire new skills that are in demand in the Philippine job market. TESDA offers various free or low-cost vocational training programs. If necessary, be willing to start in an entry-level position and work your way up. It might be beneficial to learn about the job market and the skills in demand. It would also be helpful to identify potential growth industries, as well as industries that are being disrupted by digital transformation.
How can I deal with the reverse culture shock and homesickness that might affect my job search?
Acknowledge and address your feelings of reverse culture shock and homesickness. Connect with other returning OFWs and share your experiences. Maintain connections with friends and family overseas. Focus on the positive aspects of being back home, such as spending time with loved ones and enjoying familiar surroundings. Seek professional help if you’re struggling to adjust. It’s crucial to understand that adjusting back home takes time. Give yourself space to breathe and adjust back to your home environment.
Is it acceptable to ask for a salary that’s higher than the local average, considering my overseas experience?
Yes, it is acceptable to ask for a salary that is slightly higher than the local average, especially if you have valuable skills and experience gained overseas. However, be realistic and justify your salary expectations based on your skills, experience, and the market rate. Back up your demands with examples showing the positive impact of your experience in previous roles. Research salary ranges for similar positions in your area and be prepared to negotiate. Highlight the value you bring to the company and the unique perspectives and experiences you gained while working abroad. Mention any projects, achievements, and value that can justify the higher salary expectation.
References
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
JobStreet Philippines
Indeed Philippines
SalaryExpert
Payscale
Ready to take the next step in your job search journey? Don’t let your valuable overseas experience go to waste. Tailor your resume, practice your interview skills, and network like a pro. Every job search has ups and downs, but your persistence will be worth it. Start preparing your resume and cover letter today and confidently apply for jobs that align with your skills and interests. You have what it takes to find a great job here at home. Good luck, and welcome back to the Philippines!
