This guide is designed to help you, our hardworking Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), understand how to negotiate for better salaries and benefits. We know you’re making sacrifices to support your families, and we want to equip you with the knowledge and skills to get what you deserve. This isn’t just about asking for more money; it’s about understanding your value and making sure your employer does too!
Understanding Your Worth as an OFW
Before you even start thinking about salaries, you need to know what you bring to the table. This is about more than just your job title. Think about your skills, your experience, the specific things you’re good at, and how you’ve helped your previous employers (or your current one!). Have you consistently exceeded expectations? Have you taken on extra responsibilities? Have you solved any difficult problems? All of this adds to your value.
For example, if you’re a caregiver, it’s not just about changing diapers and giving medicine. It’s about your ability to build a relationship with the person you’re caring for, to provide emotional support, and to handle stressful situations with patience and understanding. If you’re a construction worker, it’s about your expertise in operating machinery, your attention to detail, and your commitment to safety. Write down all your skills and accomplishments – think of it like building your own personal resume of awesomeness!
Researching Salary Standards
Knowledge is power! You need to understand what the going rate is for your job in the country you’re working in (or plan to work in). Don’t just guess – do your research. Several websites provide salary information for different countries and occupations. Check sites like SalaryExpert or Glassdoor (though keep in mind this data might not always be spot on for OFW arrangements).
Talk to other OFWs who are working in similar roles. They can give you valuable insights into what’s considered a fair salary and what benefits are common. Social media groups and online forums for OFWs can be a fantastic resource for this. Be careful though to compare the information with other sources too, so that information is reliable.
Remember to factor in the cost of living in your chosen country. A salary that seems high might not be so great if you have to spend a lot on rent, food, and transportation. Different cities within the same country will also have different costs of living. For example, living in a major city like Dubai in the UAE is generally more expensive than living in a smaller emirate. Researching this will help you get a clearer picture of how much you actually need to earn to support yourself and your family back home.
Building Your Negotiation Strategy
Now that you know your worth and you’ve researched salary standards, you can start building your negotiation strategy. This is where you plan what you’re going to say, how you’re going to say it, and what you’re willing to accept.
Start with a target salary. This is the salary that you ideally want to get. It should be based on your research, your skills, and your experience. Also, have a minimum acceptable salary. This is the lowest salary that you’re willing to accept. Be realistic – don’t set your minimum too high, or you might price yourself out of the job. But don’t set it too low, or you’ll be underselling yourself.
Identify your key selling points. What makes you the best candidate for the job? What problems can you solve for the employer? Focus on the value you can bring to the company. For example, instead of just saying “I’m a hard worker,” say “I’m a hard worker, and I’m always willing to go the extra mile to make sure the job gets done right. In my previous role, I consistently exceeded expectations, and I was recognized for my dedication.”
Practice your negotiation skills. It can be helpful to practice your negotiation with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and prepared when you’re talking to your employer. Think about the questions they might ask you and prepare your answers in advance.
Negotiating During the Job Offer
Congratulations! You’ve received a job offer! But don’t just accept it right away. This is your opportunity to negotiate for a better salary and benefits. Remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to negotiate. Employers expect it!
Don’t be afraid to ask for more time to consider the offer. A reputable employer won’t pressure you into making a decision on the spot. This gives you time to review the offer carefully, do more research, and prepare your counter-offer.
Express your enthusiasm for the job, but be clear about your expectations. Start by thanking the employer for the offer and expressing your excitement about the opportunity. Then, politely state your desired salary and explain why you believe you deserve it. Refer back to your skills, experience, and research. For example, you could say, “Thank you so much for offering me this position. I’m very excited about the opportunity to work here. Based on my research and experience, I was hoping for a salary in the range of . I’m confident that my skills and experience in will be a valuable asset to your team.”
Be prepared to justify your request. Don’t just say “I want more money.” Explain why you deserve it. Use specific examples of your accomplishments and how you’ve added value in the past. Bring your list of skills, accomplishments and experience to show it to them.
Negotiate the entire package, not just the salary. Don’t forget about the other benefits, such as housing, transportation, medical insurance, vacation time, and bonuses. If you can’t get a higher salary, maybe you can negotiate for better benefits. For example, if the employer won’t budge on the salary, you could ask for them to cover your transportation costs or provide you with better housing.
Negotiating for a Raise During Employment
Negotiating for a raise isn’t just for new hires. You can also negotiate for a raise during your employment. This is especially important if you’ve been working hard, exceeding expectations, and adding value to the company.
Track your accomplishments. Keep a record of your successes and contributions to the company. This will give you concrete evidence to support your request for a raise. Document everything – projects you’ve completed, problems you’ve solved, and positive feedback you’ve received.
Choose the right time to ask for a raise. Don’t ask for a raise when the company is going through a difficult time or when your boss is stressed out. Wait for a time when things are going well and your boss is in a good mood. Performance review time is often a good opportunity to discuss your salary.
Prepare a clear and concise presentation. When you meet with your boss, be prepared to present your case clearly and concisely. Explain why you deserve a raise, using specific examples of your accomplishments. Be confident and professional, but also respectful.
Be realistic in your expectations. Don’t expect to get a huge raise all at once. A small, incremental raise is often more realistic. Be prepared to negotiate and be willing to compromise.
If you are asked to sign a contract make sure that the details on the contract and what was agreed upon are similar. Consult reliable people such as your family or friends before signing the contract. Always keep a copy of the contract.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Negotiating can be tricky, and it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Not doing your research. As we said, know your worth, and what the going rate is for your job. This is crucial. Going in blind is guaranteed to fail.
Being too aggressive. Negotiation is about finding a mutually beneficial agreement, not about winning at all costs. Don’t be demanding or confrontational. Be polite, respectful, and professional.
Being too timid. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve. You won’t get anything if you don’t ask. Many people are afraid to seem greedy or demanding, but remember that you’re providing a valuable service, and you deserve to be compensated fairly.
Focusing only on salary. Remember to also negotiate for benefits such as housing, transportation, medical insurance, and vacation time.
Not being prepared to walk away. Know your minimum acceptable salary, and be prepared to walk away if you can’t get it. Sometimes the best negotiation tactic is to be willing to walk away – it shows you know your worth and respect it.
Protecting Your Rights as an OFW
It’s important to be aware of your rights as an OFW. The Philippine government has a number of programs and agencies that are designed to protect OFWs.
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) regulates the recruitment and deployment of OFWs. They also provide assistance to OFWs who are experiencing problems abroad.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is responsible for protecting the rights of all Filipino workers, including OFWs.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) provides assistance to Filipinos who are living and working abroad. This includes consular services, legal assistance, and repatriation services.
Before you leave the Philippines, make sure you have all the necessary documents and that you understand your contract. If you experience any problems while you’re abroad, don’t hesitate to contact the Philippine embassy or consulate for assistance.
Dealing with Recruitment Agencies
Many OFWs find jobs through recruitment agencies. While agencies can be helpful, it’s important to be cautious and choose a reputable agency. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Check the agency’s license. Make sure the agency is licensed by the POEA. This ensures that they are following the rules and regulations set by the government.
Beware of excessive fees. Recruitment agencies are only allowed to charge certain fees. Be wary of agencies that ask for excessive fees or require you to pay upfront. There are legal standard for fees associated with over-seas labor recruitment.
Read the contract carefully. Before you sign any contract, read it carefully and make sure you understand all the terms and conditions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if anything is unclear.
Don’t be pressured into signing anything. A reputable agency will give you time to review the contract and make a decision. If you’re being pressured to sign something you’re not comfortable with, walk away.
Building Financial Security
Earning a good salary is important, but it’s also important to manage your money wisely. Here are some tips for building financial security as an OFW.
Create a budget. Track your income and expenses so you know where your money is going. Having access to a budget tracker either a notebook or application can help you keep track of your expenses and income.
Save regularly. Set a goal to save a certain percentage of your income each month. Open a savings account where only emergency funds can only be taken from.
Invest wisely. Consider investing in stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Seek advice from a financial advisor if you’re not sure where to start. Seek financial assistance that is licensed for advice.
Avoid unnecessary debt. Be careful about taking out loans or using credit cards. Only borrow money when you really need it, and make sure you can afford to repay it. There are several risks associated in taking out loans so make sure that you can pay your debt on time.
Plan for your future. Think about your long-term financial goals, such as retirement or starting a business. Start saving and investing now so you can achieve your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I find out what the average salary is for my job in another country?
A: You can research salary standards on websites like SalaryExpert or Glassdoor. Also, connect with other OFWs working in similar roles in your target country and ask about their experiences. Just remember that reported salary data might not be completely accurate, especially for OFW arrangements, so compare information from multiple sources.
Q: What if my employer refuses to negotiate my salary?
A: If your employer refuses to negotiate, you have to decide whether you’re willing to accept the job at the offered salary. If you’re not comfortable with the salary, you can politely decline the offer and continue your job search. Knowing your bottom line and sticking to it is crucial.
Q: What benefits should I try to negotiate, besides salary?
A: Consider negotiating for benefits such as housing allowance, transportation allowance, medical insurance, vacation time, bonuses, and even educational opportunities. These benefits can add significant value to your overall compensation package.
Q: What should I do if I experience unfair treatment or discrimination at work?
A: If you experience unfair treatment or discrimination, document everything and report it to the appropriate authorities. Contact the Philippine embassy or consulate for assistance. You can also seek legal advice.
Q: Is it legal for recruitment agencies to charge placement fees?
A: While it varies by country and situation, be wary of excessive fees or upfront payments. Check with the POEA regulations to understand what fees are allowed and how much they can charge. Agencies must be transparent about all fees involved.
Q: How can I save money while working as an OFW?
A: Create a budget, track your expenses, and set savings goals. Automate your savings by setting up regular transfers to a savings account. Avoid unnecessary debt and think twice before making impulse purchases. Explore investment options to grow your money.
Q: Where can I get help if I’m having problems with my employer or recruitment agency?
A: Contact the POEA, DOLE, or DFA for assistance. You can also seek help from OFW support groups or legal aid organizations. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.
References
Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
You deserve to be paid fairly for your hard work and dedication. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for what you deserve. Knowing your worth, researching salary standards, and practicing your negotiation skills will put you in a much stronger position to secure a better salary and benefits.
Are you ready to take control of your earning power? Start learning and prepare yourself now!
