This guide is all about helping you, our kababayans, who are working or planning to work overseas (Overseas Filipino Workers or OFWs), to get the salary you deserve. We’ll cover everything from understanding your worth to confidently asking for more money. Forget settling for less – you can negotiate for a better package!
Know Yourself and Your Skills
Before you even start looking at job ads, you need to really know what you bring to the table. Think about it like this: you’re a product, and you need to know all the amazing things you can do. What are you really, really good at? Maybe you’re an amazing caregiver, a super-efficient construction worker, or a computer whiz. Write it all down!
Once you have your list, think about how your skills have helped previous employers. Did you help them save money? Did you make things run smoother? Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Instead of saying “I improved customer service,” say “I improved customer satisfaction scores by 15% in six months.” Numbers speak volumes! For example, if you were a housekeeper, did your attention to detail help avoid costly damages? These accomplishments show your value.
Don’t just think about your hard skills (like being able to operate machinery). Also think about your soft skills. Are you a great communicator? A problem-solver? A team player? These skills are essential, and employers are often looking for them. Being fluent in other languages is also a huge advantage. Mention any language skills you have and how you’ve used them in the past.
Research the Market and Salary Standards
So, you know what you’re good at. But how much is that worth in the country you’re going to? This is where research comes in. Don’t just guess – find out what other people with your skills are making in that area. Look at websites like Glassdoor (but always take the information with a grain of salt, as it’s self-reported!) and Salary.com (while generally US-focused, it can provide a baseline). Also check job boards in the country you’re interested in. Many will list a salary range. For specific middle east salaries, check out resources like GulfTalent to see prevailing salaries and benefits.
Another great way to find out what you should be earning is to talk to other OFWs who are already working in that country. Join Facebook groups or online forums for OFWs in your field. Ask them about their experiences and what they think a fair salary is. Networking is incredibly important. Remember to be polite and respectful, and don’t pressure anyone to share information they’re not comfortable with. Also, factor in the cost of living. A high salary might not be as good if it costs a lot to live in that country. Factor in rent, food, transportation, and other expenses.
Build Your Resume and Cover Letter
Think of your resume and cover letter as your sales brochures. They need to show off your skills and experience in the best possible light. Make sure your resume is clear, easy to read, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments. For example, instead of saying “Responsible for managing accounts,” say “Managed a portfolio of 50+ client accounts, resulting in a 10% increase in revenue.”
Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and explain why you’re the perfect fit for the job. Don’t just repeat what’s in your resume. Highlight your most relevant skills and experience, and explain how you can contribute to the company. Show that you’ve done your research and that you understand their needs. Address the cover letter to a specific person, if possible. Use LinkedIn to find the hiring manager’s name. Proofread carefully! Even a small typo can make a bad impression.
Ace the Interview
You got an interview! Congratulations! Now it’s time to prepare. Practice answering common interview questions. Some popular questions include: “Tell me about yourself,” “Why do you want to work here?”, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”, and “Where do you see yourself in five years?”. Think about how you can answer these questions in a way that highlights your skills and experience.
Prepare some questions to ask the interviewer. This shows that you’re engaged and interested in the job. Ask about their expectations for the role, the company culture, and opportunities for growth. Don’t be afraid to ask about salary and benefits, but wait until the end of the interview. Salary expectations are often discussed during the second or final interview.
Dress professionally. Even if it’s a virtual interview, dress like you would if you were meeting them in person. Make sure you have a clean background, good lighting, and a stable internet connection. Be punctual. Log in a few minutes early to make sure everything is working properly. Be confident and enthusiastic. Smile, make eye contact (even on video), and show that you’re excited about the opportunity. Remember to follow up with a thank-you note after the interview. This is a simple gesture that can make a big difference.
Negotiation Tactics for OFWs
This is the part everyone gets nervous about, but it’s so important! Don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary. Remember, the initial offer is just a starting point. It’s okay to ask for more. Here are some tips:
Know Your Worth: Before you even begin the negotiation, know the absolute minimum salary you’re willing to accept. This is your “walk-away” number. Don’t be afraid to walk away if they can’t meet your needs. This could relate to the cost of living, the safety of the location, or more work expectations. Also, know your “ideal” salary – the number you’d really love to get. Aim for something in between, but always start higher than your minimum.
Be Confident but Respectful: You can be confident in your skills without being arrogant. Be polite, respectful, and professional throughout the negotiation process. Show that you appreciate the offer, but also explain why you deserve more.
Justify Your Request: Don’t just say “I want more money.” Explain why you deserve more. Use your research to back up your request. For example, you can say, “Based on my research, the average salary for someone with my skills and experience in this location is X. I believe my skills and experience in Y area make me worth even more.”
Focus on the Total Package: Salary is important, but it’s not the only thing to consider. Think about the entire compensation package, including benefits like housing allowance, transportation, health insurance, vacation time, and retirement contributions. You might be willing to accept a slightly lower salary if the benefits are outstanding.
Practice Your Negotiation Skills: Practice negotiating with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and prepared when the time comes to negotiate for real. Role-playing can be surprisingly effective.
Don’t Be Afraid to Say No: If the offer isn’t right for you, don’t be afraid to say no. Thank them for their time and consideration, but explain that you’re looking for something that better matches your skills and experience. Saying no can sometimes lead to a better offer. They might realize they need you more than they thought.
Specific Negotiation Scenarios for OFWs
Let’s break down some common scenarios OFWs might face and provide specific negotiation strategies:
Scenario 1: You’re Offered a Lower Salary Than Expected
This is a very common scenario. Don’t panic! First, thank them for the offer. Then, calmly and politely explain that the salary is lower than you expected based on your research and experience. Say something like, “Thank you for the offer. I’m very excited about this opportunity. However, based on my research and my experience in , I was expecting a salary closer to . Would you be willing to reconsider the offer?” Then, reiterate the key skills you are bringing.
Scenario 2: You Want to Negotiate Benefits
If the salary is non-negotiable, try to negotiate the benefits instead. Can you get a better housing allowance? More vacation time? Better health insurance? This is a good option if you are near the top of their budgeted salary for the role. Say something like, “While I understand the salary is fixed, I’m wondering if there’s any flexibility in the benefits package. I’m particularly interested in improving the housing allowance/health insurance/vacation time.”
Scenario 3: You Have Multiple Job Offers
This is a great position to be in! It gives you leverage to negotiate. Be careful, though, so you don’t appear arrogant. You can say something like, “I’m very fortunate to have received multiple job offers. I’m very interested in working for your company, but I’ve also received an offer from that is offering . Would you be able to match or improve that offer?”
Scenario 4: Renewal Time – Re-evaluate
When your contract ends, use that leverage of your familiarity with work for an increase in salary. By this time, you are aware of your accomplishments, and also, you have proven your worth to the company–use that to your advantage. Say, “I have enjoyed my time at your company, and I appreciate the experience I have gained. Before renewing the contract, I hope the company can match or improve my existing salary.”
Avoiding Common Negotiation Mistakes
Many OFWs make the same negotiation mistakes. Here’s what to avoid:
Being Too Aggressive: Being too aggressive can backfire and make you seem demanding. Be confident, but always be respectful. Employers do not want to feel pushed around or bullied into accepting an offer.
Not Knowing Your Worth: As said before, not doing your research and not knowing what you’re worth is a huge mistake. You’ll either undersell yourself or ask for something unrealistic. Knowledge is power.
Focusing Only on Salary: Remember to consider the total compensation package, including benefits. Sometimes, a lower salary with great benefits is better than a higher salary with minimal benefits. A slightly lower salary with accommodations could save thousands per year.
Revealing Your Salary History Too Early: Try to avoid revealing your salary history, especially with the previous employer, if possible. Focus on what you should be earning based on your skills and experience, not what you were earning. Use your research to back up your request. There are many laws being passed that ban the asking of salary history.
Taking the First Offer: Don’t accept the first offer without negotiating. The employer is likely expecting you to negotiate. Negotiation is part of the dance!. The initial offer is likely lower so they can have room to negotiate in the future.
The Importance of Continuous Learning
Even after you land a great job and negotiate a fantastic salary, don’t stop learning! The world is constantly changing, and you need to keep your skills up-to-date. Take courses, attend workshops, read industry publications, or get certifications. Continuous learning will make you even more valuable and help you command even higher salaries in the future. Consider industry-accepted certifications to help achieve a salary increase.
Protecting your earnings: Remittance and Financial Planning.
Earning a good salary overseas is a great accomplishment, but it’s equally important to manage your money wisely. Think about how you’ll remit funds back home. Research different remittance services and compare their fees and exchange rates. Choose a reputable and reliable service to ensure your money arrives safely and quickly. Also, take advantage of online resources to find the best exchange rate for sending money back home.
Develop a budget and stick to it. Track your income and expenses to see where your money is going. Identify areas where you can cut back and save more. Set financial goals, such as buying a house, starting a business, or saving for retirement and develop a plan to achieve them. Consider investing a portion of your earnings to grow your wealth over time, and diversify your investments to reduce risk. Seek advice from a financial advisor if you’re not sure where to start.
OFW-Specific Resources and Support
The Philippine government offers a variety of resources and support programs for OFWs. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provides assistance with repatriation, legal assistance, and other services. Visit the OWWA website for more information. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) safeguards the rights and promote the welfare of OFWs. Explore the DMW website for details.
Look at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). They have a website and offer information regarding job openings and safety.
FAQ Section
What if I’m asked about my salary history?
You are not obligated to disclose your salary history. If you are asked, you can politely decline to answer and focus on your salary expectations for the new role. You can say something like, “I’m more focused on what this role is worth to your company and what I can bring to the table.”
What if the employer won’t budge on the salary?
If the employer is firm on the salary, consider negotiating the benefits package. Ask about housing allowance, transportation, health insurance, vacation time, or professional development opportunities.
How do I know if I’m being treated fairly?
Do your research. Talk to other OFWs in your field. Compare your salary and benefits to what others are earning in similar roles in the same country. Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
What if I feel discriminated against because of my nationality?
Discrimination is illegal. If you believe you are being discriminated against, document the incidents and seek legal advice. You can also contact the Philippine embassy or consulate in your country of employment for assistance.
What if my employer doesn’t fulfill their promises?
Document everything in writing. Keep copies of your contract, pay stubs, and any other relevant documents. If your employer doesn’t fulfill their promises, seek legal advice. You have the right to a fair and safe working environment.
References
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
Indeed.com
You deserve a great salary and a fulfilling career overseas! Take the time to prepare, do your research, and negotiate with confidence. You’ve got this!
Ready to take control of your earning potential? Download our free checklist for salary negotiation success! This checklist breaks down the negotiation process into easy-to-follow steps, providing you with the tools and confidence you need to command the salary you deserve as an OFW. Don’t leave money on the table – invest in your future today!
