There are two common ways for Filipinos to find work abroad. One is through walk-in application and the other is through direct hiring. The two methods have some similarities but each has its own benefits.
In this post, we will share some insights on how the direct hiring process works and what you should expect when you take this route in finding work abroad as a domestic helper. Is it easier? More convenient? Less expensive? Continue reading below to find out more…
Disclaimer: The information published is based on the experience shared by the vlogger/YouTuber. The information provided may change without prior notice and may differ in actual scenarios. Let this article serve as a guide only.
Here is the video guide shared by a Filipina domestic helper in Singapore, Yaya Jhin on YouTube. If you find her tips helpful, you may check out her channel to catch more interesting content about her work and life as an OFW in Singapore.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBZMUAaeSgw
What to Expect When Applying for Work as a Domestic Helper through Direct Hiring in Singapore
Finding work abroad requires 4 things: time, effort, resources (money), and connections. This is especially true if you applying for work as a domestic helper through direct hiring.
As the name suggests, direct hiring is different from walk-in applications in the sense that you do not need to visit agencies to get an employer who can provide you with work abroad. Most of the process is done online.
So, if you’re interested in taking this path to get a job abroad, you need to have basic knowledge of the use of the internet. Nowadays, there are many job openings posted online, job openings for domestic helpers included.
Jhin mentioned that looking for a job online might be easier and more convenient to do but it is also quite risky. Why? As you know, there are many scammers on the internet, so you should also be extra careful when looking for jobs online.
#1. Look for jobs online.
A good place to start looking for a job is through the POEA website.
By checking out the POEA website, you can be assured that most, if not all, job postings are legitimate. However, the application process may still vary depending on the agency.
Note: According to the website, it’s important that you first verify with the agency offering a job position if the post is still active since the database compiles all job postings during the last two years and some jobs may no longer be active when you apply for them.
You can check a job’s availability by calling the agency, or contacting them through their website, email, or social media page (if available).
Pro Tip: And while you’re at it, don’t forget to do your research about the agency while you’re checking jobs online. This will help you understand how they process things and learn more about their work background, ethics, and past activities with other applicants through the reviews on their pages.
If you are able to find a legitimate job that you would like to apply for through this method, not only will you save money from traveling to and from the offices where you would normally submit your applications if you did the walk-in method, but you will also save time, effort, as well as your energy.
#2. Connect with your friends or family based in the country you wish to work in (i.e. Singapore).
If looking for job openings through the POEA doesn’t work for you, don’t give up just yet. Another way to find a job online is by connecting with your friends and family in other countries, preferably in the country where you would also like to work in. You can ask help from them by referring you to local agencies there, and they will process your application for you.
One advantage of doing this is you will not spend too much time processing your documents because everything will be done online. Here are the steps that will happen in this process:
After your contact/s abroad has referred you to a local outsourcing agency there, they will call you up to know if you are still interested to work abroad. When you say yes, you will be interviewed through a call to gather some information that they will use to encode in their database or your application documents.
Yes, you read that right – they will be the ones to create your application for you and connect you to potential employers who are looking for a domestic helper from the Philippines. With that, you can also expect that you will pay a certain fee for the processing and service offered by your agency.
Another tip from Jhin: Ask your contact persons abroad to inquire about the processing fee or the deductions for the agency’s service. They would know what is reasonable and tell you if the offer is too steep, so you can get some advice from them, as well.
But if the price of the salary deduction is okay with you (payable in two months when you start working abroad), you can then go ahead with the process.
While the agency is still processing your application and connecting you to a potential employer, you can go ahead and prepare your documents (passport, photo, etc.) by making scanned copies for each of them.
And once they found a potential employer for you, the agency will once again reach out to you to give you some tips and information for the interview with your employer. This is typically done through a voice or video call using messaging apps such as Whatsapp and the like. Take note of all the instructions as well as tips given for your interview.
ALSO READ: 11 Interview Questions for Domestic Helpers in Singapore
And after you have the interview, and you’re okay with your employer, that’s the only time when you will have to follow-up your application by visiting the foreign agency’s partner agency in the Philippines.
Take note: Any legitimate foreign agency will have a tie-up agency in the Philippines. Once you learn about the tie-up agency in the Philippines, you can do some more research to know if they’re the ones who can best help you with your goal to work abroad.
When you visit the tie-up agency in Manila, you will be given further instructions. Proceed accordingly. Here are the other things you will need to take care of as part of your employment process:
- Medical Exam(s)
- TESDA Training and Assessment
- Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) registration
That’s it – once you’ve fulfilled all the requirements, the next step will be your flight abroad! If in any part of this process, you need to back out or clarify certain requirements, you will have to direct your concerns to your local agency.
Do you think direct hiring is more suitable for your needs? Why or why not? Are there any things other applicants should know about this process? If you’ve had this experience, what was that like? Let us know by leaving a comment in the section below!
Good luck!
ALSO READ: 10 Things to Bring when you Travel for Work to Singapore