Online Job Hunting Guidelines for Working Abroad
Finding work abroad has always been an option for Filipinos wanting to earn more to provide financial security for their families. If you're one of them, you're in luck! With the advent of online job listings, it has become easier and more convenient to realize your dreams of becoming an OFW.
Unfortunately, the presence of scammers and illegal recruiters persist, as they've found easier and faster ways to conduct their unlawful activities online on their prey of unsuspecting victims who wish to work abroad. So, it's important to be vigilant and always be on guard when submitting online applications.
Before you contact a potential recruiter or employer for a chance to work overseas, take note of these tips first.
1. Don't Be Desperate
Desperation makes you more vulnerable to scams. It silences the rational voice in your head that's telling you that things don't seem to add up, or that something doesn't appear to make sense.
For example, a recruiter who's guaranteeing work abroad might issue you a tourist visa instead of a work visa. This should raise red flags in itself because it's their job to ensure that the paperwork matches what they've promised. They might give you several reasons to justify the tourist visa, but that shouldn't stop you from asking questions and demanding explanations. Better yet, steer clear of them and get your money back while you still can.
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it most probably is.
2. Watch out for Suspicious Fees
First of all, asking for upfront payment is not common practice for reputable recruitment agencies. If they say that soliciting fees right away is a requirement before they've even done anything for you, it's most probably a scam.
Needless to say, you shouldn't readily give cash. Even a money back guarantee can't be trusted, because scammers will just get your money, after which you'll never see or hear from them again.
The only fee you should pay for is a placement fee with an official receipt issued to you. Placement fees must be equivalent to one month's salary exclusive of processing costs and other documents.
3. Don't Fall for Sweet Offers in Unsolicited E-mails
We've said it before, and it bears repeating: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
A job offer sent via email from an unfamiliar sender should raise red flags right away. Before responding or giving more personal information, find out if it's coming from a legitimate company or recruitment agency.
Jog your memory for any previous applications you've sent, as it's possible you may have forgotten that you sent your resume to a particular company in the past. Ask them outright how the sender got your email address. You personal information, work history, or CV should only be accessible to a registered recruiter, or from a job site you've registered for.
4. Background Check and Research
Those who want to work abroad have several online job portals to check such as Elance, Odesk, Ebyline, Freelancer.ph, and Kalibrr, to name a few.
But remember no to leave anything to chance. Do your due diligence. Your social network is still the best primary source of reputable job references you can find. But even if you need to go through online channels, find as much information as you can.
The basics should cover the name of the employer, company name, and contact information including physical addresses and existing telephone numbers. Be wary of PO box addresses, or recruiters who only do face to face meetings at cafes or fast food restaurants.
Be wary of agencies that operate only through mail or telephone. A legitimate agency will want to meet you face to face before they can endorse you to potential employers abroad.
If you're sending an online application, make sure the website includes the actual names of real persons and not just the company name, a working telephone number, and an actual brick-and-mortar address complete with a street name.
Finally, make Google work for you. Check for any negative feedback or complaints about the recruiter, do your digging about company background, and other relevant facts that may affect your final decision.
5. Need to Know Basis
Avoid websites that require you to provide personal information such as your financial records, credit cards or bank account numbers, or other personal information like SSS numbers or other government issued personal data. Never give out passwords, especially for financial accounts like Paypal. These can be used for identity theft.
Your online portfolio should only include pertinent information that will help recruiters or potential employers gauge your job competency. Fill out only information that can be used for evaluation or assessment purposes.
As they say, better to be safe than sorry. Be on the lookout for any suspicious activities and never let down your guard.
Trust your instincts. If something just doesn't feel right, don't rationalize it and move on. There are reputable recruiters and employers out there; you just need to take the time and make an effort to find them.
Keep these tips in mind the next time you check another online job portal, and the chances of finding your dream job abroad will come true sooner than you think. - Jonathan Ong (OFWguru.com)
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