Get Ready to Work Abroad: A Checklist for healthcare professionals

Many Filipino healthcare workers are pursuing a career overseas to advance their career, experience a different culture and increase their salary. Whilst the move comes with many rewards, the process of getting there can feel overwhelming to many.

Luckily, TrueProfile.io is sharing insights on the crucial steps candidates can take to prepare for the job application process and gain an edge over the competition. Thousands of Filipino healthcare professionals have already used their career toolkit and guidance to secure a lucrative career abroad.

Prepare your documents. When applying for an overseas job, candidates need to provide specific documents such as an updated resume, a passport with at least six-month validity, PSA-authenticated birth certificates, an educational diploma or degree, and a certificate of employment.

Gathering these documents may take some time, so it’s better to check the exact documents you need so you can start this step early. It's important to be aware that you may need to schedule appointments with public and private institutions to get these documents. For instance, renewing or obtaining a new passport at the Department of Foreign Affairs could take a while, depending on slot availability. Also, receiving a copy of your birth certificate may take up to five business days.

Get certified in the English language. As a non-native English speaker, prospective employers in certain countries will ask for proof of proficiency. To get an English language certificate, you will first need to take a test. The most common tests for healthcare workers are the Occupational English Test (OET) and the English Language Testing System (IELTS). Both tests assess your writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills.

To give yourself the best chance of passing the exam, it is recommended that you complete an online training course first. This will give you an understanding of what will be on the test and an opportunity to take practice exams.

Be visible to overseas employers. You may be a great candidate with excellent work credentials, but all that may be for nothing if you’re invisible to overseas employers. With most employers hiring overseas candidates remotely, it’s crucial that you have a CV that can be easily accessed online.

TrueProfile.io’s free Digital CV allows candidates to present their skills, verifications and work experience online. It can also be made visible to recruiters, increasing your chances of being headhunted.

Use dedicated healthcare job sites. Dedicated healthcare job sites like TrueProfile.io can make your job search much easier, quicker and more successful. They offer an extensive list of international healthcare job opportunities in different specializations across countries, including the UK, Ireland, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

In addition, credible platforms like the Department of Migrant Workers and its accredited agencies are reliable sources for overseas healthcare jobs. To avoid illegal recruiters who offer false promises of swift processing and departure to other countries, trust only these reputable platforms.

Improve your interview skills. Your potential employer will likely conduct virtual interviews. You can start preparing for this ahead of time by honing your virtual interview skills. When being interviewed remotely, it's important to show confidence, maintain a strong virtual presence, and communicate clearly.

To practice for this type of interview, set up a mock scenario in front of the camera and answer common questions related to the job you're applying for. Take on the role of the interviewer and review the footage, taking note of your strengths and areas that need improvement. Perfecting your virtual interview skills will help you stand out from the competition and land your dream job.