Why You’re Not Getting Hired as a Filipino Talent — And 6 Things You Can Do About It

“Why am I not getting hired? Is there something wrong with me? Am I not good enough?”

Those are questions I used to ask myself every night as I polish my resume, hoping for a better result when I press “Send Email” again. I know how debilitating it is to doubt yourself, especially when you’re pressured by society, your family, and yourself.

If you’re ever in this situation, take heart. The challenge isn’t your abilities — it’s about cracking the puzzle of this new age of job market. So, let’s dive into the reasons behind your job search struggles and, more importantly, how to turn the tides in your favor.

Ready to open doors? 

Why Am I Not Getting Hired?

As someone who’s been through the same struggle, I get it. Those nights of doomscrolling through online job boards, obsessively tweaking your portfolio, applying for every job — any job. It’s easy to blame it all on luck, but if I were to sum up all the reasons why you’re not getting anywhere in one sentence, it would be this:

You are not alone.

As a Filipino talent, you’re competing in a global arena where the competition is fierce and the standards are high. Employers are looking for candidates who not only possess the required skills but also stand out from the crowd. You’re not just competing with local talent — you’re up against candidates from all over the globe, all of whom are just as qualified as you. 

It’s a bitter pill to swallow, I know.

But that doesn’t mean the end of the world. It just means that you need to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and try again — but try again better.

Always remember: in a remote hiring process, employers can’t meet you in person to get a sense of your personality and work ethic. If things like your online presence, portfolio, and resume don’t effectively communicate your skills and potential, you will be overlooked. 

The challenge now, the only one really, is how you can do that. 

The Only Tips You’ll Need To Find Online Jobs in the Philippines

Now that we’ve talked about the problem, let’s explore the solutions.

1) Create a Social Presence

It’s kind of a broken record at this point, but the most important part of landing a job is by making a good first impression. For most employers, their first impression is influenced by your online presence, and it can make or break your chances of landing an interview. You could do so with HireTalent.

This starts by creating a good profile on a site like HireTalent, then moving into social sites like LinkedIn. It’s not just about listing your job history — it’s about creating a story that showcases your professional journey, skills, and aspirations, and selling them to employers. Use a professional photo, write an engaging headline that goes beyond your job title, and craft an irresistible profile description that highlights what you bring to the table.

But don’t stop at these. Depending on your field, platforms like GitHub for developers, Behance for designers, or Medium for writers can be a great way to showcase your work and expertise. Use these as your portfolios, and use HireTalent as your resume (if that makes sense).

Some VA work, especially ones that deal with social media marketing or SMM, also look for proof that you’re familiar with social media by checking out your profile in them.

And I always recommend that, if you have time, consider creating a personal website or portfolio that brings together all aspects of your professional identity in one place.

2) Upskill, Upskill, Upskill

At the pace that we’re progressing, the skills that are in demand today might be obsolete tomorrow. As a Filipino talent looking to compete in the global market, continuous learning isn’t just an option — it’s a necessity.

Start by identifying the skills that are most in demand in your field. Look at job postings, industry reports, and trending topics in professional forums. For example, if you want to be a writer, familiarize yourself with SEO. If you’re an aspiring web developer, look at the trending JavaScript frameworks (yes, unfortunately, it’s probably React).

Once you’ve identified areas for growth, create a learning plan. This involves online courses, webinars, or even pursuing formal certifications. Emphasis on the last one because having certificates will set you apart from other candidates. Here are some of the best online courses I recommend taking:

• Digital Marketing: HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification, Google Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Certificate
• Virtual Assistance (VA): Google Ads, Google Project Management
• Web Development or Graphic Design: Google UX Design

Here comes the asterisk: don’t be short-sighted and limit yourself to technical skills. In remote work, soft skills like communication, time management, and adaptability are just as valuable. Work on improving these alongside your technical capabilities.

3) Be Realistic 

Ambition is good. Unrealistic expectations are not. 

Research is key here. You need to know the typical salary ranges for your role, taking into account factors like your experience level and the cost of living differences between the Philippines and the country where the company is based. Chances are, you will be paid less than what they pay people with the same title in first-world countries — and that’s just the truth.

That said, the opposite is also true: don’t be a doormat. As a Filipino myself, my most important advice is to know your worth at all times. Some people will try to take advantage of you and offer you a full-time VA job at $1 per hour or a project-based web development gig for $100 — don’t let them. 

Remember, your first remote job might not be your dream job, and that’s okay. Each role is an opportunity to gain experience, build your skills, and expand your professional network. Be open to stepping-stone positions that can lead you to your ultimate career goals.

4) Don’t Just Make One Resume, Create Many

Filipinos are talented. That’s a fact.

Because of that, many Filipino jobseekers apply to many different jobs. The list goes on: VA, SMM, IT support, web development, writing. There’s nothing wrong with that. After all, we have to cover all bases, right? And if you’re qualified for all of them, who cares anyway?

But gone are the days when one generic resume could be sent to all job openings. The job market is more competitive than ever, and that’s why a tailored approach is crucial.

You need a baseline first so start by creating a resume that includes all your experiences, skills, and achievements. But for each job application, tweak it ever so slightly and create a customized version that highlights the most relevant aspects of your background for that specific role.

And don’t go for creativity when you’re making resumes, reserve that for your portfolio. It’s better to stick with the Harvard format or really any ATS-friendly resume templates. Some employers use automated filters that discard resumes that don’t follow that format. Here’s a good guide from our friends at Indeed.

And don’t forget about your cover letter. This is your opportunity to tell your story, explain why you’re passionate about the role and the company, and demonstrate how your unique background as a Filipino professional can add value to their team. Remember, you don’t need to convince yourself: convince them.

5) Interviews: Make a Strong First Impression

Once you’ve secured an interview, congratulations! You’re already halfway there. Now, it’s just a matter of securing the position.

Preparation is key. Make sure your internet’s working well before the interview. Choose a quiet, well-lit space with a professional (or a plain) background. Dress professionally, even if the interview is virtual — it puts you in the right mindset and shows respect for the opportunity. 

People also always say that practicing common interview questions helps, but if you’re doing it wrong, then you’re just wasting time. Instead of memorizing answers, focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You should also ask someone for help and act as an interviewer since it’s better to train yourself to think on the fly.

During the interview, engage actively with your interviewer. Smile and show enthusiasm for the role and the company. And when they ask if you have any questions, don’t say no. Ask thoughtful questions instead, specifically about the onboarding process and their day-to-day. This is a good time to get to know them as well.

6) Find the Best Job Hunting Platform For Your Niche

Not all job boards are created equal, and finding the right platform for your niche can significantly increase your chances of landing the right job. As a Filipino talent seeking remote work, you have a variety of options to explore.

Filipino-specific platforms can be excellent resources, especially if you’re looking for opportunities with companies with experience working with Filipino talent, but they’re hit-and-miss. There has been a lot of talk recently on the subreddit r/BuhayDigital (for Filipino online workers) about scam postings on certain Philippino job websites.

If you’re looking for a job platform specifically tailored to Filipinos, why not try ours? Here at HireTalent, we have a much stricter system for filtering out suspicious employers and talent, and care about quality over quantity. This is done through a series of verifications that any party must undergo before they can use our platform. And we’re only getting better!

So, What’s Next?

It’s time to spread your wings, kababayan. You’re now better equipped to navigate the world of remote job hunting. Just remember to not be impatient, and that it takes patience, persistence, and resilience (something we know all too well) to land a job.

Start by assessing your current job search approach. Which of these areas do you need to focus on? Perhaps it’s time to rework your online presence, or maybe you need to diversify the job platforms you’re using. Create an action plan and commit to implementing these strategies consistently.

And don’t forget to take care of yourself during this process. Job hunting is stressful, and it’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance even as you’re searching for work. Make time for activities you enjoy, stay connected with friends and family, and celebrate small victories along the way.

Your dream remote job is out there and it’s yours for the taking.