5 Things Filipinos Should Know about Getting Foreign Clients

Filipinos are in demand around the globe. Aside from the fact that we can speak and understand English more fluently than other non-native English speakers, we are known for being hardworking and smart. For this reason, there are many job opportunities offered to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) abroad. No wonder, many are encouraged to get out of the country.

Why we like working for foreigners

However, Filipinos do not have to go abroad anymore just to work with foreigners. There are many foreign business people who are coming over to start their company in the Philippines, since it is cheaper here. With the growing online job industry, many Filipinos get connected to foreign employers who outsource work from their countries. These are good news as more job opportunities are opened for people in the country.

The main reason why Filipinos want to work with foreign clients is because they usually offer higher rates than local employers. This is not surprising as most of foreign investors and employers come from developed countries. This means that they can afford to pay higher than our local rates without being bankrupt as the value of our money is smaller than theirs.

5 things you should know about foreign clients

Many are encouraged to work with foreign clients. However, before they try it out, they should first learn several things about working with people from other cultures.

1. Time is important for them

In the Philippines, when we say “Filipino time”, we actually refer to tardiness or usual delay of activities. For instance, when the meeting is set at 4 o’clock, it would usually start around 6 o’clock. This is very common with Filipinos. However, what people who wish to work with foreign clients should understand is that people from other countries have a different mindset about time. Most of the people from the first class countries are very time-conscious. They are used to hectic schedules, so following time is important for them. Therefore, for those who are fond of maniana habit or cannot meet deadlines, then they better think twice.

2. They are after brilliant ideas rather than perfect grammar

Unless they want to work as an English copywriter, online tutor, or any jobs requiring good communication skill, Filipinos do not have to be conscious about speaking perfect English. Of course, foreigners know that Filipinos do not use English as the first language, so as long as they understand what the person is saying, then they would not mind hearing your perfect grammar.

3. They do background research

Just like how local employers require NBI clearance and other documents to examine the background of the applicants, foreign clients also want security. They do not easily trust people, which is just normal, especially that they are dealing with foreigners. Therefore, aside from asking for pertinent documents, they also do some background checking. Moreover, there are some clients would even test the integrity and honesty of Filipino employees without their knowledge.

4. Output is what they are after

Unlike local employment, foreign clients do not usually care about where their Filipino applicants graduated from. They are not really after the educational background of their employees. Instead, their basis for the credibility of the Filipino workers is through their work output. As long as they can see that the Filipino applicants can provide the daily results they are expecting from them, then they are more likely to give the job regardless of the applicant’s educational attainment.

5. Not all foreigners are rich

Contrary to the expectation of most Filipinos, which is the reason why they seek for foreign clients, not all foreigners are wealthy. The actual reason why there are business people from other countries who outsource jobs to Filipinos is because of our cheaper rates. In order for them to save much, they look for quality workers who offer affordable rate for their service. This is the reason why they look for employees from the Philippines.

Before working with foreigners, people should first learn how they can keep up with the business or work culture of the nationalities that they will be working with. Moreover, working with a foreign client does not ensure stable income.
What we should learn is being able to work hard, smart and dedicated regardless of our clients. We have to make them happy, whether they are foreign or local clients.