Job hunting either for local or overseas employment requires some sort of capital - time, money and overall effort. Since many Filipinos want to work abroad for the higher salary, many of them are willing or expect to spend quite a huge amount in the process of job application. They view it as a business venture where jobseekers need to shell out some money before they reap the rewards.

However, the wise jobseeker knows that overseas job hunting does not necessarily have to be costly. Here are some ways to save money while applying for an overseas job:

Search and apply for a job online. Online job sites save job seekers the trouble of going from office to office just to submit resumes. It is especially recommended to applicants living in far provinces so they won’t have to travel to Manila or to other far places just to submit an application.

Online job application is much cheaper than the traditional method because one can search for job openings and send an application to multiple jobs in one sitting. To get the most of online job application, one should make an effort to complete the online resume. The resume should include a picture, correct contact numbers and essential keywords related to one’s profession. Take advantage of the benefits of online job sites, register at WorkAbroad.ph for overseas jobs or to JobOpenings.ph for local jobs.

Look for agencies that do not require placement fee. Most recruitment agencies would ask for placement fees equivalent to a worker’s one month salary. This is approved by law as the process of sending a worker abroad is an expensive business. However there are also a number of agencies that does not ask any placement fees to the applicants. They can afford to do this because they have convinced their foreign employers to shoulder the applicant’s fees. List of Recruitment Agencies that do not charge placement fees.

Apply on countries that prohibit charging of placement fees. There are foreign countries that prohibit recruitment agencies to charge placement fees to applicants. Some deploying countries such as United Kingdom (UK), Australia and some parts of Canada prohibit collection of placement fees. Target these countries if you do not want to pay placement fees.