In a previous post, we shared a guide for experienced cooks who are seeking a job in Taiwan. The country has a booming food and beverage industry, and there are many restaurants, hotels, and other establishments that are often seeking chefs and talented cooks!
Of course, aside from, cooks, there is also a demand for kitchen helpers or kitchen staff. They are usually involved in food preparation, assisting the cook while also ensuring that the kitchen is always “spick and span.” Notably, some cooks start out as kitchen helpers, honing their skills and eventually becoming seasoned chefs themselves!
Guide to Applying as a Kitchen Helper in Taiwan
If you have some experience in the food and beverage industry, and you’d like to apply as a kitchen helper in Taiwan, read on to learn more about the qualifications, requirements, and the steps you’ll need to take!
Job Description
The actual job description may vary depending on the employer, but here are some general roles and responsibilities of kitchen helpers:
- Washing, chopping ingredients and assisting the chef with food preparation;
- Plating the dishes that will be served in the dining area;
- Cleaning and washing dishes, utensils, pots, pans, and other equipment;
- Maintaining order and cleanliness in the kitchen at all times;
- Assisting with the unloading of food deliveries and storing them; and
- Performing other tasks that may be assigned by the head chef or the kitchen manager.
Salary and Benefits
The salary of kitchen helpers may differ depending on their skills, experience, and the specific tasks they are expected to perform. Based on our research, there’s a company offering TWD 24,191 per month, while another company is offering TWD 26,400 a month for kitchen helpers.
In addition to their monthly salary, kitchen helpers are entitled to health insurance, overtime pay, bonuses, and paid leave. Some employers may also provide them with accommodations (or housing allowance), food allowance, transportation allowance, and other benefits.
Qualifications
As for qualifications, most employers are looking for kitchen helpers that meet the following criteria:
- Age between 25 to 45 years old;
- At least high school graduate;
- With previous experience in a food factory or restaurant setting; and
- With Certificate of Employment (COE) from previous employer(s).
Interestingly, some companies have additional criteria when hiring kitchen helpers, particularly when it comes to their physical, social, and other traits. Here are some examples:
- Preference for male applicants (in some cases);
- Height requirement of 165 cm or above;
- Weight requirement of 80 kg or below;
- Good eyesight; and
- No visible tatoo(s).
The above criteria are understandable, especially since jobs in most restaurants and food factories require physical stamina. Kitchen helpers should be able to carry heavy packages and work for long periods. They should also be willing to work during flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Finally, they must be willing to learn and follow instructions, and get along well with their co-workers and superiors.
Requirements
The requirements may vary among employers and recruitment agencies, although here are some documents that are generally needed:
- Valid Passport;
- School Diploma (High School and/or College);
- National ID or PhilSys ID;
- SSS ID or SSS Number;
- Pag-IBIG ID or Pag-IBIG Number;
- TIN ID or TIN Number;
- Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate;
- NBI Clearance;
- Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) Certificate;
- Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) E-Registration; and
- Certificate(s) of Employment (from previous jobs).
Furthermore, some companies and recruitment agencies require the applicant’s Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate (if married) issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
NOTE: To avoid any problems, make sure that all of the above documents are correct and that any necessary changes/updates have been made.
Procedure
At this point, let us take a look at the major steps involved in applying as a kitchen helper in Taiwan. The process includes preparing your resume, searching for a job and recruitment agency, preparing documents, attending job interviews, and finally, getting a work permit and work visa.
Prepare Your Resume
Your resume is usually the first thing that a recruitment agency will see. This document should contain your educational background, work history, seminars/training attended, and other information. Make sure that your resume is up to date before submitting a job application.
Search for a Job and Recruitment Agency
As a skilled worker, applying for a job through a recruitment agency is the safest and proper method. There are many Philippine agencies that are seeking to fill job vacancies in Taiwan; just make sure that you find a legitimate and reputable agency, to avoid getting scammed!
You can find many job announcements and recruitment agencies online. The important thing is to check and ensure that the website or social media channel you are dealing with is an official one! Similarly, you can also go to the recruitment agency’s office and apply in person.
Prepare Your Documents
The next step is to gather and prepare your documents, such as your passport, government IDs, schools records, and certificate(s) of employment. These will be submitted to the recruitment agency, which will send your application to the Taiwanese employer on your behalf.
Attend Job Interviews
The job interview is an essential part of the hiring process. It enables employers and recruitment agencies to find the applicants that best fit their job requirements. At the same time, it gives you the opportunity to learn more about the job, the duties involved, salary, and benefits.
Before going to the interview, make sure that you are properly dressed. Bring along an extra copy of your resume and documents, just in case. Furthermore, be sure to arrive on time! Answer each question clearly and respectfully, don’t be shy to highlight your skills and experience.
Once you get hired, you will be required to sign a job contract. Don’t forget to read all the terms and conditions carefully before signing. Eventually, the signed contract will be processed at the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taiwan.
Get Work Permit and Visa
Before you go abroad, the employer, in coordination with the recruitment agency, will apply for your work permit at the Taiwan Ministry of Labor (MOL). This permit will enable you to enter and work legally in Taiwan; it is also one of the requirements for your work visa and Alien Residence Certificate (ARC) in the country.
As soon as you get hired, the employer in Taiwan will apply for a work permit on your behalf. This will be issued by the Ministry of Labor (MOL). Once the work permit is approved, you will then be asked to apply for a work visa at the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Manila.
With your work permit and visa, you can now enter Taiwan as a foreign worker. Upon your arrival, you will then be required to apply for an Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) within 15 days. Your employer or broker will assist you during this process.
As long as you meet all the requirements, skills, and experience needed — you will surely land a job as a kitchen helper in Taiwan. Whether you’ll be working in a hotel, restaurant, or other establishments, be sure to work hard, save money, and make the most of your stay abroad!
Speaking of restaurants, did you know that there are places in Taiwan that serve Filipino dishes? If you are missing your favorite Pinoy dish, check out this list of the best Filipino restaurants in the country!