I’ve read many guides about how to ace job interviews abroad. They focus on how to answer questions well, how to impress your recruiter, and how to show confidence when you speak. But after going through my own interviews for work in Taiwan, I learned something important. It’s not only about answering questions. It’s also about asking the right ones. Interviews go both ways, and many OFWs forget that this is the moment when we can ask about the things that are not written in the job ad or explained clearly by the agency.
Some employers or brokers talk about benefits, salaries, or living conditions. But many leave out details that could change your experience once you arrive. These missing details matter. They can affect your money, your well-being, and even your freedom to transfer employers if things do not work out. That’s why it’s important to know what employers won’t usually tell you unless you ask directly.
What Employers Commonly Don’t Tell You
During my interviews, I realized that employers can sound very polite and organized. But if you listen closely, many important details are left out. These are the most common gaps OFWs have reported in Taiwan.
Hidden Recruitment Costs and Debt Risks
Many employers say the job is “no placement fee” or “low cost.” But when you dig deeper, you may find that:
- There are “service fees” paid monthly.
- Some brokers collect payments even after deployment.
- Deduction schedules are not explained.
- Receipts are not issued unless you insist.
These hidden fees can lead to debt, especially for factory workers and caregivers. Some workers have shared online that these costs pile up until they end up paying several months’ worth of salary before they can start saving. This is why asking for a complete breakdown of fees is important. Do not rely only on verbal promises.
Actual Overtime Hours and Living Conditions
I’ve met workers who were told they would work a “standard shift.” But when they arrived, the real schedule was:
- Daily overtime almost every day
- Short rest periods
- Work on weekends when production is high
In interviews, some employers only mention the base schedule. They may not talk about:
- Shared rooms with 6 to 12 people
- Rules about curfew
- Long commute from dorm to worksite
- Mandatory overtime during peak season
If they avoid giving clear numbers about hours, it usually means the workload is heavier than advertised.
Limits on Changing Employers and Document Control
In Taiwan, workers can transfer employers under legal conditions. But many OFWs say that in practice, it’s harder than it sounds. Some employers:
- Delay the release of papers
- Keep passports longer than allowed
- Pressure workers to stay
- Warn them that transfer is “not allowed,” even when it is
These practices are illegal, but they still happen. Interviewers rarely mention them. That’s why you need to understand your rights early.
Workplace Culture and Management Style
No employer will tell you:
- The supervisor shouts
- The team does not help newcomers
- The manager does not listen
- Filipinos are often isolated due to language barriers
But these issues can affect your mental health. Some OFWs find themselves in places where communication is difficult and complaints are ignored. Checking the working culture through other Filipino workers is one of the best ways to avoid these surprises.
Why This Matters for Filipinos Going to Taiwan
Taiwan is one of the most popular destinations for Filipino workers. The salary is higher, and many companies have good reputations. But there are also reports of:
- Contract changes
- Reduced wages
- Forced overtime
- Restrictions on movement
The governments of Taiwan and the Philippines have been improving policies to protect migrant workers. Still, risks remain, especially when employers or brokers hide information during interviews.
For us Filipinos, many of these risks lead to debt and stress. The more we know before signing a contract, the better we can protect ourselves.
Interview Red Flags You Should Not Ignore
During your interview, it helps to pay attention not just to what the employer says, but also to what they avoid. Here are the signs that something is off.
Vague Answers on Hours, Salary, or Housing
If you ask how many hours you will work and they only say “normal shift,” that’s a red flag. If you ask about housing and they say “standard dorm,” that’s another.
You want:
- Exact working hours
- Clear overtime rate
- Number of roommates
- Housing rules
Vague answers mean they don’t want you to know the full picture.
Pressure to Accept Quickly
If they say things like:
“Sign now so you won’t lose the slot.”
“We need your answer today.”
“You must pay immediately to secure the job.”
These are warning signs. High-pressure tactics often hide extra fees or mismatches in job scope.
Negative Talk About Previous Workers
If an interviewer talks badly about former employees, it may mean:
- High turnover
- Poor communication
- Bad management style
Avoid companies that blame workers instead of looking at their own role in the problem.
Illegal or Discriminatory Questions
These include questions about:
- Religion
- Pregnancy
- Marital status
- Plans to have children
- Political beliefs
These are not allowed. If an employer focuses on them, it’s a sign of a workplace with weak standards.
Practical Checklist Before Accepting an Overseas Offer
This is the part I wish someone told me before my first interview. Asking the right questions can save you from months of stress later.
- Get the Full Contract in Writing
Make sure you receive:
- Salary and overtime rate
- Job description
- Housing rules
- Work hours
- Holiday schedule
The written contract must match what they said in the interview.
- Ask Who Pays the Recruitment and Administrative Fees
Philippine law says agencies must provide clear breakdowns. Ask:
- What fees do I pay before departure?
- What fees will be deducted from my salary?
- Are there monthly charges?
- Can I see the official list?
Never agree to cash payments without receipts.
- Verify the Agency and Employer
Check:
- DMW-accredited Philippine agency
- DMW job order
- Taiwan employer business registration
This protects you from illegal recruitment.
- Ask for Contacts of Filipino Workers
A good employer will not hide this. Talking to current workers will reveal:
- Real schedules
- Management style
- Housing conditions
- Overtime workload
Even one short phone call can tell you more than a two-hour interview.
- Handle Illegal Questions Politely but Firmly
If they ask something inappropriate, you can say:
“I prefer to focus on job-related questions. May I ask about the shift schedule?”
This keeps the conversation professional.
Risks, Prevention, and Your Action Plan
OFWs can avoid many problems through simple steps before signing a contract.
Risk 1: Illegal Recruitment or Hidden Fees
Prevention:
• Avoid cash-only deals
• Demand official receipts
• Report suspicious agencies to DMW or POEA
Risk 2: Misrepresented Job Scope
Prevention:
• Request a signed job description
• Confirm shift schedule and housing
• Ask to speak to current Filipino workers
Risk 3: Document Withholding
Prevention:
• Store digital copies of your papers
• Know your right to hold your own passport
• Report confiscation to MECO/Taiwan authorities
Risk 4: Poor Working Conditions
Prevention:
• Ask directly about room sharing, commute, and dorm rules
• Research employer ratings from OFW groups
• Prepare contingency funds for emergencies
Risk 5: Restriction on Employer Transfers
Prevention:
• Understand legal transfer rules before deployment
• Keep all documents organized
• Seek help from MECO if the employer blocks the transfer
Frequently Asked Questions
- What questions should I ask during the interview?
Ask about working hours, overtime rate, housing conditions, fees, and contract details. Request everything in writing. - What if the employer avoids giving specifics?
This is a red flag. Politely insist on written details before accepting the offer. - How do I check if the agency is legal?
Look up the agency on the DMW website, verify job orders, and confirm the employer’s business registration in Taiwan. - What if they pressure me to accept right away?
Do not rush. High-pressure tactics often hide fees or conditions. Take time to review the contract. - Can I ask to speak to current Filipino workers?
Yes. Reputable employers allow this. Their feedback is often the most accurate.
Final Thoughts
When you sit in front of an employer during an interview, it’s easy to think that you only need to give good answers. But your future in Taiwan will depend on the questions you also choose to ask. Many OFWs enter jobs without knowing their real hours, fees, or working conditions. And once you arrive in Taiwan, it becomes harder to change things.
By preparing the right questions and learning how to spot red flags, you increase your chances of getting a fair employer. Interviews should not feel like one-sided conversations. They should help both sides understand what they are signing up for. And for us OFWs, this is our opportunity to protect ourselves before we even step on the plane.