ads
MISTAKES TO AVOID
5 Mistakes That Get Filipino SSW Applicants Rejected (And How to Avoid Them)
Thousands of Filipinos apply for SSW positions in Japan every year. Many get accepted. But many others get rejected — often for reasons that are completely avoidable. Here are the most common mistakes and how to make sure you don’t make them.
Mistake #1: Using an Unlicensed Recruitment Agency
This is the biggest and most dangerous mistake. Every year, hundreds of Filipinos lose money — sometimes hundreds of thousands of pesos — to illegal recruiters who promise Japan jobs but deliver nothing.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Always verify your agency on the DMW website before paying anything
- A legitimate agency will NEVER ask you to pay a placement fee upfront before you have a confirmed job order
- Be suspicious of agencies that guarantee approval or promise unrealistically high salaries
- If someone contacts you on Facebook or social media offering “direct hire” Japan jobs with no tests required, it’s almost certainly a scam
The legal maximum placement fee for Japan-bound workers is strictly regulated by the DMW. Know your rights.
ads
Mistake #2: Underestimating the Japanese Language Test
Some applicants think they can cram for the JLPT N4 in a few weeks. This rarely works. The test covers reading, listening, vocabulary, and grammar — and you need to pass all sections.
Give yourself at least 3-6 months of consistent study. Even 30 minutes per day can make the difference between passing and failing.
Mistake #3: Choosing the Wrong Industry
Some applicants pick an industry just because it has the most openings, without considering whether they actually have the skills or physical ability for the job. If you choose construction but have health issues that prevent heavy physical labor, you’ll struggle and potentially have your contract terminated early.
ads
Choose an industry that matches your background, skills, and physical condition. If you’ve worked in food service, go for food service. If you have caregiving experience, nursing care is your best bet.
Mistake #4: Not Understanding the Contract Before Signing
Some workers arrive in Japan only to discover that their actual working conditions are different from what they expected. This usually happens because they didn’t read or fully understand their employment contract.
Before signing anything:
- Make sure you understand every deduction (housing, insurance, taxes)
- Calculate your actual take-home pay after all deductions
- Confirm the working hours and overtime policy
- Ask about the support services you’ll receive
- If anything is unclear, ask your agency or the employer for clarification IN WRITING
Mistake #5: Giving Up After One Failed Attempt
Many applicants fail the language test or skills test on their first try and give up entirely. Don’t do this. The tests are offered multiple times per year. Many successful OFWs in Japan today failed once or twice before passing.
Use your first attempt as a learning experience. Identify which sections you struggled with, study harder in those areas, and try again. The opportunity is too big to abandon after one setback.
[NEXT PAGE: Real Numbers — What You’ll Actually Earn and Save in Japan →]
