How Outhire Hired Employees in the Philippines

Building a global team opens up incredible talent pools. Here's how we approached hiring in the Philippines and what we learned along the way.

Why the Philippines?

Talent Availability

The Philippines offers:

• Strong English proficiency
• Growing tech talent pool
• Customer service expertise
• Time zone coverage for US companies

Cultural Alignment

Factors that support success:

• Western business familiarity
• Strong work ethic
• Relationship-focused culture
• Adaptability and resilience

Our Hiring Process

Step 1: Define Roles Clearly

We started by identifying:

• Specific skills needed
• Experience requirements
• Cultural fit factors
• Growth potential

Step 2: Source Strategically

We used multiple channels:

• Local job boards
• Professional networks
• Referrals from team members
• Recruitment partners

Step 3: Adapt Our Process

International hiring required adjustments:

• Video interviews across time zones
• Skills assessments
• Cultural conversation focus
• Reference verification

Step 4: Onboard Thoughtfully

Setting new hires up for success:

• Clear documentation
• Regular communication
• Cultural integration
• Mentorship pairing

Key Learnings

Communication is Everything

• Establish clear channels
• Set expectations for response times
• Embrace async communication
• Regular video calls build connection

Time Zones Can Be an Advantage

• Extended coverage hours
• Follow-the-sun support
• Thoughtful meeting scheduling
• Flexible overlap windows

Cultural Nuances Matter

• Understand communication styles
• Recognize holidays and customs
• Build personal relationships
• Celebrate diversity

Infrastructure Needs

• Reliable technology access
• Appropriate tools and software
• Security considerations
• Support systems

Results and Impact

What We Achieved

• Expanded team capabilities
• Improved coverage hours
• Diverse perspectives
• Cost-effective scaling

Challenges We Overcame

• Initial communication hurdles
• Process documentation gaps
• Time zone scheduling
• Team building across distances

Best Practices for International Hiring

1. Research thoroughly - Understand the local market and norms
2. Partner wisely - Work with local experts when needed
3. Invest in onboarding - Extra support pays dividends
4. Build culture intentionally - Remote teams need connection
5. Stay compliant - Understand legal and tax implications

Recommendations

For Companies Considering International Hiring

• Start with a clear business case
• Choose locations strategically
• Build infrastructure first
• Invest in management training
• Plan for long-term success

Making Remote Work Work

• Use the right tools
• Establish clear processes
• Prioritize communication
• Build trust intentionally
• Celebrate wins together

International hiring can transform your organization when approached thoughtfully. The key is treating it as a strategic initiative, not just a cost-saving measure.