There’s no better place to hire computer programmers than the Philippines. Known for their technical expertise, creativity, and strong work ethic, Filipino computer programmers are a go-to choice for companies worldwide.
But finding the right talent involves more than posting a job ad. It requires a deep understanding of the local talent market, cultural nuances, and effective recruitment strategies.
This article shares actionable tips for hiring top Filipino programmers—covering the skills to look for and ways to find them.
Why Hire Filipino Computer Programmers?
Cultural strengths can make a significant difference when building a strong tech team, and Filipino programmers bring plenty to the table. According to Lawrence Barrett, Partner and Head of Client Services at Manila Recruitment, a strong sense of teamwork and team spirit is inherent in Filipino culture. This trait naturally extends to how programmers work.
He added that Filipino computer programmers prioritize collective success over individual recognition, which helps reduce workplace ego and fosters collaboration. Their politeness and courteousness also contribute to a positive and respectful work environment.
Combining these qualities with their technical skills makes it clear why Filipino programmers are a top choice for global businesses. Here’s a closer look at their commendable traits.
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High technical proficiency and problem-solving skills
Filipino programmers are adept in coding, debugging, and software development across various programming languages and platforms. A significant part of their education also deals with tackling complex tech problems. They can solve technical issues while maintaining good rapport with fellow team members.
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Strong English communication abilities
You don’t need to worry about language barriers because Filipino programmers speak and write English well—it’s one of the Philippines’ official languages. This strength makes the country a leader in the $38.7-billion (PHP2.3 trillion) BPO industry, where excellent communication is key.
With many Filipinos scoring high on Global Scale of English (GSE) tests—around 25% scoring 65 or higher—programmers from the Philippines can easily work with international teams, avoid misunderstandings, and keep projects running smoothly. -
Cultural adaptability
Filipinos are excellent at adjusting to different work cultures and practices, making them a great fit for global and multicultural teams. They value teamwork and often quickly adapt to new environments and workflows.
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Familiarity with global software development standards
With their training in internationally recognized development frameworks and methodologies, Filipino programmers easily meet global standards. They consistently align their output with industry best practices, making integration into any workflow seamless.
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Cost-effectiveness
Hiring Filipino programmers lets you access top talent at competitive rates compared to hiring locally in Western countries. For example, senior programmers in the Philippines offer the same expertise and quality as their Western counterparts but at a more affordable rate.
This cost efficiency allows you to invest in other growth opportunities while building a highly skilled team that delivers excellent results.
8 Tips to Successfully Hire Filipino Programmers
Think of hiring Filipino programmers like any other recruitment strategy—you need a clear plan to find, evaluate, and retain the right talent. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started.
1. Define clear job requirements
Just as you want candidates to share their skills and experience, you must also explain the role. Create a job ad that describes the technical skills, tools, and expertise needed.
For example, specify if you’re seeking expertise in Python for data analysis or JavaScript for web development. Then, set clear expectations about tasks and deliverables—such as building scalable APIs or maintaining existing software systems—to attract candidates who match your needs.
2. Partner with recruitment agencies
Working with an IT recruitment agency in the Philippines is a resource-saving strategy for finding the right talent. For instance, Manila Recruitment has a well-curated database of over 250,000 programming experts. We can connect you with candidates who align with your technical and cultural requirements.
Do you need someone adept in ReactJS or JavaScript? How about those who know how to work on iOS or Android? Manila Recruitment can help you build a competent and highly skilled programming team.
3. Offer competitive salaries and benefits
A 2023 study showed Filipinos care about good pay when choosing a career. So, offering competitive salaries and attractive benefits is key to getting top talent.
First, look at industry rates to provide proper compensation. For reference, the average computer programmer in the Philippines makes up to PHP49,000 per month for an entry-level developer with 1-2 years of experience.
Next, think about the benefits that will attract candidates. You can offer flexible work options, health insurance, or performance bonuses. Remember to mention these perks in your job posting to stand out.
4. Adapt to cultural considerations
Take the time to understand cultural nuances, such as differences in communication styles or the importance of Philippine holidays like Christmas and Holy Week. Allowing Filipino programmers to take a day off during these holidays demonstrates respect for their culture and builds goodwill.
5. Use skill assessments and coding tests
Evaluate candidates through practical programming challenges to check if they have the right skills for the job. For example, you can ask a developer to write a script that automates a specific task or debug a piece of code during the assessment stage.
6. Conduct structured interviews
Skill assessments are great for testing technical abilities, but structured interviews can help you gauge problem-solving and communication skills.
You can present a real-world scenario—such as optimizing a database query—and ask the candidate to explain their approach step by step. You can evaluate their response based on how confidently they speak and how clear and detailed their explanation is.
7. Ensure a smooth onboarding process
Onboarding a new programmer isn’t as simple as giving them equipment and account credentials. You need to provide comprehensive training, clear instructions and documentation, and a welcoming environment to help them hit the ground running.
Ideally, they have a week-long orientation to familiarize themselves with your systems and processes for utmost productivity.
8. Focus on retention strategies
A supportive work environment that values teamwork and fresh ideas is highly motivating for programmers. So, make career growth opportunities like training, mentorship, or leadership programs available to retain them. These positive experiences can encourage them to stay and help your business grow.
Building Your Dream Team Starts Here
Hiring top Filipino programmers can give your business a competitive edge, thanks to their technical skills, English proficiency, and high sense of cultural adaptability. When finding the best programmers, clearly communicate what you need to your recruitment agency.
Besides hiring the right talent, onboarding and retention are key. Keeping your team engaged and motivated ensures its members stay productive and loyal.
The good news is building a team of skilled Filipino programmers is easy with Manila Recruitment. We are experts in IT recruitment and deeply understand the local talent market to effectively connect you with professionals who match your needs and company culture.
Contact us today to find top-tier talent in the Philippines.
Passionate about promoting the ingenuity of Filipino talent, Arvin is a sought-after resource person in the field of career development. He regularly delivers keynote speeches and conducts workshops throughout the Philippines, sharing his insights and strategies for improving employability and promotability.
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