MANILA, Philippines (Mar 2026) — More Filipino graduates are finishing school and struggling to find work, and artificial intelligence is making the landscape even harder to navigate for first-time jobseekers.
The Commission on Higher Education reported that graduate unemployment rose from 35.6% to 38.2% in 2025, at a time when entry-level roles built on repeatable tasks are shrinking due to AI-driven automation. For fresh graduates stepping into this environment, the question is no longer just what degree you have — it is what you can do that AI cannot.
To help address that gap, Jobstreet by SEEK rolled out a Nationwide Career Readiness Roadshow, bringing insights-driven discussions to students across the Philippines, including those from the University of the Philippines Diliman, the University of Iloilo, and the University of Pangasinan, among others.
The sessions focused on three soft skills that employers are increasingly prioritizing over technical knowledge alone.
Adaptability and learning agility
The ability to learn quickly has become more valuable than what you already know. Jobstreet by SEEK told students that employers today are hiring for potential, not just current knowledge — specifically looking for candidates who can learn, unlearn, and relearn as conditions change.
Practical ways to build this include seeking feedback early and applying it quickly, volunteering for unfamiliar tasks to get comfortable with discomfort, and reflecting on what you learned after every project. The platform also advised graduates to treat AI tools as a learning partner rather than a shortcut.
Clear communication
In workplaces built around cross-functional teams, the ability to express ideas clearly and listen actively is what keeps projects moving. Poor communication leads to mistakes, delays, and conflict — which is why employers treat it as a baseline requirement rather than a bonus.
Students were encouraged to practice both verbal and written communication through workshops, public speaking, and business writing. Equally important is active listening — focusing on fully understanding what someone is saying before formulating a response, and consistently asking clarifying questions.
Critical thinking and problem-solving
This is the skill set that most directly positions humans above AI. While AI can execute tasks efficiently, it cannot navigate ambiguity, exercise nuanced judgment, or apply reasoning to genuinely novel problems. Employers value people who can look at a complex situation and figure out what to do when there is no clear playbook.
Jobstreet by SEEK recommended building this habit by breaking down complex problems into smaller parts, analyzing multiple options before committing to a solution, and practicing with real-life case studies or student projects until critical thinking becomes a natural reflex.
“Employers don’t hire for what you know today; they hire for how fast you can learn tomorrow,” said Joey Yusingco, Jobstreet Philippines Head of Marketing. “Through these nationwide initiatives, Jobstreet by SEEK seeks to empower students to transition from the classroom to the workplace with confidence.”
More information on Jobstreet by SEEK’s programs and initiatives is available at jobstreet.com.ph.
