Daily Stylus ~ Problematic Workforce?

Hiring in the Philippines: Why It's a Struggle and How We Can Flip the Script?

Let’s be real: finding a job—or hiring someone qualified for one—in the Philippines right now is no walk in the park. Job seekers are frustrated, employers are scratching their heads, and everyone’s stuck in this weird limbo of unfilled roles and untapped potential. It’s a problem that needs solving ASAP.

The question is: why is it so hard to match people to jobs when so many are either unemployed or looking to level up? And more importantly, how do we fix it?

The Hiring Dilemma in the Philippines

Here’s the tea: the labor market in the Philippines is currently in an awkward stage of evolution. On one hand, we have tons of job openings. On the other hand, we have thousands of applicants who are either overqualified, underqualified, or just… not quite what the job requires.

There are a few big reasons why this mismatch is happening:

1. Skill Gaps Are Everywhere
   Employers want candidates with highly specific skills (coding, digital marketing, etc.), but most applicants don’t have the training or experience for these roles. The gap is even bigger in industries that are rapidly digitizing, like tech or e-commerce, where traditional education systems haven’t fully caught up yet.

2. Job Seekers Are Frustrated!
   Many Filipinos—especially Gen Z—are feeling the pressure to land a job that ticks all the boxes: good pay, work-life balance, and room for growth. But when all they see are underpaying jobs with five pages of unrealistic qualifications, the vibe is pure disappointment.

3. Outdated Hiring Practices
   Let’s not sugarcoat it: some companies are stuck in the Stone Age when it comes to recruitment. Expecting someone to have “10 years of experience” for an entry-level job or rejecting candidates who didn’t graduate from a specific school? Yeah, not it.

Thinking Outside the Box: The Key to Bridging the Gap

So, what’s the move? It’s clear that both job seekers and employers need to adjust their game plans. But here’s where we flip the script: instead of sticking to what’s “normal,” we need to rethink hiring altogether.

1. Upskill, Upskill, Upskill

Job seekers, this one’s for you. If the job you want feels out of reach, invest in learning the skills that can make you a better fit. And don’t worry—you don’t have to spend a fortune. Free or affordable resources like YouTube tutorials, online certifications (hello, Coursera and LinkedIn Learning), and local workshops are lifesavers.

Employers can get in on this too by offering upskilling programs before hiring. Some companies are already offering paid internships or training boot camps to groom candidates for the roles they need filled.

2. Focus on Potential, Not Perfection

Employers need to loosen up on those job requirements. Instead of hunting for a “unicorn” with everything on their wish list, they should focus on hiring people with the potential to grow into the role. A strong work ethic, adaptability, and problem-solving skills go a long way, and these can be found in candidates who might not have all the boxes ticked… yet.

3. Leverage Non-Traditional Talent Pools

Let’s break out of the usual hiring mold. The Philippines has a huge freelance community, a growing number of gig workers, and tons of professionals in career shifts. These are people who can bring fresh perspectives and valuable skills, even if their resumes look different from your standard candidate.

4. Make Workplaces Work for Everyone

Flexible work setups? Yes, please. A lot of Filipinos—especially younger ones—are prioritizing companies that value work-life balance. By offering hybrid setups, remote work, or mental health support, employers can attract top talent who value their time as much as their paycheck.

Moving Forward: Collaboration Is Key

Fixing the hiring crisis isn’t about job seekers versus employers—it’s about creating an environment where both sides win.

For job seekers, the goal is to stay adaptable, invest in upskilling, and explore industries that may not have been on your radar before. For employers, the challenge is to step up and rethink hiring strategies by embracing flexibility, innovation, and inclusivity.

At the end of the day, we have the talent. The Philippines is brimming with skilled, passionate, and hardworking people. It’s just a matter of bridging that gap—one creative solution at a time.

So, what do you say? Are we ready to rewrite the rules of hiring? The future of work in the Philippines is ours to shape, and it’s time we thought outside the box to make it happen.

What are your thoughts? Are you a job seeker or an employer? Share your story in the comments, and let’s start a conversation about how we can create real change together.