YOUNGER workers are currently the demographic most affected by AI-driven job shifts, particularly as roles built on repeatable tasks continue to shrink. In 2025, the Commission on Higher Education reported a rise in graduate unemployment from 35.6% to 38.2%.
Yet, this evolution presents an opportunity, as careers that successfully blend human skills with AI are seeing significant growth, making it increasingly vital for candidates to leverage the human soft skills that technology cannot replace.
To help address this gap, leading online career platform Jobstreet by SEEK rolled out its Nationwide Career Readiness Roadshow, a high-impact activation with insights-driven discussions, designed to provide support for incoming fresh graduates from different schools, such as the University of the Philippines Diliman, the University of Iloilo, and the University of Pangasinan, among others.
Adaptability and learning agility
In an evolving workplace environment, adaptability is no longer just an advantage but a necessity. Jobstreet by SEEK advised incoming graduates that employers now prioritize “learning agility,” seeking candidates who have a proactive mindset to learn, unlearn, and relearn quickly. The bottom line for fresh jobseekers is that employers don’t just hire for what you know today; they hire for how fast you can learn tomorrow.
Practical ways to build agility include seeking feedback early and applying it quickly, volunteering for unfamiliar roles or tasks to practice being uncomfortable, and reflecting often by asking “What did I learn?” after every project. Most importantly, graduates may leverage AI tools as a learning partner and not a shortcut to doing tasks.
Clear communication
As modern work involves constant teamwork and cross-functional collaboration, the ability to explain ideas clearly and listen actively is vital to building the trust necessary to keep work moving. Poor communication often leads to mistakes, delays, and unnecessary conflict, making professional clarity a top priority for hirers who want to maintain efficiency in fast-paced environments.
To develop professional communication, students are advised to practice expressing their ideas clearly in both verbal and written formats through workshops in business writing or public speaking. A critical component of this is developing active listening skills, focusing on understanding the speaker fully before formulating a response. Incoming candidates are encouraged to ask clarifying questions, seek feedback, and apply it to improve continuously.
Critical thinking and problem-solving
These skills remain indispensable because they allow individuals to move beyond simply following instructions to making sound decisions in complex, unfamiliar situations. Employers value critical thinkers because they contribute ideas that improve existing processes and turn challenges into actionable solutions. While AI can execute tasks, it cannot navigate ambiguity or exercise human reasoning to solve complex problems.
Jobstreet by SEEK shared that jobseekers can improve these skills by getting into the habit of asking questions and breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts. Analyzing different options before choosing a solution helps a candidate understand what worked and what didn’t. Practicing with real-life scenarios, case studies, or student projects is the best way to turn critical thinking into a natural professional reflex.
“Employers don’t hire for what you know today; they hire for how fast you can learn tomorrow. Through these nationwide initiatives, Jobstreet by SEEK seeks to empower students to transition from the classroom to the workplace with confidence,” says Joey Yusingco, Jobstreet Philippines head of marketing.
Jobstreet by SEEK continues to strengthen its position as a leading career platform, bridging the gap between education and the evolving workplace through expert-led insights that equip young professionals to become future-ready.To learn more about their initiatives and hiring career opportunities, visit jobstreet.com.ph.
