What Today’s Employers Are Really Looking For: Insights from Career Connect’s Candidate Evaluations

At Career Connect, we engage daily with hiring managers across a wide range of industries. While we recruit for diverse roles at various levels, we’ve observed consistent patterns in what employers are looking for in potential candidates.

In an ever changing competitive job market, understanding what employers are prioritizing can make the difference between getting screened or skipped over. At Career Connect, we’ve had a close-up view of how our clients—ranging from local firms to global enterprises—are screening and selecting candidates. Based on these insights, here are the key qualities employers are consistently seeking today:

1. Digital Fluency Is Now Fundamental

Gone are the days when digital tools were exclusive to tech roles. These have become more or less a standard across most of the companies in the Philippines. Employers today are seeking candidates who have at least integrated digital tools into their everyday workflows. You don’t have to be an expert, but familiarity with digital platforms, communication tools, and online systems is now expected across most roles. Whether it’s using CRMs, managing social media for business, or conducting online meetings, digital competency is a core expectation.

2. AI Knowledge Is a Growing Advantage

While not yet a strict requirement in the Philippines, AI exposure is increasingly relevant, especially for tech-driven positions. Employers are beginning to evaluate how candidates are adapting to the rise of AI tools in their industries. Candidates with awareness of how AI can improve productivity—even through tools like ChatGPT, Notion AI, or Midjourney—are starting to stand out, particularly in tech, marketing, and analytics roles.

3. Communication Skills Remain Crucial

One constant remains: communication skills are non-negotiable. For 90% of the companies we work with—particularly in BPOs and multinational organizations—effective spoken and written English is essential. It’s not just about fluency, but also about the ability to clearly convey thoughts in a global business setting.

4. Business Writing and Presentation Skills Are Valuable Differentiators

Candidates for administrative and client-facing roles benefit significantly from having strong business writing skills. Similarly, for positions in business development, sales, or any role involving stakeholder presentations, proficiency in tools like PowerPoint, Canva, and other presentation software is becoming a must-have. Canva, in particular, is gaining popularity as a modern, accessible tool for creating professional-grade visuals.

5. Entrepreneurial Spirit and Problem-Solving Drive Hiring Decisions

More and more companies are screening for candidates who show signs of entrepreneurial thinking—those who can take initiative, adapt creatively, and solve problems proactively. This trait is in demand about 70% of the time, especially in fast-growing companies where innovation is prized.

6. Travel Experience Is a Must in Sales

Interestingly, travel experience has been cited as a nearly universal requirement for sales roles. Close to 100% of employers hiring in sales ask about a candidate’s openness to or experience with travel, especially when the role involves regional or national coverage.

 

7. Remote and Hybrid Work Readiness Is Now a Conversation

About half of all employers now ask about a candidate’s openness to remote or hybrid work arrangements. In tech companies, this trend is even more pronounced—with 75% of them preferring candidates who are comfortable with flexible work environments. The ability to work independently and stay productive without direct supervision is now a sought-after trait.

8. Beyond Individual Excellence

A strong individual contributor is a standard requirement in 97% of roles—but just as important, and in fact non-negotiable 100% of the time, is being a team player. Employers consistently seek candidates who can collaborate effectively and get along well with others, especially in high-pressure, fast-paced environments where teamwork is critical to success.

The job market is evolving fast, and employers are looking for more than just hard skills—they want adaptable, communicative, and digitally capable individuals who can thrive in a hybrid, globalized environment. If you’re on the job hunt, focus on sharpening your communication, digital, and presentation skills. Stay open to learning new tools and demonstrate that entrepreneurial edge. It might just be the edge you need to stand out.

 

For more articles on workplace insights, career advice, and human resource tips, explore https://careerconnect.ph/articles.

Career Connect Editorial Team