Do employers prefer graduates from top schools? This is the question parents and students often ask before college or university enrollment. The common perception then was that the more prestigious a school, the more marketable its graduates are for employment. Unfortunately, the majority of these “top schools” also have high tuition fees. This means that only a few Filipinos can afford them. But the good news is that perceptions are changing. More and more jobseekers like you are realizing that employers are looking for more than just high-status schools when hiring.
The Big 4 Schools in the Philippines Are Shifting
Before, the Big 4 schools in the Philippines include the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and the University of the Santo Tomas. In the mid-2010s, JobStreet surveys showed different results. In fact, its most recent one resulted in Polytechnic University of the Philippines securing the top spot for the employers’ choice of schools. Also entering the Top 10 list of schools hirers preferred were the University of San Carlos in Pangasinan and the University of Cebu.
Employers chose these schools because their graduates displayed the following:
- Quality education
- Positive work attitude
- Impressive resumes
- Excellent interview performance
- Eagerness to work, judging from the volume of applicants from these schools
The Importance of a College Degree
No matter what school you graduated from, a college degree remains to be a primary preference for most employers. According to a Philippine Institute for Development Studies survey, only a little over 20% of senior high school (SHS) graduates enter the workforce. The rest are pursuing a college education because they lack the confidence to be work-ready. Moreover, companies are hesitant about hiring SHS graduates for the same reason. This is reflected in the job openings posted on JobStreet, where there are thousands more available posts for college graduates than SHS graduates.
10 Things Employers Look for in Jobseekers
Famous or not, your alma mater is not indicative of your future success. Thankfully, today’s employers are wiser, choosing candidates based on more important factors. To boost your job hunting, we give you 10 ways to make yourself more attractive to potential employers.
- Get work experience.
Relevant professional experience means you have prior knowledge and hands-on training in the job you’re aiming for. This means that the company doesn’t need to spend as much time and money training you compared to a new employee. Gain experience through an internship, apprenticeship, and entry-level jobs. You can even volunteer your services (e.g. managing social media accounts, designing websites, etc.) to friends and family, and list them as part job experience on your resume.
- Show your passion for growth.
Employers also look for your potential during the hiring process. Beyond doing the job well, they want to gauge if you’re interested in growing your career. This tells employers that you’re likely to stay with them for a long time. After all, high employee turnover rates are detrimental to a business.
- Learn digital skills.
Because of automation, digital skills have become in demand. In fact, the Decoding the Digital Talent Challenge report shows that employers are actively seeking digital workers to grow their businesses. This opens up opportunities for better pay, and job security in the face of digital transformation. As a result, 77% of Filipino workers are willing to upskill for new jobs, according to the Decoding Global Talent report.
- Be adaptable.
As they say, change is the only constant thing in life. Industry trends, work situations, and the economy are always changing. During the job interview, highlight this quality by recounting past experiences in school or work that required your flexibility. Show your positive attitude and willingness to explore new possibilities.
- Always find solutions.
Life, including the workplace, can sometimes be filled with challenges. Will you be consumed by stress, or will you choose to rise above difficulties? Hirers like solution-driven employees, who have strong problem-solving skills. Cultivate this trait, and it will shine through, making employers stand up and take notice.
- Display resilience.
Maybe this isn’t the first time you applied to the company. Don’t hesitate to mention this fact to the interviewer. Let them know why you didn’t give up and outline your reasons for wanting to work with the organization. Tenacity is an attractive trait to prospective employers.
- Develop self-motivation.
Show employers that you’re willing to take the extra step. For instance, research about the company before the job interview, and brainstorm ways you can contribute to its growth. This lets the interviewer know that you have initiative, and probably do not need to be micromanaged in the workplace.
- Emphasize leadership skills.
You may be a junior employee now, but eventually, you will be given a senior role with more complex responsibilities. When you know how to manage people, you’re likely to advance your career faster. This skill involves competence in delegation, conflict resolution, and interpersonal communication.
- Think critically.
Evaluating an issue means looking at it from all possible angles. With this thorough assessment, you can pinpoint pain points and come up with effective solutions. Companies value critical thinkers because they can break down complex problems and offer fresh perspectives.
- Uphold a good reputation.
Having good references is one of your greatest strengths as a jobseeker. Hirers go beyond your resume to know you better. They conduct background checks by getting in touch with the reference persons on your resume. That’s why it’s important to maintain good relations with people you’ve interacted with.
At the end of the day, it’s not your school that dictates your professional career. You can’t rely on your alma mater’s name forever. When you’ve been working for some time, employers won’t even bother looking at the school you graduated from. They’ll look for the more important things—like skills, experience, and a can-do attitude that spells their business growth and your career success.
