The Growing Imperative for AI Knowledge
The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence across various industries has fundamentally altered the landscape of professional skills. No longer is AI a niche field reserved for specialized technologists; it is now becoming a core competency for a wide range of roles. This shift is clearly reflected in the hiring practices of businesses in the Philippines, according to Jobstreet by SEEK’s Hiring, Compensation & Benefits Report 2025.
The report, which surveyed over 2,000 employers, found that a staggering 72% of businesses now consider AI knowledge when evaluating job candidates.This statistic underscores a major paradigm shift, as companies recognize that AI is not just a tool for a select few but a vital component for business efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. The demand for AI skills is growing exponentially, forcing both job seekers and companies to adapt to this new reality.
The Methods for Assessing a Candidate’s AI Skills
With AI knowledge becoming a crucial factor in hiring, businesses are developing new methods to assess this competency. The Jobstreet report highlights that companies are moving beyond simple keywords on a resume. Instead, they are actively looking for tangible evidence of a candidate’s AI proficiency. A significant 36% of businesses consider AI knowledge to be a crucial factor, treating it as a primary qualification on par with other essential skills. This assessment often involves asking specific technical questions during interviews to gauge a candidate’s theoretical understanding of AI concepts.
Additionally, hirers are reviewing projects and work samples in a candidate’s portfolio, seeking concrete proof of their ability to apply AI tools and methodologies to solve real-world problems. This focus on practical application ensures that companies are not just hiring individuals who are familiar with AI in theory but those who can actually leverage it to create value for the business.
The Role of AI in the Modern Recruitment Process
The irony of companies hiring for AI skills is that they are also increasingly using AI tools to assist with their own recruitment processes. The report indicates that a number of businesses are now leveraging AI to streamline their hiring procedures, from initial screening to candidate assessment. AI-powered tools can quickly analyze resumes and applications to identify the most promising candidates, helping to reduce the time and effort required for manual review.
This not only makes the process more efficient but also helps to ensure that no qualified candidate is overlooked. As AI becomes more integrated into the hiring workflow, it will be interesting to see how it continues to evolve from a desired skill in candidates to a core technology used by recruiters themselves, further transforming the professional landscape.
Read More: The AI Investment Boom and Its Looming Financial Risks
Compensation and Benefits in the Evolving Workplace
Beyond the focus on AI skills, the Jobstreet report provides valuable insights into the broader trends in compensation and benefits. A majority of businesses, specifically 78%, provided salary increases to their employees, though most of these fell within a modest 1-5% range. This indicates a cautious but positive trend in salary growth.
The report also highlighted the progress made by small businesses, which are now setting more structured pay scales and benchmarking their benefits to be more competitive with larger firms. This is a significant development, as it helps to narrow the gap and enables small businesses to better attract and retain top talent.
The Expanding Scope of Employee Well-Being
In addition to salary and bonuses, companies are also placing a greater emphasis on non-monetary benefits and employee well-being. The report notes that businesses are expanding their benefits packages to include critical support systems such as medical insurance, health checks, and mental health support. This is a crucial shift in perspective, as companies are recognizing that a holistic approach to employee well-being is essential for long-term productivity and retention.
By providing these benefits, companies are not just investing in their employees’ health but also in a more resilient and engaged workforce. The average bonus payout also saw a healthy increase to about four months’ salary, indicating that businesses are using a combination of salary increases and performance-based rewards to attract and keep their best people.
The Evolution of Hiring Practices Across Industries
The findings from the Jobstreet report reveal a dynamic and evolving hiring market. The integration of AI knowledge as a key hiring criterion is a direct reflection of the technological advancements impacting every sector. Companies are not just looking for candidates with traditional skills; they are seeking individuals who can adapt to new technologies and drive innovation.
The fact that small businesses are now implementing more structured compensation and benefits packages shows a widespread commitment to improving talent acquisition and retention. This is not just a fleeting trend but a fundamental change in how businesses are approaching the future of work. The market is becoming more competitive, and both job seekers and employers are adapting to the new demands of the digital age.
The Future of Hiring and AI Integration
The Jobstreet by SEEK report provides a clear snapshot of a hiring market that is rapidly evolving. The finding that AI knowledge is now a key factor for a majority of businesses underscores the transformative impact of this technology on the workforce. Companies are no longer just looking for a candidate’s experience; they are actively seeking individuals who can leverage AI to create new opportunities and efficiencies.
As businesses continue to integrate AI into their operations, the demand for these skills will only grow. This presents a challenge and an opportunity for both job seekers to upskill and for companies to develop more sophisticated methods for identifying and nurturing talent in an increasingly digital world. The future of hiring is intrinsically linked with the advancement of AI.
