Demand for digital-ready workers grows as BPO’s evolve — LinkedIn

by Kristine Joy V. Patag, Businessworld, May 26, 2017

A STRONG digital skill set tops companies’ list in seeking new employees, according to professional networking site, LinkedIn.

Noting the Philippines’s robust economic growth, marked by the 6.4% rise in Gross Domestic Product in the first quarter of 2017, LinkedIn said the market shows a demand for “a more industrial, innovative, digital work force.”

A recent study by LinkedIn, “Recruiting In The Philippines: A Special Report On The Philippines’ Skilled Workforce And How To Attract Top Talent,” revealed that sales professionals, software developers and customer service specialists top the list of most in-demand positions.

Other leading professions are marketing specialists, administrative managers, recruiters, Information Technology (IT) Support Specialists, human resources professionals, IT consultants, and accountants.

The top three occupations “[reflect] the country’s growing demand for skilled talent and fastest growing sectors — particularly in [business process outsourcing (BPO)] representing a range of industries including IT, outsourcing, education, banking and financial services,” LinkedIn said in a statement.

LinkedIn noted the “dramatic” changes in the BPO industry’s demand profile, which has evolved from customer complaint handling, telesales, and data entry and administration. The same study found that a sales professional’s skill set must now include enterprise software, cloud computing, pre-sales, channel partnership, and solution selling.

“A deeper analysis on the occupations revealed that changes in the technological and economic landscape has considerable implications on businesses and skill sets required,” LinkedIn said in a statement.

Feon Ang, vice-president of LinkedIn’s Talent and Learning Solutions in Asia Pacific said: “Much of the boost to the Philippines economy is attributed to the BPO industry. As the sector matures, the demand for skills such as digital marketing and IT is on the rise. For job seekers, it is no longer adequate to just possess technical qualifications but they need to diversify and strengthen their skill sets. This also spells tougher competition for companies looking for talent with the right skill competencies, as well as aptitude for continuous learning.”

Ms. Ang also said that with a digital-savvy and young work force, “employers need to go online to connect and engage” with their potential employees. “Young professionals are keen to understand their employers’ company purpose, as well as work culture. Hence, a strong employer branding is imperative to attract and retain the best people,” Ms. Ang added.

“While traditional recruiting methods are still relevant, more companies are reaping the benefits of adopting online and digital platforms, connecting and engaging with job seekers at scale,” Ms. Ang also said.

The study used data from LinkedIn’s four million professionals and over 19,000 active companies in the Philippines. —