Wazzup Pilipinas!?
The Philippine job market has long been criticized for its unrealistic hiring standards, particularly for entry-level or service-oriented roles. In August 2023, Potato Corner, a popular fries franchise, inadvertently became the face of this issue when its viral job qualifications resembled more of a Miss Universe application than a standard hiring ad. The public backlash it received ignited discussions on the disparity between job requirements and the compensation being offered.
On the other hand, Lola Nena’s, a beloved local bakery, quickly became a symbol of hope and inclusivity by releasing a job hiring post with simple, reasonable qualifications. Their ad emphasized character, willingness to learn, and enthusiasm over age, education, or past experience. The stark contrast between the two brands’ approaches to hiring sparked widespread discussions about employment practices in the Philippines.
The Potato Corner Controversy: Sky-High Standards, Ground-Level Pay
Potato Corner's viral job post listed requirements that felt disproportionately high for a minimum-wage job. Among the qualifications were:
College degree (even for roles requiring basic service tasks)
Pleasing personality
Work experience (even for entry-level positions)
Age restrictions
The backlash was swift and widespread, with netizens questioning why a simple fries-serving job demanded credentials that even managerial roles in other industries might not require. This highlighted a growing frustration among Filipino job seekers who face barriers created by rigid, often unnecessary, hiring requirements.
One commenter summed up the sentiment perfectly:
“Companies demand high standards but offer low salaries. They expect us to be overqualified yet refuse to pay us accordingly.”
Lola Nena’s: A Beacon of Inclusivity and Practical Hiring
In contrast, Lola Nena’s posted an ad that quickly became a viral success—not just for its simplicity, but for its humanity. Their qualifications included:
A willingness to learn
Enthusiasm for the job
No strict requirements on education, experience, or age
The bakery's approach broke traditional hiring norms and presented an inclusive opportunity for individuals from all walks of life. Older applicants, high school graduates, and even those without prior experience found hope in Lola Nena's hiring process.
This practical approach wasn’t just a heartwarming initiative—it also proved to be a brilliant marketing strategy. Many Filipinos praised the brand for recognizing the value of a person’s character and work ethic over superficial qualifications.
A comment on social media celebrated this initiative:
“This should be the standard! Not the exaggerated qualifications where companies look for college graduates just to serve fries.”
Employment Reality in the Philippines: A Systemic Issue
Despite positive examples like Lola Nena’s, the reality remains grim for many Filipino job seekers. The unemployment rate in September 2024 stood at 3.7%, a slight improvement from the previous year, but these numbers mask deeper systemic issues.
The Core Problems:
Overqualification, Underpayment: Many employers set impossibly high standards while offering minimum wage or below.
Job Description Creep: Employees are often required to perform tasks far beyond their official job descriptions.
Discrimination in Hiring: Age, gender, appearance, and even tattoos are often grounds for disqualification.
Lack of Enforcement of Policies: While the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has frameworks like the One Job, One Work Policy, implementation is inconsistent.
A frustrated job seeker shared their experience:
“I applied as a cleaner, but HR said I didn’t qualify. I was a vocational college undergrad then. How hard could it be to clean?”
The Role of Government and Private Sector
While DOLE and DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) are tasked with regulating labor practices, their influence over private companies is limited. They can ensure salaries and benefits are paid correctly, but they cannot directly control job qualification requirements.
One commenter argued:
“Even if policies exist, many companies ignore them because there’s little to no accountability.”
This reflects a deeper issue: the disconnect between labor policies and their implementation in the private sector.
Lessons from Lola Nena’s: A Model for Change
Lola Nena’s hiring ad wasn’t just an effective campaign—it was a wake-up call. It showed that:
Skills and attitude often matter more than formal education.
Simplified hiring processes can attract a diverse and capable workforce.
Fair treatment of employees leads to better business outcomes.
One social media user perfectly captured the sentiment:
“This gives hope to people who were deprived of education and opportunity. Everyone deserves a chance to earn a living with dignity.”
The Path Forward: A Call to Action
Reevaluate Hiring Standards: Employers must align qualifications with the actual demands of the job.
Implement Clear Job Descriptions: The One Work, One Job Policy must be strictly enforced.
Value Skills and Attitude: Prioritize on-the-job training over pre-existing credentials.
Government Accountability: DOLE and DILG must strengthen their oversight on employment practices.
Final Thoughts
The viral hiring ads from Potato Corner and Lola Nena’s revealed two starkly different sides of the Philippine employment system. While one represented outdated, impractical hiring standards, the other shone as a beacon of hope and practicality.
For job seekers, Lola Nena’s represents a rare example of fairness and inclusion in the workplace. For employers, it serves as a powerful reminder that hiring is about people—not just credentials.
If more companies followed Lola Nena’s lead, perhaps the dream of a more equitable job market in the Philippines wouldn’t feel so far away.
As one commenter aptly said:
“Let’s give this positivity a boost. It’s one of the few lights in an otherwise dim employment system.”
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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