Change is ubiquitous. And, in today’s rapidly changing job market, we’re witnessing both an increase in the demand for technical roles and a shortage of people to fill these positions. To address hiring demands, in some cases, companies now are willing to consider applicants who don’t have college degrees or other conventional credentials to fulfill their talent requirements. Hiring managers are shifting their focus from degrees, minimum years of experience, and job titles to skills and verified competencies. This workplace trend is known as skills-based hiring.
The technological revolution, the rise of digital learning platforms, and easy accessibility have been a game changer. Employers are recognizing that traditional educational models are not enough to keep pace with rapid technological and skill-based changes in modern industries. A survey by TestGorilla indicates that skills-based hiring is a trend that shows no signs of abating, with 53.4% of respondents stating that this method will continue to dominate hiring decisions.
Changing Requirements
Organizations eliminating college degree requirements from their hiring criterion has happened in a few different waves and continues now. One wave followed the Recession in 2008-2009, a second (known as the Structural Reset) in 2017 and another (Cyclical Reset) in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In competitive market conditions, companies lessen their focus on college degree requirements when the demand for a talented workforce surpasses availability and supply. We saw during the structural reset period that, companies de-emphasized degree requirements for 46% of middle-skilled positions and 31% of high-skilled positions.
When resetting, employers are focusing on hiring workers based on their skills and competencies. On the positive front, this practice is opening opportunities for job seekers who, in the past, were not given hiring consideration.
Ways to Thrive in a Skills-Based Market
In line with the changing market requirements, giant organizations such as Boeing, Walmart, and IBM signed the Rework America Alliance and the Business Roundtable’s Multiple Pathways program and pledged to implement better skills-based practices. This opportunity has opened doors for more candidates to be included in the talent pool and to be considered for employment, based on their specific skills and competencies. If you’re a skilled job seeker who looks beyond conventional credentials, here are some practical ways by which you can leverage this reset and land competitive roles in leading organizations.
Build a Comprehensive Portfolio
Use your skills as your driving force. Focus on creating online repositories that highlight not just your achievements but problem-solving processes, technical proficiencies, and your ability to learn and adapt. Leverage popular platforms like GitHub, Behance, and LinkedIn’s skills showcase to display your competencies.
Leverage Learning Platforms
“The half-life of skills is expiring faster and faster. You have to continuously refine and upskill,” says Chris Foltz, a chief talent officer in Armonk, New York.
Platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer targeted, industry-recognized certifications that can directly enhance your learning and marketability. Keep yourself updated with their latest courses and offerings. Additionally, these platforms provide more than just theoretical knowledge. Their sample projects and real-world case studies also help professionals develop practical skills that can be applied in the workplace.
Focus on Soft Skills
“The soft skills – often developed through a broad-based education – are critical. They ensure that the skills employees bring to the table don’t just exist in isolation but are effectively applied in a team environment,” shares Dr. Diane Hamilton, a behavioral expert, in a recent Forbes article.
While technical proficiencies are crucial, employers also value soft skills like critical thinking, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. When hiring for skills, managers are gauging the softer skills of potential hires, too. As a professional, you must develop and practice these skills, as these are required across various industries and in differing roles and team settings.
The Future of Hiring
The rise of skills-based hiring reflects a broader transformation in how we perceive professional development and talent. This approach promises to be a more dynamic, diverse, inclusive, and efficient practice that prioritizes demonstrable capabilities over traditional requirements and credentials.
At Crosworks, we believe that every individual, at any level, has the capabilities and skills to do meaningful work that moves the organization forward while providing personal fulfillment. We take pride in empowering people with clarity, direction, and focus to use their skills and perform their best work. Schedule a free, introductory call today to find out how Crosworks’ professional career coaches can help you shape your job search and tell your own, unique story.