In today’s job market, degrees have long been considered the gold standard for employers when evaluating job applicants. However, many experts are now advocating for a change in hiring practices. Rather than focusing solely on degrees, employers should place greater emphasis on an applicant’s skills.
This shift in focus is becoming increasingly important given the rise of alternative education options such as online courses and boot camps. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of looking beyond degrees in the hiring process and how it can positively impact both employers and job seekers alike.
The Problem with Degree-Centric Hiring Practices
One of the biggest issues with degree-centric hiring practices is that they can often be exclusionary. For many positions, a degree is not necessarily a requirement for success. However, employers who only consider applicants with degrees may be missing out on a wealth of talent. This is especially true for certain industries where skills and experience are valued more highly than a degree. For example, in the tech industry, many successful professionals have forged careers without ever obtaining a degree.
Another issue with degree-centric hiring practices is that they can be a poor indicator of job readiness. While a degree may demonstrate a level of academic achievement, it does not necessarily equate to job skills. Many graduates struggle to find work in their field because they lack the practical experience that is necessary to succeed. On the other hand, job seekers who have gained skills through alternative education options may be overlooked simply because they don’t have a traditional degree.
Finally, degree-centric hiring practices can be expensive for employers. Requiring a degree for every position can limit the pool of applicants and may result in higher salary requirements. By focusing on skills rather than degrees, employers can potentially save money while still finding highly qualified candidates.
The Benefits of Focusing on Applicant Skills
There are numerous benefits to focusing on applicant skills rather than degrees. For starters, it can help employers tap into a wider pool of talent. By looking beyond degrees, employers can identify job seekers who have gained valuable skills through alternative education options. This can include online courses, boot camps, and other non-degree programs. By considering these candidates, employers can potentially find a better match for the job and may be more likely to find applicants who are passionate about the work.
Another benefit of focusing on skills is that it can help create a more diverse workforce. When employers only consider applicants with degrees, they may unintentionally exclude qualified job seekers from underrepresented groups. By placing greater emphasis on skills, employers can help level the playing field and provide opportunities to a wider range of applicants.
Finally, focusing on applicant skills can help companies stay competitive. In today’s fast-paced business environment, skills are often more important than degrees. Companies that prioritize skills-based hiring are more likely to attract top talent and may be better equipped to adapt to changing market conditions.
How to Assess Applicant Skills
Assessing applicant skills requires a different approach than evaluating degrees. Rather than simply looking at a candidate’s academic record, employers need to evaluate a range of factors. This can include evaluating a candidate’s work experience, portfolio, and personal projects. Employers may also want to consider administering skills tests or holding in-person interviews to evaluate a candidate’s practical skills.
It’s important to note that assessing applicant skills can be challenging. Unlike relatively standardized degrees, skills can vary significantly from candidate to candidate. To overcome this challenge, employers may want to consider partnering with industry organizations or experts to develop appropriate assessment tools.
The Importance of Soft Skills in the Hiring Process
While technical skills are important, it’s also crucial to consider soft skills in the hiring process. Soft skills refer to a candidate’s interpersonal skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are often difficult to teach and can be crucial for success in many positions.
When evaluating soft skills, employers may want to consider using behavioral interview questions. These questions are designed to elicit specific examples of how a candidate has demonstrated certain soft skills in the past.
Additionally, employers may want to consider administering personality tests to evaluate a candidate’s temperament and work style.
Overcoming Biases in the Hiring Process
Even when focusing on skills rather than degrees, there is still the potential for biases to creep into the hiring process. For example, employers may have unconscious biases against job seekers from certain backgrounds or with certain educational experiences. To overcome these biases, it’s important to establish clear evaluation criteria and to train hiring managers to recognize and eliminate biases.
Another way to reduce biases is to use blind hiring practices. This involves removing identifying information from resumes and other application materials so that hiring managers are not influenced by factors such as a candidate’s name, educational institution, or address.
Examples of Successful Companies that Focus on Skills, Not Degrees
Many successful companies have already made the shift to skills-based hiring. For example, IBM has created a “new collar” jobs program, which focuses on hiring candidates with skills rather than degrees. Similarly, Google has created several alternative education programs, such as its Google Career Certificates, which provide job seekers with the skills they need to succeed in tech.
Other successful companies that focus on skills include Apple, Tesla, and Netflix. These companies have all demonstrated that skills-based hiring can lead to a more diverse and talented workforce.
Tips for Implementing a Skills-Based Hiring Strategy
Implementing a skills-based hiring strategy requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to try new approaches. Some tips for implementing a skills-based hiring strategy include:
- Establish clear evaluation criteria: Determine what skills are necessary for success in the position and establish clear evaluation criteria for assessing those skills.
- Use skills tests and assessments: Consider administering skills tests or assessments to evaluate candidates’ practical skills.
- Consider alternative education options: Look beyond traditional degrees and consider candidates who have gained skills through alternative education options such as online courses and boot camps.
- Use blind hiring practices: Remove identifying information from resumes and other application materials to reduce the potential for biases.
- Train hiring managers: Train hiring managers to recognize and eliminate biases in the hiring process.
The Future of Skills-Based Hiring
As the job market continues to evolve, skills-based hiring will likely become more prevalent. Employers who prioritize skills over degrees will be better equipped to find highly qualified candidates and build a diverse and talented workforce. As alternative education options continue to grow, more job seekers will likely gain skills outside of traditional degree programs.
Resources for Employers and Job Seekers
There are several resources available for employers and job seekers who are interested in skills-based hiring. These include:
- LinkedIn Learning: Offers a range of online courses and certifications for job seekers looking to gain new skills.
- Coursera: Provides online courses and degrees from top universities and companies.
- Udacity: Offers online courses and nano degrees in a range of tech-related fields.
- Codecademy: Provides online coding courses and projects for learners of all levels.
- Skillshare: Offers a range of creative and business-related courses and workshops
Conclusion
Focusing on applicant skills rather than degrees is becoming increasingly important in today’s job market. By looking beyond degrees, employers can tap into a wider pool of talent and potentially find a better match for the job. Additionally, skills-based hiring can help create a more diverse and talented workforce and may be more cost-effective for employers.
While assessing applicant skills requires a different approach than evaluating degrees, there is a range of tools and resources available to help employers make the shift to skills-based hiring. By doing so, employers can stay competitive and build a workforce that is better equipped to adapt to changing market conditions.
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