Hiring Decisions Based on Skills? Talk about a game-changer in the war for talent! Skills-based hiring is a more comprehensive way for employers to ensure that they are hiring the right people who will be able to meet organizational needs. 

The world of work is changing – fast. The traditional way of hiring based on job titles and degrees can be ineffective. Instead, employers should look at a skills-based hiring approach, where they look for candidates who have the specific skills to do the job, regardless of their job title or degree. Makes a lot of sense – doesn’t it?  

 Skills-based hiring offers several advantages over traditional hiring methods and the potential benefits for employers are significant! Consider this:  

• Matching skills with organizational needs – employees that have the right skills to meet an organization’s goals will be in a position to directly impact an organization’s overall productivity and performance.  Yes, please!  
• Tapping into a larger and more diverse talent pool – allows employers to attract more candidates to find the skillset that best aligns with organizational needs. Definitely!  
• Foster a culture of learning and innovation – the focus will be on an employee’s skill set, what they have now, and what they might need going forward which will continue to align with ever-changing business goals and directly impact the bottom line.  Studies have shown that organizations that have a culture of continuous learning and development also have better employee retention and engagement. You take care of me, and I’ll take care of you.  Invest in your employees skills and imagine just for a minute what that would likely do to their engagement and motivation.  
• Increased efficiency in your recruitment process – opens the pool up to more skill-based applicants, resulting in filling positions faster, and reducing the burden on existing staff who have been filling in the gaps. Efficiency = time and cost savings!! 
• Reduced bias in recruitment – candidate screening tools and assessments will be based on understanding a candidate’s skillset instead of focusing on past positions and degrees that may or may not apply. The result will be a more inclusive and welcoming work environment where all employees feel like a valued member of the team. How awesome would that be? 
• Improved retention – employees who feel valued and appreciated are much more likely to stick around. Imagine an environment where every employee’s unique set of skills is contributing to an organization’s overall success, and they all know it.  Talk about a win-win! 

Skills-based hiring is not easy, and this is not anything a company can change overnight. It requires a shift from more traditional hiring practices and a willingness to be more open-minded and flexible. Take note – skills-based hiring is not a fad. It is a trend that will likely continue to gain momentum because it makes sense, and it will certainly provide a competitive advantage to employers who are willing to get out of neutral and challenge old hiring norms.  Employees are a company’s most valuable asset.  Sounds like it’s time to start treating them that way. What are you waiting for?  

OneDigital offers a range of customizable and cost-effective HR solutions that enable leaders to create an environment where all employees operate at their highest potential. Learn more about our Human Resources Consulting Solutions Here!