Latest recruitment trends indicate a heavy shift towards skills-based hiring. What could this mean for those with academic or professional qualifications but limited work experience? You may have completed university courses and worked hard to receive your degree(s). However, you may be concerned about current recruitment methods focusing on skills and giving less emphasis on having the relevant academic qualifications.
What is skills-based hiring?
A couple of decades ago, many employers started asking for degree courses for jobs which did not require university qualifications. In recent years, however, we can see a gradual move away from a qualifications-based view to a more skills-based approach. Organisations across a range of sectors put greater emphasis on skills in order to attract a more diverse talent pool. They understand that they need to widen their access to talent to successfully deal with the challenges of the post-pandemic work environment. A more diverse workplace means that employees can contribute with more creative and innovative ideas and share knowledge with each other. Many companies experience labour shortages and struggle to fill positions. When organisations remove the need for degree-level qualifications, they can draw in candidates from a wider range of industries. To keep up and compete in a rapidly changing technological environment, companies need to encourage individuals to continuously learn. They can support staff members in developing their knowledge and completing university courses while being employed. They are increasingly aware that transferrable skills could allow people to work in entirely different sectors even if they do not have direct experience or qualifications.
What are the skills needed in the future?
It is difficult to give a definite answer because the world is rapidly changing. However, some of the most sought-after skills are expected to be analytical thinking and innovation, complex problem solving, critical thinking, leadership, use of technology, resilience, flexibility, and emotional intelligence.
What could this mean for you?
If you have completed academic or professional qualifications however you have limited work experience, you may be concerned about the above trend. You may have spent years studying hard in the hope that you will receive an exciting new job in your field soon after you graduate. You may have been applying for jobs for a while and feel disappointed by not receiving a job offer.
As organisations shift their recruitment strategies, you will notice a change in the way job descriptions are crafted and new technical/hard/soft skills are listed in job adverts. Interviewing techniques are likely to be reviewed to align with skill-based hiring approaches. Employers will focus on the candidates’ practical abilities and experiences and offer jobs to those who come across as the most capable.
How do you strengthen your application?
If you feel that you have little work experience, you will need to find ways to diversify your profile. The earlier you start thinking about gaining professional experience, the more time you will have to boost your CV. There are a range of avenues you could look at:
- Taking up volunteering roles: Volunteering for a good cause could be one of the best ways to gain work skills. You could find volunteering opportunities at CharityJob, Do IT, Reach Volunteering, Vinspired, Volunteering Matters and the Step on Board websites. Volunteering could help you to make a genuine difference to others, to network and to pick up essential workplace skills.
- Set up an enterprise: Setting up your own small business could be an exciting and rewarding journey. You could devote a few hours a week to creating your business. If you have specialist knowledge in a subject area, you could look at providing consulting to others. You could join networking groups and introduce yourself to others in your local business community. When you run your own business, you can be in control of how much you want to work and what projects you would like to take on. Setting a business would help you demonstrate entrepreneurial, project management, effective communications, networking and problem-solving skills, just to mention a few.
- Go freelance: Have you applied for several permanent positions however with not much success? Are you waiting for the right job to come along? You may find it helpful to explore freelance positions while you are waiting to land a permanent full-time position.
- Take up temporary or part-time roles: As most people seek permanent full-time positions, there may be less competition for temporary roles. If you want to work for a specific organisation, you could consider taking up a temporary job. You could gain valuable skills, network, and learn about new opportunities within the organisation.
- Alternative education: Employers value education which can be quickly applied to the work environment and provide practical knowledge. Make sure that you explore practical courses, workshops and training sessions which equip you with relevant skills.
- Build a network: You can network at conferences, workshops, seminars, courses, industry events and via social media. You could start with LinkedIn, one of the largest social networking sites which is designed for individuals to make meaningful connections. You could also attend industry events, join business networking groups, and attend conferences. If you commit to just one networking activity each week, you could significantly develop your network. Networking could provide you with valuable job opportunities, mentoring, and possible collaborations.
- Demonstrate flexibility: Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who demonstrate flexibility and those who are willing to learn, improve and grow. Although university degrees are valuable, a lot of employers may consider those less essential. As a candidate, you might find that the competition for jobs will increase, and you may spend more time than expected applying for jobs. You could consider broadening the range of organisations and roles you apply for.
- Resilience: You may face some disappointments while applying for jobs. However, it is important that you continuously change your approach and try to learn from each application experience. While you are waiting for the right job, do take the time to expand your skills. You will significantly improve your chances of landing an exciting new position.
In conclusion, skills-based hiring relies on candidates’ work skills matching the essential criteria included in a job description rather than relying on academic qualifications alone.
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