Skills-based hiring shifts away from traditional methods of evaluating the potential of candidates. Recruiters and hiring specialists have adapted their approach in recent years, explains Molly Weaver, an innovative and industry-leading talent acquisition strategist with more than 20 years of experience.  

Weaver leads a workshop, Skills-based Hiring: Beyond the Buzzword, on February 22 from 10-11:30 am that dives deeper into skills-based hiring and how it can benefit talent acquisition specialists, recruiters, and HR professionals.  

TeamKC’s annual talent summit, Training Camp, also takes place on February 22 from 2:30 to 5 pm. Expand your learning day by beginning with Weaver’s workshop built for a small group with ample opportunity for discussion and engagement. 

Below, she provides some brief insight into why skills-based hiring matters. 

What does skills-based hiring mean? 

This approach to recruitment and talent acquisition prioritizes the assessment and selection of candidates based on their specific skills and abilities relevant to the job requirements. Rather than solely focusing on educational qualifications or past job titles, skills-based hiring emphasizes a candidate’s practical skills, experiences, and competencies. 

How does this differ from established approaches to hiring talent? 

Traditional approaches to hiring often prioritize factors such as educational background, job titles, and years of experience. Skills-based hiring, on the other hand, places a primary focus on the specific skills and competencies that a candidate possesses. It shifts the emphasis from pedigree and general qualifications to a more granular evaluation of a candidate’s ability to perform the required tasks and contribute meaningfully to the organization. 

Why has there been a shift in focus to hiring people based on skill set in recent years? 

This hiring shift is driven by several factors. The rapidly changing nature of many industries and technologies has made traditional qualifications less indicative of a candidate’s ability to excel in a role. Additionally, there is a growing recognition that a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences can bring valuable skills to an organization. Skills-based hiring allows companies to tap into a broader talent pool and fill roles with individuals who can contribute immediately. 

How might your workshop help professionals who wish to update their recruitment and hiring approach? 

This workshop can provide valuable insights and practical strategies for professionals involved in talent acquisition, recruiting, and human resources.

Topics and steps discussed in the workshop include: 

• Understanding the Landscape: Participants gain an overview of the current hiring landscape and the importance of skills in modern job markets. 
• Understanding change management needed: Review the steps needed to start implementing skills-based hiring.  
• Developing Skill-Centric Job Descriptions: Guidance on crafting job descriptions that highlight the specific skills required for success in a role. 
• Adapting to Industry Changes: Understanding how skills-based hiring can adapt to industry trends and changes in the job market. 
• Making the case: Help participants begin making the case in their organization that a shift to skills-based hiring is critical to long-term success. 

By thinking about and implementing these topics and steps, participants can enhance their ability to identify and recruit candidates with the right skill sets, leading to more effective and successful hiring outcomes.