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What is skills-based hiring?
What is skills-based hiring?

Skills are the focus of recruitment

Andre Hafner avatar
Written by Andre Hafner
Updated over 3 weeks ago

Skills are abilities

Every person has unique skills that identify them as a person with unique abilities. Every job requires certain skills in order to be able to perform it effectively.

Recruitment method

Skills-based recruiting (or skills-based hiring) is a method of recruiting new employees that focuses on a person's actual skills, rather than relying primarily on traditional criteria such as qualifications or previous professional experience. With skills-based recruiting, the focus of recruitment is primarily on the soft skills of applicants.

Soft skills are crucial for professional success

According to Harvard studies, soft skills are crucial for professional success, accounting for 85% of professional success. Skills-based recruiting therefore has numerous advantages. Here are the key arguments:

  • Rapid technological change: Traditional degrees are becoming less meaningful as new technologies require specialized skills that are often acquired more quickly through further training or practice.

  • Labor shortage: The focus on skills expands the talent pool by also considering candidates without traditional qualifications.

  • More flexible career paths: People change jobs and industries more frequently. Skills-based recruiting recognizes this development and evaluates transferable skills instead of linear career paths.

  • Promoting diversity and inclusion: By reducing prejudices about educational backgrounds or resumes, more diverse talent is included.

  • Increased efficiency: Companies can more specifically find talent who can make immediate contributions because the relevant skills are clearly in focus.

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