Skills Over Degrees - Transforming Your Hiring Approach

As businesses tackle constantly evolving workplace demands, the traditional reliance on degrees is beginning to give way to a focus on skills. A recent survey by Indeed revealed that 67% of employers now value soft skills more than educational qualifications. This trend is reshaping recruitment, and here at Precision People, we can help you find the perfect candidate with the necessary skills for your roles.

Why Skills Matter More Than Degrees

While qualifications remain essential for roles in fields such as engineering, a skills-first hiring approach broadens the talent pool for a range of other positions. Skills such as critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving often hold more weight in the modern work environment. LinkedIn reports a 14.2% rise since 2021 in job ads omitting degree requirements, highlighting this growing shift.

Interestingly, research shows that fewer job seekers are now being asked to disclose their A-level results, with only 15% believing these qualifications impacted their career prospects. Instead, employers are prioritising practical experience, transferable skills, and vocational training. This not only helps to identify candidates who may often be overlooked but also addresses diversity and inclusion goals. Something which is a critical focus for many organisations.

The Advantages of Skills-First Hiring

Adopting a skills-first hiring approach offers businesses significant advantages in today’s competitive job market. Research reveals that employees hired for their skills remain in their roles 20% longer than those selected primarily for their degrees. Following this approach helps to improve retention and helps to reduce turnover costs. Additionally, relaxing traditional requirements, such as formal education or specific years of experience where possible, broadens the talent pool, creating opportunities for candidates who have developed expertise through alternative pathways. This approach not only ensures inclusivity but also aligns job descriptions with the real demands of the role, enabling businesses to identify and attract the best candidates. By prioritising skills over credentials, organisations can address recruitment challenges more effectively, leveraging this strategy to help build a more dynamic and capable workforce.

If you need assistance with your hiring process, Precision People are here to help. With many years of expertise in recruiting top talent for engineering, sales, and technical roles, we specialise in identifying the best candidates for your vacancies by looking beyond qualifications to uncover true potential. Contact us today to speak to a member of our team about your needs.