Why Job Listing Qualifications Feel Absurd

Recent questions

• How are employers changing their hiring practices?

  Employers are shifting towards skills-based hiring, prioritizing experience and skills over degrees. This change is driven by the recognition that lack of experience, skills, credentials, and education ranked as the second biggest barrier for job seekers in 2022. By focusing on skills rather than formal qualifications, companies aim to reduce mis-hires, costs, and time to hire, while increasing employee retention rates. Major companies like Walmart and IBM have already started hiring workers without degrees, signaling a broader trend in the labor market.

• What is the current trend in the US labor market?

  The US labor market has cooled recently due to economic activity slowing down, leading to a decline in hiring rates. Job postings decreased by over 15% at the end of 2023 compared to the previous year. Employers are becoming more selective, with quality of hire being a top priority for 54% of recruiters. Despite these challenges, 46% of companies plan to increase hiring in the first half of 2024 due to current employees lacking required skills. This indicates a shift towards skills-based hiring to address the changing dynamics of the labor market.

• How can individuals enhance their job prospects?

  To enhance job prospects, individuals should focus on showcasing relevant experience. This can be achieved through volunteering, internships, or online training programs with practical components. Utilizing freelancer platforms can also provide opportunities to gain experience, even by initially offering services at a lower cost to build a positive reputation and secure future work. By emphasizing practical skills and experience, job seekers can align themselves with the skills-based hiring trend in the labor market and increase their chances of securing employment.

• What do hiring managers prioritize in candidates?

  Hiring managers prioritize skills, experience, and past accomplishments over credentials and education. In a survey, 79% of workers in hiring roles indicated a preference for candidates with relevant experience and demonstrated skills. This shift in priorities reflects the growing importance of practical abilities and accomplishments in the hiring process, as employers seek to match candidates with the specific skills needed for the job. By focusing on showcasing their skills and experience, candidates can align themselves with the preferences of hiring managers and increase their chances of success in the job market.

• Why are companies turning towards skills-based hiring?

  Companies are turning towards skills-based hiring to address challenges in upskilling and to meet the evolving demands of the labor market. Despite difficulties in training and upskilling employees, more employers are recognizing the benefits of prioritizing skills over formal qualifications. Skills-based hiring has shown to reduce mis-hires, cost, and time to hire, while increasing employee retention by 89%. By focusing on skills rather than degrees, companies can adapt to the changing landscape of the labor market and ensure they have the talent needed to drive success in their organizations.