Skills-based hiring: what you’re doing vs. what you should be doing.
Let’s face it—hiring is changing, and if your process hasn’t evolved, you’re probably missing out on great talent. Skills-based hiring is the way forward, but many companies are stuck in old habits that just don’t work anymore. So, let’s break it down: what you might be doing now versus what you should be doing if you want to stay ahead.
Reframing the role of education.
Traditionally, degrees have been seen as the ultimate proof of capability. But while education has its place, it doesn’t always tell the full story about a candidate’s skills or potential. What really matters is what a person can bring to the table. Can they build a solution, innovate under pressure, or lead a team through challenges? That’s where their true value lies. By incorporating skills assessments, portfolio reviews, or real-world task evaluations into your hiring process, you can uncover exceptional talent that might not fit the conventional mould.
Generic job ads won’t cut it.
the word 'generic' doesn't exist in our vocabulary! When was the last time you updated your job descriptions? If they’re vague or filled with buzzwords and phrases, you’re likely missing the mark.
Today’s candidates want to know exactly what’s required. Listing the actual skills, tools, and qualities you’re looking for helps attract the right people. Plus, it saves you time by filtering out those who don’t match the role.
"So tell us about yourself" | traditional interviews? Let’s rethink those.
We’ve all been through those interviews with questions like, “What’s your greatest weakness?” They rarely show what a candidate can actually do.
Instead, try competency-based interviews. Ask questions that focus on real challenges the candidate might face in the role. “How would you approach X problem?” or “Tell me about a time you did Y.” These kinds of conversations reveal a lot more about their abilities and mindset.
So how do you make the shift?
At the rec hub, we’ve seen how transforming hiring processes can make a huge impact. Here are a few simple ways to start:
The reality is, skills-based hiring isn’t just a better way to find talent—it’s a smarter way to build teams that perform, adapt, and grow.