Embrace The New Learning Philosophy of Skills-Based Hiring

Coronavirus has impacted us in ways we never thought imaginable. Unemployment and an economic contraction are at an all-time high, and people are struggling to stay optimistic. 

The good news is, we can learn from our past and view this unprecedented economic challenge as a world-wide learning experience. A new trend in the workforce is skill-based hiring. Essentially, this is a talent acquisition strategy that focuses on the employees’ skills as opposed to their credentials. 

Exploring Skill-Based Hiring 

There are many reasons why someone might be highly skilled but go unnoticed by people in positions of power. Perhaps they come from a low-income background and have not had the opportunity to pursue their higher education goals. Maybe they have specialized in new technology and not had the chance to perform in a professional setting. To embrace skill-based hiring we need to understand what kinds of skills we are looking for. This post focuses specifically on the importance of soft skills, which are hard to express through a college degree or traditional resume. 

What Are Soft Skills? Soft skills are highly important in forming interpersonal connections, networking, and keeping office morale high. Below we have compiled a list of essential soft skills that you should look out for when hiring new employees.

Soft Skills And Employee Engagement

Communication: Communication skills are important in almost every area of life. Employees that can communicate with people, whether they are clients, customers, colleagues, or employers will be invaluable to your company. Speaking clearly and politely with people in person, by zoom, or in writing prevents misunderstandings and will help the workplace run smoothly. 

Work Ethic: It is important to look for candidates with a strong work ethic. A strong work ethic means coming to work on time, completing tasks promptly, and staying organized even in chaotic situations. People with this skill have a knack for filling their time wisely and completing their work with attention to detail. 

Overcoming Workforce Development Challenges With Positivity 

Positive Attitude: People have always been attracted to positive energy and optimism. This valuable trait comes in handy in the workplace too. Look out for employees who will be friendly to others, look on the bright side, and be pleasant in social situations. Employees with a glass half full outlook are especially important if your company is going through a particularly stressful or difficult time.

Teamwork: People who can work well with others will help your company thrive. It is common for businesses to engage in team projects, department meetings, and people with various viewpoints. Some attributes of a good team player include the ability to negotiate with others, the capacity to appreciate diversity in a team, and the willingness to compromise. 

Challenge Your Current Talent Acquisition Strategy

If you feel at a crossroads in your current talent acquisition method, you are not alone. Many businesses are not aware of the skills and potential their employees possess. Luckily, the number of nonprofits focused on providing skills-based solutions for job seekers, particularly those without college degrees, is growing. 

Take initiative and begin looking past the college credentials when searching for a new employee. Focusing on invaluable soft skills might just help your entire workforce. Have you tried looking at an employee’s soft skills before their credentials? If so, what difference did that make? Let us know, and let’s keep the conversation going at WeLearn’s learning development blog.