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Numerous headlines highlight the shift toward skills-based hiring, where organizations prioritize skills over traditional credentials like academic degrees. But does removing degree requirements actually increase the hiring of candidates without degrees? A Harvard Business School and Burning Glass Institute report analyzing 11,300 roles found that firms saw only a 3.5 percentage point increase—less than 1 in 700 hires last year. However, 37% of firms classified as Skills-Based Hiring Leaders achieved nearly a 20% increase. This gap suggests skills-based hiring has potential but requires a thoughtful, intentional approach. To support this effort, here’s my infographic with 9 sample questions, including “What essential skills are needed for this role, and can they be acquired outside a formal degree?” “How quickly do required skills for this role evolve, and does a degree ensure up-to-date knowledge?” and “Are there successful employees in similar roles without the specified degree?” While skills-based hiring involves more than just reconsidering degree requirements, critically evaluating questions like these can help organizations make more informed decisions as they become more skills-based.
