Looking For a Job? Emphasise On Skills More Than Degrees

The significance of skills has emerged as a paramount factor in securing a job, often outweighing the traditional emphasis on degrees. While degrees can provide a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge, they might only sometimes encompass the practical abilities and adaptability demanded by modern workplaces. On the other hand, skills showcase a candidate's hands-on proficiency, problem-solving aptitude, and capacity to contribute immediately to a company's goals. Technology and methodologies swiftly evolve in many industries, rendering certain degree-based information obsolete. Skills can be continually updated and refined, ensuring professionals remain relevant and competitive.

Moreover, skills often transcend specific academic disciplines, enabling individuals to apply their expertise across various roles and industries. Employers increasingly recognize that a skilled workforce enhances innovation, productivity, and resilience. While degrees still hold importance, the capacity to demonstrate valuable skills has become a pivotal differentiator in job recruitment, reflecting a candidate's real-world utility and potential to drive meaningful impact.

According to LinkedIn, job postings that do not specify a degree need have surged by 90% in the United Kingdom

Recruiters are emphasising skills-based recruiting above degrees or certificates. According to recent LinkedIn statistics, fresh grads are due for lousy news as recruiters focus away from degrees and certifications and towards skills-based recruiting. LinkedIn data provided by Insider showed a 90% increase in the frequency of UK job ads that did not include a degree as necessary between 2021 and 2022.

LinkedIn's Future of Recruiting Report 2023

Furthermore, according to LinkedIn's Future of Recruiting report 2023, worldwide recruiters are increasingly likely to seek applicants based on skills rather than degrees, with 20% of positions posted in the US not requiring a four-year degree, up from roughly 15% in 2021. LinkedIn discovered that this change is expected to accelerate in the future. According to the Future of Recruiting survey, 75% of recruiting professionals believe that skills-first hiring will become a priority for their firm in the next 18 months.

Companies that have traditionally had stringent recruiting criteria, such as specified degree requirements, are relaxing these requirements in job postings. IBM, Accenture, Dell, Bank of America, Google, and Tesla are among the companies increasingly recruiting based on talent. LinkedIn's most recent Future of Work research shows that 92% of US CEOs believe people skills are more crucial than ever. According to LinkedIn, the fastest-growing in-demand talents in job ads since November 2022 are communications, flexibility, professional ethics, social perceptiveness, and self-management.

Conclusion

Billionaire Elon Musk, CEO of five firms including Tesla, is one of the most renowned business leaders who doubt the value of a college education. At the Satellite 2020 conference, Musk stated that colleges are "not for learning" but rather a place to have fun. He cited successful college dropouts such as Bill Gates and Larry Ellison as examples. Meanwhile, the Big Four accounting firms KPMG, PWC, and Deloitte are seeing a surge in university graduates who need more professional skills like communication, cooperation, and giving a presentation. They've had to provide additional training to assist recruits in adjusting to the job, implying that universities and colleges need to do more to educate young people for the workforce.