- Some employers are dropping degree requirements, but hiring isn’t increasing significantly.
- Employers may not always ask for degrees, but many still value them.
- Shifting focus to hiring for skills could open doors for millions of job seekers in the US.
Ranji McMillan, 42, has been searching for a job for over a year and worries about roles that don’t require degrees, fearing they might be low-quality jobs. Despite having an associate degree and years of experience in her field, she still encounters degree requirements in most job listings.
According to David Deming from Harvard, while some companies are removing degree requirements, they still often prefer candidates with degrees. The disparity is highlighted by a study showing that in 2023, only 1 in 700 hires was made based on skills rather than degrees.
Hiring for Skills
Research indicates that only 36% of adults in the US hold a bachelor’s degree, often due to high tuition costs. Despite a push for skills-based hiring, many employers remain risk-averse and prefer traditional candidates.
The Shift to Skills
Adapting hiring practices to focus on skills could benefit companies, according to research by McKinsey, which shows that skills-based candidates perform better and stay longer in their roles.
Future job markets will demand more education and training, potentially requiring skills assessments and certifications instead of degrees. This shift aims to help diverse candidates, like McMillan, who struggle with current hiring practices.
As McMillan continues her job hunt, she reflects on the importance of evolving skills in the workforce, regardless of educational background, stressing that qualifications should align with current job demands.
For workplace insights or personal job search experiences, reach out to Business Insider at thegrind@businessinsider.com.
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