New report finds disconnect between managers, jobseekers on skills-first hiring
More than half of employers in Singapore are planning to depart traditional hiring methods to a skills-first approach, with a particular focus on job applicants' soft skills and experience, according to a new report.
Findings from Indeed's Smarter Hiring Report revealed that 59% of Singapore's employers are planning to implement a skills-first hiring approach.
Skills-first hiring is an emerging recruitment trend where hiring managers recognise a job applicant's skills gained through training, professional history, as well as life experience, according to Indeed.
"This shift away from credentials is a growing recognition of the value that diverse skills and perspectives bring to businesses, as it equips them to solve problems, navigate ambiguity, and stay agile in a time of constant disruption," said Rachael Townsley, Marketing Director at Indeed APAC, in a statement.
In Singapore, 70% of employers who use a skills-first hiring approach believe that soft skills are more important than hard skills. These soft skills include teamwork, communication, and critical thinking.
But even without implementing a skills-first hiring method, the report noted that 70% of employers are already more willing to select candidates with on-the-job experience and no degree over those with a degree and no experience.
"The focus on skills and experiences in specific sectors is an exciting trend that will contribute to a more resilient and adaptable Singaporean workforce," Townsley said.
But the growing focus on skills among employers in Singapore does not seem to reflect the situation among jobseekers, according to the Indeed report.
While about 67% of Singapore's hiring managers are familiar with skills-first hiring, only 36% of job seekers are used to this approach.
"Skills-first hiring is gaining traction in Singapore, but the hiring ecosystem must be on the same page to realise its impact," Townsley said.
According to the director, employers risk losing access to a diverse talent pool and jobseekers may miss out on career opportunities without alignment in skills-first hiring.
"All parties should strive to better understand what skills-first hiring means, and communicate their expectations clearly in the recruitment process," Townsley said.
MyCareersFuture, an initiative by Workforce Singapore, previously stressed the role of HR leaders in pushing the shift to a skills-first workplace.
"In Singapore, HR teams are increasingly working alongside business leaders to help make skills-based hiring and development the norm," it said on its website. "By aligning hiring strategies with business goals, HR professionals ensure that companies get the right people with the right skills for the job."
It is also up to HR leaders to foster a culture of continuous learning, according to MyCareersFuture.
"Moving away from the traditional 'plug-and-play' model — where employees are expected to perform without much development — to a 'plug, train, and play' model encourages ongoing learning," it said. "This helps employees grow and ensures the company stays agile and ready for future challenges."
