If you’re graduating soon (or recently entered the workforce), you may have also seen headlines about the rise of skills-based hiring, where employers are focusing more on what candidates can do rather than just what their resume says in terms of education and experience. With so much discussion online, it’s easy to question whether formal education still matters or if hiring expectations are changing entirely.
Before panic sets in, I’m here to tell you that degrees continue to play an important role, especially for entry-level candidates who are still building professional experience. What’s changing (in some cases, certainly not all) is how employers assess readiness for work. Instead of viewing education as the only measure of potential, many companies are looking for a combination of academic knowledge and demonstrated skills. Understanding this shift can help you feel more confident (and more prepared) as you transition from student to employee.
Education and experiences still matter
Overall, the conversation around skills-based hiring can feel confusing. Resumes have always included a mix of education, work experiences, and extracurricular involvement – so what’s actually different now? The answer isn’t that degrees or experience are disappearing. Instead employers are becoming more intentional about how they interpret what they see on a resume and how they assess a candidate’s readiness for a role.
Like I said earlier, your education is still an important foundation. A degree demonstrates knowledge, commitment and the ability to learn complex material over time. Experiences like internships, part-time jobs, volunteer roles, and campus involvement also continue to be valuable because they show initiative and real-world exposure. The key is to make the skills you’ve developed clear and visible rather than assuming they are obvious from your resume alone.
How traditional resume screening typically works
Typically, hiring processes focus on credentials and background indicators when reviewing candidates. Recruiters might look first at your degree, the school you attended, or whether you’ve held similar job titles before. Experience is often evaluated based on where you worked and how long you held a role, with the expectation that certain positions naturally build specific abilities.
This approach can be efficient when reviewing large numbers of applicants, but it doesn’t always capture the full picture of what someone can actually do. Two students with the same degree may have very different skill sets depending on their projects, interests, extracurriculars or experiences. Similarly, someone without a traditional internship may still have developed relevant abilities through freelance work, volunteering or independent learning.
What skills-based hiring looks at instead
Skills-based hiring starts from a slightly different perspective. As mentioned, rather than focusing only on credentials or job titles, employers begin by identifying the abilities required for success in a role like communication, problem-solving, data analysis, or project management, and then look for clear examples of those abilities in action.
This may involve reviewing portfolios, asking candidates to complete practical exercises, or digging deeper into specific projects listed on a resume. This means employers may pay closer attention to how you describe your experiences – not just where you studied or worked, but what you accomplished, how you approached challenges, and what results you achieved. Education and experience still matter, but they are viewed through the lens of the skills you gained from them.
Where skills-based hiring makes the most sense
Some industries naturally lend themselves to this approach, particularly roles where skills can be clearly demonstrated:
Technology and Digital Roles: Coding projects, data analysis, and technical portfolios can speak louder than your major alone.
Creative Fields and Marketing: Portfolios, campaign results, and academic projects can showcase strategic thinking and creativity.
Customer Experience and Sales: Interpersonal skills, problem-solving, and leadership often weigh more than a degree in these roles.
Skilled Trades and Technical Careers: Apprenticeships, certifications, and hands-on experience remain central to hiring decisions.
Emerging Industries: Fields like AI or sustainability value adaptability and transferable skills, alongside formal education.
However, some professions like healthcare, engineering, law, and regulated finance roles still rely heavily on degrees and certifications to ensure competence.
How to make your skills shine
Even as hiring practices evolve, your resume is still an important tool – but the way you present your education and experience can make a big difference. The key is to show how your experiences translate into real skills rather than just listing courses, job titles or responsibilities.
Some tips for making your skills stand out:
Focus on accomplishments, not duties. Instead of writing “Worked as a research assistant,” describe what you did and what you achieved: “Conducted data analysis for a psychology study, improving efficiency of results tracking by 30%.”
Highlight projects and practical experience. Include academic projects, personal initiatives, or freelance work that demonstrates skills relevant to the role you want. Think of your resume as a portfolio in words.
Use clear, skill-focused language. Words like “analyzed,” “designed,” “collaborated,” “managed,” and “presented” convey abilities directly.
Include measurable outcomes when possible. Numbers help employers see the impact of your work: “Led a team of 4 in developing a marketing campaign that increased engagement by 25%.”
Don’t forget transferable skills. Leadership, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving are valuable across roles, and can be highlighted through both work and school experiences.
Final Thoughts
Skills-based hiring isn’t about devaluing education, it’s just about adding more context to how employers evaluate candidates. Please remember that your degree continues to be a powerful foundation that demonstrates your knowledge and commitment. The only thing evolving is that you’ll be expected to show how you can apply that knowledge in practical settings.
As the job market continues to change, the strongest candidates will be the ones who combine academic learning with real-world skills and experiences. By understanding this shift and positioning yourself accordingly, you can approach your job search with even more clarity and confidence, knowing that both your education and your abilities play an important role in shaping your future career.