Skills-based hiring, also known as competency-based hiring, is a hiring approach that focuses on assessing and selecting candidates based on their specific skills, abilities, and competencies rather than solely relying on traditional factors like education, work experience, or job titles.

In traditional hiring methods, candidates are often evaluated based on their CV, which typically highlights their educational background, work history, and achievements. While these factors can provide some insights into a candidate's qualifications, they might not accurately reflect their actual abilities to perform the tasks required for the job.

Skills-based hiring, on the other hand, places a greater emphasis on practical skills and abilities relevant to the job. Upskilling has become particularly important in 2025, we discuss this more in our latest webinar here.