Skills-based hiring: the future of recruitment revolves around what you can do, not where you studied

More and more organizations are switching to skills-based hiring. Instead of focusing on degrees or traditional work experience, it's about something much more important: what you can do. Skills-based hiring (as it's also called) makes the job market more accessible, fairer, and smarter. But what does this mean in practice? And is the traditional resume really disappearing?

In this blog post, you'll read:

• What skills-based hiring is
• Why this approach is becoming increasingly popular
• And 5 practical tips to prepare for this new way of applying

What is skills-based hiring?

Skills-based hiring means that employers no longer look exclusively at your degrees, job titles, or years of experience when hiring new staff. The emphasis is on your skills: what are your practical skills? What do you truly have to offer?

So, it matters less whether you have a university degree or have worked in the same position for years. More important is whether you have the right skills for the role. These could also be skills you've acquired through side projects: volunteering, working on your own project, taking online courses, or studying independently.

Why are more and more companies switching to skills-first recruitment?

The labor market is rapidly evolving, forcing organizations to rethink their approach to talent. These are three key reasons why skills-based hiring is gaining ground:

• Talent shortage: In many sectors, demand for personnel exceeds supply. Skills-based hiring opens the door to undiscovered talent that would otherwise be overlooked.
• Increased diversity and inclusion: By focusing less on education or career paths, people with non-traditional backgrounds also get a fair chance.
• Rapid technological change: Professions are changing rapidly. The right skills are often more important than a diploma earned five years ago.

What about the traditional CV? Is it the end for the resume?

The traditional CV hasn't suddenly disappeared, but it is under pressure. A skills-first approach focuses less on job titles or employers and more on:

• What you've accomplished
• What skills you've applied
• And how you solve problems in practice

This requires a different way of presenting yourself. You can supplement your resume with, for example, a skills profile, a portfolio, or proof of learning experiences such as certificates or projects.

5 tips to shine in a skills-based application process

1. 📝 Start with concrete results
Show what you've achieved. Don't say "responsible for social media," but "Increased Instagram reach by 200% in 6 months."

2. 💡 Use everything you've learned
Side projects, volunteer work, hobby projects, courses – if you've learned something, it counts. Mention it, show it.

3. 🎯 Prepare for practical tests
Many companies now use assessments or case studies. They want to know how you think, collaborate, or approach a problem. Practice these!

4. 📌 Tailor your resume to the position
Skills-based positions are often specific. Use the job description as a guide and focus on showcasing the skills required.

5. 🔍 Show proof
Think of a portfolio, a project page, a GitHub profile, a video explanation, or references. Literally show what you can do.

Skills are the new currency in the job market

Skills-based hiring isn't a fad, but a fundamental shift. By focusing on skills instead of checkboxes on a resume, the job market becomes fairer and more inclusive. Whether you're self-taught, considering a career change, or have experience outside the box—your skills matter.

💬 Are you ready for this new way of applying?

Greenjobs.nl supports skills-based hiring

At Greenjobs.nl, we also believe that a diploma or a perfect resume aren't everything. That's why you decide how you apply. You can upload your own profile or resume, or even apply without uploading anything. It's entirely up to you. This way, we're keeping up with the times and making applying more accessible. A piece of paper doesn't tell the whole story—it's about your whole story. What you can do. What you want to contribute. And how you make an impact.