Job ads not requiring a degree have increased by 90%, bad news for recent graduates who invested heavily in their education, according to LinkedIn data.

Job ads not requiring a degree have increased by 90%, bad news for recent graduates who invested heavily in their education, according to LinkedIn data.

Skills Over Degrees: The Changing Landscape of Job Recruitment

In a surprising shift, recent research from LinkedIn has revealed that skills are now valued more than degrees in the eyes of recruiters. The number of job ads in the U.K. that no longer list a degree as a requirement has surged by 90% on the platform between 2021 and 2022. This trend is not limited to the U.K., as recruiters worldwide are now five times more likely to search for new hires based on skills rather than higher education.

The changing dynamics of recruitment are a direct response to companies like Google, Microsoft, IBM, and Apple, who have eliminated their long-held degree requirements for jobs. This strategic move aims to remove barriers to entry and attract a more diverse talent pool. With industry giants leading the way, the focus on skills-first hiring is predicted to continue growing. According to LinkedIn, 75% of recruiting professionals believe it will become a priority for their companies in the next 18 months.

Graduates and the Skills Gap

While the shift to skills-based hiring may be good news for job seekers without degrees, it also presents a fresh challenge for recent graduates. COVID-era graduates have been hit with the stark realization that they lack some “basic” social skills necessary to navigate the working world effectively. Top accounting firms Deloitte and PwC have found that junior employees often struggle with teamwork and communication skills due to their education experiences, which involved periods of isolation from their peers.

To address this gap in social skills, Deloitte and PwC have started providing extra training to their young hires, specifically focusing on tasks such as making presentations and actively participating in meetings. Universities are also taking note of this issue and are actively preparing their graduates for the job market. For example, Michigan State University offers lessons on networking conversations, teaching graduates to recognize signs of disinterest and when it’s time to move on. Companies are also stepping in by providing guidance on the first day of work, advising new hires on appropriate attire and where to have lunch. Some institutions, like Miami University, even organize dinner events with senior leaders to teach proper mealtime etiquette and engaging in conversation on neutral topics.

Social skills are not the only area where graduates may find themselves lacking. In Japan, young people have become so accustomed to socializing while wearing face masks that they are enrolling in classes specifically designed to learn how to smile again. Some schools have even integrated “smiling classes” into their curriculum, recognizing the importance of this skill in the job market.

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Degrees versus Skills: The Value Debate

With the increasing emphasis on skills, highly qualified, but perhaps socially inept, Gen Z graduates may question whether they wasted their time and money on pursuing degrees. It’s important to note that the value of a degree is not uniform across industries. For professions like medicine, a medical degree is an essential requirement. However, for industries such as media and marketing, degree qualifications are becoming less imperative.

Zahra Amiry, Omnicom Media Group’s associate director of talent attraction, highlights this distinction, stating, “You wouldn’t want to go to a doctor without a medical degree.” When seeking experienced professionals for senior roles, Amiry asserts that she doesn’t necessarily prioritize a candidate’s degree. Instead, she evaluates their skills, experience, team management abilities, overall attitude, and energy before considering their educational background.

Although some may argue that degrees are losing their value, many still recognize their significance. Lewis Maleh, CEO of the global executive recruitment agency Bentley Lewis, affirms the usefulness of a degree, citing higher earnings for degree holders and the prevalence of degree-educated individuals in leadership positions. Maleh further suggests that job ads not requiring degrees may be more about marketing and attracting a wider pool of applicants. The actual selection process could still consider degree qualifications.

Ultimately, the recruitment process can be a complex and nuanced journey, often deviating from the published requirements. Companies may strive to create an image of openness and inclusivity, but the final selection process may reflect different priorities. It is crucial for job seekers to understand that the true evaluation of skills and qualifications occurs behind closed doors.

As the shift towards skills-based hiring gains momentum, job seekers, recruiters, and educational institutions must adapt to this evolving landscape. The focus on skills offers new opportunities for individuals to showcase their talents, while also highlighting the need for continued investment in education and development beyond traditional degrees. Whether one possesses a degree or not, nurturing a diverse set of skills and continuously updating them will be key to thriving in the future of work.