The Blubber

LinkedIn envisions a future where the hiring process and job search methods undergo significant changes in response to the evolving world of work. The popular job-networking site recognizes a shift towards employers being open to considering applicants based on their proven skills rather than traditional prerequisites like college degrees and previous job titles.

This aligns with the desires expressed by many companies themselves. Although a survey conducted by workforce development organizations American Student Assistance and Jobs for the Future revealed that over 80% of employers believe skills should be prioritized over degrees, more than half still opt for hiring college graduates due to perceived lower risk. Joseph Fuller, a management professor at Harvard Business School, describes skills-based hiring as the ultimate goal in the labor market.

LinkedIn has already played a role in redefining acceptable behavior in job hunting, as it is now acceptable for employees to create profiles that attract recruiters seeking talented individuals who are not actively searching for new opportunities. The platform, celebrating its 20th anniversary, has amassed over 930 million members globally, altering the job search landscape and facilitating networking between CEOs and employees.

In February, LinkedIn introduced a skills-matching feature, allowing users to gauge the compatibility of their skills with job requirements. Positive initial indications show that over 45% of recruiters on LinkedIn now search for candidates using skills data. Additionally, LinkedIn is incorporating artificial intelligence into the platform to enhance the efficiency of matching job seekers with employers.

Prioritizing skills in hiring has long been seen as a means of expanding economic opportunities, particularly for individuals without college degrees. However, widespread progress in this direction has been limited thus far. Aneesh Raman, a LinkedIn vice president, highlights the absence of employers from past conversations surrounding skills, which have predominantly involved policymakers, academics, and nonprofits.