There’s a shift happening in the job market. And it is reshaping how job seekers think about their careers and how employers hire and support career development.
Job Seekers: Focus on Experience, not Titles
Landing your next opportunity may be less about the job title and more about demonstrating your skills. Experience still matters, but employers are just as interested in the actual abilities you bring to the table.
Instead of focusing on job titles, think about the skills you’ve developed. Did you lead a project that required problem-solving or teamwork? These are transferable skills that matter to employers, regardless of the formal title you held.
When updating your resume, distinguish between experience (job titles and roles) and skills (hard and soft abilities). For example, if you’ve managed a project, highlight your leadership and communication skills. These tangible skills will show employers what you can do, regardless of your past titles.
Upskilling and continuous learning are key to your career growth as well. Candidates who actively develop their skills will be seen as adaptable and ready for new challenges. This positions you to be considered for roles that might not even be posted yet.
Employers: Focus on Hiring for Skills, and Supporting Development in Teams
For employers skills-based hiring is essential. Focusing on job titles and years of experience limits the talent pool, while hiring based on skills ensures you find people who can excel in the role.
Promoting internal talent becomes easier with a skills-based approach. Employees with the right skills, even without a specific title, can step into new roles, reducing turnover and training costs. Supporting upskilling through mentorship or learning programs will foster a culture of growth, helping retain top talent and ensuring your workforce adapts to new challenges.
Experience vs. Skills on the Resume
When reviewing a candidate’s resume, job titles can be misleading. Titles vary across organizations, and relying solely on them doesn’t give a clear picture of a candidate’s abilities. Instead, skills are more universal and adaptable, offering a better understanding of what a candidate can actually do.
Job seekers should highlight skills on their resumes, focusing on what they’ve learned and how they’ve applied it. Rather than listing job tasks, describe the skills developed in each role—whether it’s leadership, problem-solving, or technical expertise.
The Long-Term Career Path: Upskilling for Future Success
For both job seekers and employers, focusing on skills offers exciting opportunities. Job seekers who prioritize learning new skills will find themselves tapped for promotions, new roles, or opportunities that haven’t been created yet.
Employers benefit from a workforce that is adaptable and always evolving. Upskilling ensures employees can take on new challenges, making them the first choice for promotions or leadership roles, even when those opportunities are not yet public.
Career growth is no longer simply defined by job titles. It’s about the skills you develop and how you apply them. Job seekers should focus on continuous learning, while employers should prioritize skills-based hiring and support career growth through development programs. Together, this focus on skills rather than titles will help both job seekers and employers succeed in a constantly evolving job market.