Imagine losing out on a dream job, not because you lack the skills, but because you don’t have a formal degree. For 70 million who are skilled through alternative routes—this is a frequent challenge and a disheartening reality. These talented professionals represent almost half of the U.S. workforce, but degree requirements often prevent them from fully accessing upward mobility.  

Despite progress, labor shortages remain a pressing challenge, with 75% of global employers struggling to find the right talent. According to a Manpower Report, talent shortages persist across organizations of all sizes and industry verticals, exacerbated by rigid degree requirements.    

With global talent shortages at an all-time high, it is essential to challenge outdated hiring practices and advocate for a future built on the foundation of skills-first hiring. 

The problem: Invisible barriers in hiring

The current job market continues to disproportionately favor candidates with formal degrees, highlighting the need for a shift toward more equitable hiring practices. For instance, 69% of newly created roles between 2012 and 2019 required a bachelor’s degree, despite nearly half of the workforce being skilled through alternative routes. This imbalance excludes millions of skilled individuals from meaningful career growth opportunities. 

Furthermore, studies reveal that 90% of large organizations use some form of automated Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen resumes, which filters out about half of all applications. Additionally, research adds that over 60% of employers reject otherwise qualified candidates due to the lack of a bachelor’s degree.  

Given the current situation, it is unfortunate that college degrees, which once opened doors to endless opportunities, are now hindering career growth for millions of skilled talent. 

The skills-first solution

Skills-first hiring focuses on candidates’ skills over their academic credentials. It encourages employers to prioritize their skillsets, abilities, and competencies over educational qualifications or prior job experiences. This approach: 

• Broadens the talent pool and eliminates degree requirements, unlocking a vast pool of untapped talent. 

• Bridges skills gap and addresses critical needs, particularly in technology and other evolving fields. 

• Drives equity and inclusion and prioritizes skills-first approach, ensuring merit-based opportunities. 

As industries evolve, adaptability and rapid skill acquisition are more valuable than ever. For example, in fields like IT, where skills evolve constantly, a worker trained in cybersecurity or AI through nontraditional means can bring equal or even greater value compared to someone with a formal degree. 

By adopting a skills-first hiring model, organizations enhance their talent solutions to better match the demands of today’s dynamic job market.

The business case for skills-first hiring

Skills-first hiring is not just an ethical imperative—it is a business necessity. 65% of hiring managers now prioritize practical skills over formal education, redefining what success looks like in today’s job market. By integrating skills-first practices into their talent solutions, businesses can effectively address skill gaps while fostering workplace innovation.  

As per the recent LinkedIn data, the skills required by employees for a given position have shifted by over 25% since 2015 and are expected to double by 2027. Employers adapting to this trend gain access to larger, more qualified talent pools and improved employee retention. 

Hoonr: Our skills-first talent engine

At Pyramid Consulting, we do not just advocate for the skills-first revolution; we are leading it through initiatives like Hoonr™, a program designed to prioritize skills over formal credentials. As a key part of our talent solutions, Hoonr ensures that businesses can access the best candidates based on their proven skills, not their educational background.  

Through Hoonr, we have embraced a skills-first philosophy that transforms how we source and deploy talent. By focusing on rigorous skills assessments and project-based performance, we eliminate reliance on traditional resumes. Hoonr ensures: 

• Quality outcomes for our clients by providing pre-vetted talent with proven expertise. 

• Inclusive hiring by offering opportunities to overlooked skilled workers. 

• Streamlined hiring processes through advanced skill-matching technology. 

Join the movement

The skills-first revolution is reshaping the future of work—and we are proud to be at the forefront. Together, we can create a job market that values capability, innovation, and inclusivity. 

Join the skills-first revolution with Pyramid Consulting. Learn more about Hoonr!